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How to Spot Financial Elder Abuse
Fraud & Security

How to Spot Financial Elder Abuse

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Last week’s column discussed telephone fraudsters and other senior scams to watch out for, especially this time of year. Unfortunately, older individuals are easy targets because we’re lonely and miss the constant companionship we enjoyed at work. Or we’re lonely because the spouse has passed and the adult children have busy lives. How to Spot Financial Elder Abuse
That leaves seniors open to a seemingly pleasant, trustworthy, and slick professionals who use the telephone in a friendly and engaging manner and traps us with kind words and attention. Scammers are smart and well-trained. They know exactly what to say to get you to listen and trust them.
Financial abuse is rampant, both online and on the telephone, and even via the mail. Since consumers shop via the computer, a lot of our private and personal information is accessible without us knowing about it.
The most favorable way to keep your money, credit cards, and other assets safe is to monitor the financial activity very closely. If you don’t bank online, have your adult child or a trusted family member to open an online account with your permission. Then they can keep tabs to see what goes out of the account. But obviously, you need to trust them very much before doing this step.
Here are other ways to stay safe and secure, ones that reduce the chances of financial abuse.

  • Never give out your personal information to anyone on the phone, mail or internet
  • Never respond to an offer that you do not understand
  • Ask for a work bid in writing and only pay when you receive the agreed upon work
  • Always shred credit card receipts or statements
  • Safeguard your Medicare, Social Security, and Credit Cards and Numbers
  • Do not sign any blank forms or give blanket authorizations
  • Do not do business with telephone or door-to-door salespeople (unless you know them or have done business with them)
  • Be wary of free deals
  • Do not let anyone pressure you into buying anything
  • Don’t buy from unknown businesses
  • Don’t fall for phone scams where the caller masquerades as your grandchild saying they need money

The FBI says if you are age 60 or older-and especially if you are an older woman living alone-you may be a special target of people who sell bogus products and services by telephone. Telemarketing scams often involve offers of free prizes, low-cost vitamins and healthcare products, and inexpensive vacations.
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact the Adult Protective Services in your area, call the Eldercare Locator, a government-sponsored national resource line, at 1-800-677-1116, or visit their website at www.eldercare.gov.
Sign up for my newsletter – send an email to Carol@Seniorcare.com and write “sign me up” in the subject line.

How to Spot Financial Elder Abuse

How to Spot Financial Elder Abuse How to Spot Financial Elder Abuse How to Spot Financial Elder Abuse How to Spot Financial Elder Abuse How to Spot Financial Elder Abuse How to Spot Financial Elder Abuse How to Spot Financial Elder Abuse How to Spot Financial Elder Abuse How to Spot Financial Elder Abuse How to Spot Financial Elder Abuse

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How do you spot Elder Abuse in Assisted Care?
Caregiving

How do you spot Elder Abuse in Assisted Care?

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Assisted Care, Not Insisted Care: Where Do You Draw the Line When It Comes to Proper Care?

Elder abuse has become an unfortunate reality for our aging population. News stories of seniors becoming the victims of abuse or neglect are all too common these days. According to a recent study conducted by the Nursing Home Abuse Center, it is estimated that between one and two million Americans, age 65 and older have been mistreated, exploited or injured by a caregiver. Unfortunately, seniors become targets of abuse because they may not have a real voice or understand what is happening around them. You can prevent your aging family from being abused by following these tips. How do you spot Elder Abuse in Assisted Care?

Be Proactive

If you’re aging family member is placed in an assisted living or nursing home, the first step to take to prevent abuse is to be proactive by checking on your loved one regularly. Regularly visiting the nursing home can help you to spot red flags and address any issues before they become a problem. Frequent visits will also show the staff that you will be observing their activities, which can help to decrease the overall occurrence of abuse.

Encourage them to Talk to You

If your elderly family member is being abused, they may be embarrassed or unsure what to do if about the situation. This is why it is so important to keep the lines of communication open, so they will feel more comfortable talking to you about potential issues. If they do ever express concern, talk to them seriously and investigate accordingly. Unfortunately, all too often, we dismiss their complaints as being nonsense or untruthful, which can lead to the abuse continuing.

Keep an Eye out for Warning Signs

According to National Center on Elder Abuse neglect is the most common form of elder abuse, followed by physical abuse. If you notice any of the following physical or emotional issues, it may be a sign that your loved one is being abused.

  • Sudden weight loss
  • Withdrawn behavior
  • Unexplained changes in mood or behavior
  • Bedsores
  • Dehydration
  • Malnutrition
  • Unsanitary conditions
  • Unexplained bruises or cuts

If you notice any of these signs, it is crucial that you address it immediately.

Immediately Report Abuse and Neglect

If you believe that your loved one isn’t receiving the care they need and deserve, it is imperative to report it immediately. The sooner you report it, the sooner you can begin to make the appropriate changes to protect your loved ones. If you feel like your loved one might be in danger, don’t hesitate to call 911 and report the abuse immediately. If you uncover abuse or neglect, you may want to seek legal help with abuse in assisted care facilities to discuss your legal options.
If you suspect the nursing home or assisted living facility where you’re loved one life is abusing or neglecting them, it is up to you to stop it. Always be vigilant and take concerns seriously. Elder abuse has become a real issue, and you have the power to stop it and prevent it from happening to anyone else.

How do you spot Elder Abuse in Assisted Care?

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