08/27/2026
💜 Elder Financial Abuse: It Happens More Often Than You Think.
One of the hardest parts of the work we do at Dakota Guardianship & Advocacy is seeing vulnerable adults financially exploited by people they trust.
Sometimes it’s a caregiver.
Sometimes it’s a family member.
Sometimes it’s a neighbor, friend, or someone who has slowly worked their way into the person’s life.
And unfortunately, financial abuse isn’t always obvious.
To the individual, this person may seem like someone who is simply “helping.” They may have been assisting with groceries, bills, transportation, banking, or everyday needs for years. When someone is also experiencing memory loss, dementia, declining health, isolation, or other significant life challenges, it can become even easier for another person to gain their trust and manipulate decisions.
The person being exploited may genuinely believe they are helping someone they care about—or that the person taking advantage of them is the only one they can trust.
That’s where we come in.
Our team can step into complicated situations, evaluate what is happening, help identify concerns, and work with the appropriate professionals and resources to protect the individual and their finances.
We believe protecting someone from financial exploitation is about more than protecting a bank account.
💜 It’s protecting their home.
💜 Their ability to receive proper care.
💜 Their security and independence.
💜 Their choices.
💜 And most importantly, their dignity.
Unfortunately, we encounter these situations more often than we would like. But every time we are able to help someone regain stability, safeguard their resources, and make sure their needs are being met, it reminds us exactly why we do what we do.
If you are concerned that an elderly or vulnerable adult in your life may be experiencing financial exploitation—even if you aren’t completely sure—reach out to us.
You don’t have to have all the answers before asking for help. We can talk through the situation, discuss the concerns you’re seeing, and determine what resources or next steps may be available.
Sometimes protecting someone starts with simply asking the question: “Is something not right here?”
💜 Dakota Guardianship & Advocacy
We advocate. We support. We protect—because no one should have to navigate life alone.