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According to the college: “Her failing to maintain appropriate boundaries involved her reaping substantial financial benefits from an infirm client, and her also gaining access to assets through a power of attorney. Such conduct stands to significantly erode the public’s confidence in nurses, whom the public trusts to care for vulnerable clients. Ms. Tinkham’s conduct engages a need for measures that will deter similar conduct by other registrants, and promote public confidence in the profession and its ability to self-regulate.”

Cynthia Johansen, CEO of the College of Registered Nurses of B.C., said in the past few years complaints about nursing interactions with the elderly have increased but she couldn’t provide numbers or information about the specific complaints. The college is exploring how to dig deeper into the trends and, in the meantime, is posting more case studies on its website to make sure nurses are aware of their ethical and professional responsibilities and boundary violations.

The college’s decision comes at a time when numerous agencies are reporting increases in cases of financial abuse of elders. The Seniors Abuse and Information Line, operated by a non-profit organization called Seniors First B.C., reports that in 2014, 25.6 per cent of calls pertained to financial abuse; in 2015, the proportion rose to 28.9 per cent and in 2016, the last year for which such information is available, the proportion rose to 30.4 per cent. The Vancouver Police Department tracks reports of physical and financial abuse of elders. Cases of financial abuse have risen from 119 in 2009 to 202 in 2016. In most of the police cases, however, the suspect was neither a family member nor caregiver. Complaints related to seniors are also fielded by a 211 Helpline, primarily funded by the United Way. Elder abuse (not just financial) accounts for 37 per cent of all calls. A survey commissioned by Vancity Credit Union indicates that about 40 per cent of seniors in Vancouver and Victoria say they have been victims of financial abuse.