Not everyone has the same ability or opportunity to manage their finances effectively. When a person is unable to manage their finances, they become more vulnerable to exploitation, debt, and economic instability. This vulnerability is particularly evident among the elderly, but it can also create serious tensions within families, especially between siblings. This leads to additional suffering among those siblings who truly love their parents and cannot bear to see injustice caused by the stubbornness of another sibling and/or by ulterior motives that do not honor anyone.

When you truly love someone, you do not leave them alone-especially when they become vulnerable. Therefore, some children take on a great responsibility: managing finances, organizing daily life, and protecting their mother or father from mistakes or from people who may take advantage of them. However, all this comes at a cost-stress, emotional exhaustion, and sometimes even a lack of appreciation.

Those making the greatest sacrifices may feel alone or judged. There may be harsh words, suspicion, or accusations, which hurt even more because they come from within the family. All this stems from a sense of duty-caring for those who once cared for them. In my opinion, this has great value and deserves admiration.

However, to take care of others, one must also remain strong oneself, and excessive stress does not help in achieving this.

When an elderly parent begins to depend on one or more of their children, differences of opinion may arise regarding how their finances should be managed. Some siblings may feel they are carrying a heavier burden than others, while others may suspect a lack of transparency or even abuse. This disagreement can lead to deep tensions that damage long-standing family relationships.

In many cases, these conflicts arise due to a lack of clear communication and prior planning. If parents do not leave clear instructions about how they want their finances to be managed when they are no longer capable, their children are left to make difficult decisions without guidance. This can lead to different interpretations of what is best, and consequently, arguments.

Regarding the elderly, it is crucial to have a clear plan about who will manage their finances and how. This can be done through legal documents such as a power of attorney, which grants another person the authority to make financial decisions on behalf of the elderly individual. It is also important that this process is transparent and known to all family members to reduce suspicion and conflict.

Communication between siblings is essential. Instead of acting independently, it is better to meet and discuss the situation openly and honestly. This includes sharing information about accounts, expenses, and any decisions being made. When everyone is informed, there is greater trust and less room for conflict.

Another important aspect is recognizing the signs of financial abuse. These may include unexplained changes in bank accounts, lack of money for basic needs despite having income, or sudden changes in the elderly person's behavior. When these signs are identified early, action can be taken to protect the vulnerable individual.

The community and institutions also play an important role. Social services, banks, and non-governmental organizations can offer support and guidance to both the elderly and their families. In some cases, monitoring or assistance systems can be implemented to ensure that finances are being managed properly.

A small group of elderly people in Malta lack both family support and the financial means to access essential medication and basic care. These individuals often fall outside existing eligibility criteria and are at risk of rapid health deterioration if not supported.

I appreciated the immediate intervention of AACC on a case-by-case basis by providing temporary access to essential medicines, coordinating care within the community, managing and monitoring individual cases, and identifying longer-term solutions. Although this approach is effective, it requires significant resources and is not formally structured. Currently, there is no formal mechanism to support elderly individuals who do not immediately qualify for social assistance or residential care, who lack informal support networks, and who require urgent, short-term intervention to prevent deterioration. This gap leads to inconsistencies in service provision, places pressure on operational resources, and creates potential inequalities in access to essential support.

I greatly appreciated that this issue was discussed at the last Welfare Committee meeting, where the establishment of a formal interim support framework for vulnerable elderly individuals without family support or financial means-administered by AACC-was approved. This involves creating a support scheme for a limited period, through which AACC can provide temporary assistance for essential medicines and basic care until a sustainable long-term solution is found.

The framework would be based on a standardized model of eligibility and assessment, taking into account financial vulnerability, clinical need, and the lack of informal support, to ensure consistency and transparency in decision-making.

It is also proposed that a dedicated budget be established to support these interventions, thereby improving accountability and reducing reliance on ad hoc spending.

At the same time, formal coordination mechanisms would be implemented between AACC, the Department of Social Security, and Primary Care Services to ensure that each case is managed effectively and transitioned to appropriate long-term solutions, including community-based services, social assistance, or residential care where necessary.

This collective effort can protect the most vulnerable and ensure that money-intended as a means to improve our lives-does not become a source of suffering and division.

With greater awareness and a sense of collective responsibility, we can build a society where everyone, including the elderly, feels secure and respected in how their financial matters are managed. This not only strengthens trust among family members but also contributes to a healthier and more supportive community.

Ivan Bartolo is a PN MP