Adult Protection Nova Scotia: Reporting Elder Abuse

Your parent's bank account is being drained by a relative. A caregiver is neglecting basic hygiene. A family member is isolating your parent from the rest of the family to control their finances. You know something is wrong — but you are not sure who to call or whether it is "serious enough" to report.

In Nova Scotia, you do not need to be certain that abuse is occurring. You need to report the concern and let the investigators determine what is happening.

What Constitutes Elder Abuse

Elder abuse under Nova Scotia law includes:

Financial abuse — unauthorized use of money, property, or assets. This includes forging signatures, pressuring a parent to change their will, using a power of attorney to benefit the attorney rather than the donor, and depleting bank accounts through unaccounted withdrawals.

Physical abuse — hitting, pushing, restraining, or any act causing physical harm or injury.

Neglect — failure to provide necessary food, shelter, medical care, hygiene, or supervision. This includes both caregiver neglect and self-neglect when the adult cannot care for themselves and refuses assistance.

Emotional/psychological abuse — threats, intimidation, isolation from family and friends, verbal aggression, or controlling behavior designed to undermine the adult's autonomy.

Sexual abuse — any non-consensual sexual contact or exploitation.

How to Report

If your parent is in immediate danger, call 911.

For non-emergency concerns:

Department of Community Services Adult Protection — handles reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults who may be unable to protect themselves. Contact your regional office or call the province's general inquiry line.

Public Trustee complaint — if the abuse involves a court-appointed representative or an attorney acting under a power of attorney, file a formal written complaint with the Office of the Public Trustee. The Public Trustee is empowered under the Adult Capacity and Decision-making Act to investigate and recommend court intervention.

Police — if you suspect criminal activity (theft, fraud, assault), contact local RCMP or municipal police directly. A police report can proceed alongside adult protection and Public Trustee investigations.

What Happens After You Report

An intake worker reviews the report and determines whether an investigation is warranted. If it proceeds:

1. An investigator contacts the adult at risk and assesses the situation
2. They may interview the alleged abuser, family members, and service providers
3. If the adult is found to be at risk, protective interventions may include arranging alternative care, restricting the abuser's access, or initiating court proceedings
4. In cases involving financial abuse through a power of attorney, the investigator can coordinate with the Public Trustee to seek revocation of the abuser's legal authority

Financial Abuse Red Flags

The most common form of elder abuse in Canada is financial exploitation. Watch for:

• Unexplained bank withdrawals or transfers
• New names appearing on bank accounts or property titles
• Sudden changes to a will or power of attorney under pressure
• Bills going unpaid despite adequate income
• An attorney or representative who refuses to provide financial accounting
• A caregiver or family member who restricts the parent's contact with other relatives

Protecting Your Parent Proactively

The strongest protection against financial abuse is a well-drafted enduring power of attorney that includes a Monitor provision. Under Section 16 of Nova Scotia's amended Powers of Attorney Act, the Monitor has statutory authority to demand financial audits from the attorney — an independent check that catches unauthorized transactions before they drain the estate.

The Nova Scotia Power of Attorney & Personal Directive Kit includes guidance on appointing a Monitor, the attorney's fiduciary duties, and the reporting process if you suspect an existing attorney is acting improperly.

See more Nova Scotia guides →