A 99-year-old woman who relied on a nurse for companionship was left shocked by the amount of money spent from her accounts after the nurse took control of her finances and acquired her £400,000 home, a tribunal heard.

Rebecca Louise Burwood, a former deputy manager at Bryn Yr Haul Care Home in Mold, north Wales, was removed from the nursing register after a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) panel found she had exploited the vulnerable resident, known as Resident A.

The misconduct involved more than £370,000 leaving the woman's bank account over five years, alongside the transfer of her property, bringing the total value involved to approximately £770,000. The tribunal heard evidence that Burwood used some of the money for home improvements, utility bills and council tax, while there were allegations that funds also paid for cosmetic surgery.

The case raises concerns about financial abuse among older people, particularly when someone entrusted with their care also gains control over their money.

How the Nurse Gained Control of the Woman's Finances

The tribunal heard that Resident A had become vulnerable and lonely following a fall and had no family members. She relied on Burwood for friendship and social contact.

Before the woman moved into the care home in 2018, she transferred ownership of her £400,000 property to Burwood, according to the hearing. On 5 May 2018, Burwood also became her lasting power of attorney (LPA) for property and financial affairs without disclosing the arrangement to her employer.

An LPA is a legal document through which a person appoints someone to make decisions on their behalf. An LPA for property and financial affairs can authorise the appointed person to manage money and property, and they must act in the donor's best interests.

The panel also heard that the transactions included substantial cash withdrawals. Burwood reportedly persuaded the woman to spend £20,000 on a car and £9,000 on a motorhome, claiming the vehicles would allow them to take trips together.

Her bank raised concerns about the transactions and froze the account. Staff subsequently reported that Burwood pressured the woman to have the restrictions lifted.

Burwood maintained that the woman had authorised the spending and wanted to donate money to charity. However, the tribunal found that the evidence undermined her account, noting that Resident A had expressed shock and disappointment at how much had been spent.

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Why Financial Abuse of Older People Can Be Difficult to Spot

Financial abuse can be difficult to identify when the suspected perpetrator is someone the victim trusts. An older person may interpret controlling behaviour as assistance, particularly when they depend on that person for companionship or everyday support.

Warning signs can include unexplained withdrawals, sudden changes in property ownership, pressure to sign documents and a person's growing dependence on someone who controls their finances.

In this case, concerns escalated after bank staff questioned the transactions and the local authority referred the matter to the NMC in 2023. North Wales Police investigated but took no further action after the woman declined to pursue a complaint.

The tribunal ultimately found that Burwood's conduct amounted to serious professional misconduct and removed her from the nursing register.

How Families Can Help Protect Older People

Older people should be able to accept help managing their finances without losing control of their assets or being pressured into decisions.

Where possible, families and trusted supporters can help ensure that major financial decisions are independently checked, transactions are documented, and property transfers receive appropriate legal advice.

Anyone concerned about possible financial abuse in England or Wales can contact their local council's adult safeguarding team. Suspected fraud can also be reported to the police, while concerns about a registered nurse's professional conduct can be raised with the NMC.

The case is a reminder that a power of attorney is a position of responsibility, not permission to use another person's assets for personal benefit. Financial safeguards and independent oversight can help protect vulnerable people while preserving their dignity and autonomy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is financial abuse of older people?
    Financial abuse involves the illegal or improper use of an older person's funds, property, or assets.
  • What are the warning signs of financial abuse?
    Warning signs include unexplained withdrawals, sudden changes in property ownership, pressure to sign documents, and growing dependence on someone controlling their finances.
  • How can families help protect older people from financial abuse?
    Families can help by ensuring financial decisions are independently checked, documenting transactions, and seeking legal advice for property transfers.