Elder abuse is a complicated problem with many misconceptions. People often think of elder abuse as something that mainly happens to older people living their final years in nursing homes and retirement care centers. However, the neglect and abuse of seniors most often occurs at home. While abuse certainly does take place in nursing homes
According to American Family Physician, each year millions of senior Americans 65 and older are exploited or financially injured by someone they depend on for protection and care. And the problem is rising. The American Psychological Association (APA) estimates that for each case of senior abuse reported, approximately 23 cases go unreported. A Met Life
Thousands of baby boomers are becoming senior citizens each day. Many are choosing to age in place. Most people want to maintain independence at home for as long as possible, but care and support are often needed from younger family members or outside support. If you or a loved one are choosing to stay at
You and your loved ones probably don’t expect to fall victim to financial fraud. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize how common financial fraud is. That’s why most of us aren’t proactive in protecting ourselves. Fraud can happen in small, local scams as well as in large, reputable organizations. Here’s one frightening example. A recent news
Natural disasters are a common topic of conversation given all the recent fires and earthquakes that have been happening. California especially has been in the news due to the damage and concerns brought about by Mother Nature. It is common for scammers to jump into action almost immediately after these disasters occur. They see an
Prescription medication often plays an important role in the lives of seniors. While prescribed drugs can be helpful for overall health, some people are concerned about the cost. It’s only natural for seniors to embark on comparison shopping. Counterfeit Drugs Online One source for trying to check for affordable alternatives is the internet. Wouldn’t it
Manipulating the Medicare system is a new angle that is being used to steal from seniors. This is a travesty. Medicare is designed to provide essential health care and medical services for older Americans. When scammers succeed in diverting funds from deserving seniors, those who need it the most may be declined future reimbursement. That
Over-sedating seniors is an unfortunate practice that is sometimes used to restrain a person’s freedom of movement. Anti-anxiety medications and sedatives are illegal to use in this manner if they aren’t prescribed as a treatment for medical conditions. Unfortunately, Human Rights Watch estimates that each week approximately 179,000 residents of nursing homes are given antipsychotics
Financial scammers look for targets who have money and can be easily tricked. Seniors often fit these scammers’ criteria. Therefore, it is essential that families remain vigilant about protecting the elderly. It’s not only important to stay current about the latest trends in financial scams; it’s also essential to plan in advance how to address
June 15th is an important day to mark on the calendar: It’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This date is a good reminder to focus on education and awareness for your family and friends. You can be proactive in protecting against all types of elder abuse, including financial abuse, physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse, and
