| When a loved one gets older, it is common for use | | | | should be). However, one thing some people forget |
| to worry about them. Are their needs being met? | | | | to do is keep a close eye on how that nursing home |
| Should they be put in a home? Can we trust those | | | | charges and handles the finances of the older |
| who are looking after them? | | | | individual. |
| Sadly, these causes for concern are justified. Cases | | | | Always be certain to compare the level of cost to |
| of abuse are far too common for us to pretend they | | | | the amount of care and attention being given. If |
| don't exist. One of the most common forms of elder | | | | items and services show up on the bill that you |
| mistreatment is financial abuse. This article will | | | | believe have never been performed/given, it is |
| examine what financial abuse is, how it happens / | | | | important you follow up with the appropriate |
| who does it, and what you can do legally to correct | | | | administrators. |
| the problem. | | | | It is also important to monitor any new 'best friends' |
| What is Financial Abuse? | | | | your loved one may develop in the home, especially |
| Financial abuse is a diverse genre of mistreatment | | | | in regards to staff. If the loved one starts adding |
| that encompasses the illegal embezzlement, theft, or | | | | these individuals into their will or buying lavish things |
| misappropriation of funds or possessions of an elderly | | | | for them, it could very easily be a case of conning, |
| individual. | | | | intimidation, or 'sweetheart scamming'. |
| Often older folks have a difficult time managing their | | | | Scammers |
| resources, and so depend on others to help them. It | | | | Scammers come in all shapes and sizes and from all |
| is at this time that unscrupulous individuals make | | | | over the world. Older people are susceptible to them |
| attempts at taking property, land, goods, and money | | | | due to the constant developments in technology and |
| through acts of deception, intimidation, etc. | | | | the potential for a loss in mental keen-ness. |
| Who Could be Financially Abusing Your loved One? | | | | Some of the more obvious scammers come in the |
| To determine if your loved one is being abused | | | | telemarketing realm. Often phone-scams target older |
| financially, we first have to establish who could | | | | folks who they believe they can scare or coerce. |
| potentially be causing the abuse. The culprits could | | | | Watch for sharp increases in unusual checks being |
| range from close family members to scammers | | | | sent or for a check of exorbitant amount being sent |
| continents away. | | | | to an unknown person/location. Always follow up |
| Personal Caretakers | | | | with your loved one about these financial decisions |
| A surprisingly large amount of financial abuse cases | | | | and keep a close watch for anything that seems |
| occur between an older individual and their personal | | | | dishonest or too-good-to-be-true. |
| caretaker. Caretakers, who are often relatives or | | | | Older folks are also susceptible to credit card |
| loved ones, are in a uniquely powerful position to | | | | hijacking or other account infiltrating. It can be difficult |
| commit financial abuse. | | | | for anyone to keep their identity and numbers safe, |
| With the trust of the victim in hand, the caretaker | | | | and older people often have trouble keeping up with |
| can slowly steal possessions out of the person's | | | | technology, accounts, numbers, etc. |
| home. They can also use coercion to get the older | | | | Legal Recourse if Abuse is Discovered |
| individual to sign away land, property, or access to | | | | If you sense foul play in regards to your loved one, |
| bank accounts. Caretakers can also manipulate | | | | don't hesitate to act. Gather as much information and |
| "power of attorney" and the layout of the last will | | | | documentation as you can about the abuse being |
| and testament. | | | | conducted. Find a local attorney in your area that |
| An abusive personal caretaker can be a serious | | | | specializes in these kinds of cases and do your best |
| problem as they seemingly have the inside track to all | | | | to stay one step ahead of the scammer. |
| matters regarding your loved one. | | | | Don't confront the abuser until you are certain you |
| Structured Establishments (e.g. Nursing Homes) | | | | have the legal upper-hand. But more importantly, |
| Many people worry about the quality of care their | | | | make sure you gain the legal upper hand as quickly |
| loved ones will receive at nursing homes (as well they | | | | as possible. |