Safeguarding: professional resources

Several types of abuse can cause financial problems for patients, which impact on their health. A carer might abuse their access to bank accounts, or self-neglect could lead to bills getting out of control. Financial problems can also arise as a direct result of mental or physical health problems, therefore patients are at increased risk of financial difficulty even if no abuse has occurred. For example during a period of poor mental health, people can find it very difficult to control their spending or to communicate with creditors. If someone is suddenly admitted to hospital, they may not have time to make arrangements regarding their employment, benefits or outstanding bills, and poor professional practice might mean this is not dealt with.

Any of these issues can quickly lead to spiralling debt and problems with relationships, employment and housing, any of which may significantly affect recovery from physical or mental illness. However, patients are unlikely to bring the subject up due to stigma or believing the situation can’t be helped. Therefore it is important for nurses to be aware of when financial problems may be impacting on someone’s health and proactive in raising the issue and directing people towards appropriate help.

See:

• Money and mental health: The other one in four
  
• Money and mental health: Money on your mind