Keeping Your Elderly Loved Ones Safe
A family member, a caretaker, a nurse, and a doctor can all commit elder abuse against your loved one. Older Americans are losing $2.9 billion dollars as estimated in 2008.
According to the study, over half of the abusers are strangers but 34% are family, friends and neighbors. Elderly women are at the top of the hit list as well as elderly between the ages of 80 to 89. Those looking to harm the elderly can be anywhere. Many victims have been harmed in shopping malls, grocery stores, banks, etc. Most perpetrators choose their victims by their vulnerabilities. Canes, handicap, or any other physical impairment are just flags for predators to prey on. The worst types of abuse are the physical and sexual violence that the elderly can suffer when they are victims of violence. It is important to teach your loved ones about safety and what to do in order to prevent them from being victimized. For example: stay active and socializing with friends, avoid isolation, keep all legal and important papers in a safe and secure location, and try to get another independent person to review your finances.
Despite all the warnings signs and awareness that is out there about people who are trying to take advantage of your loved ones, these incidents are still occurring at an alarming rate. When your loved one’s trust is broken, the emotional and financial strain it can put on them is immeasurable and should be discussed with a professional.
My 86 year old mother was conned out of $30,500. What is the first step to reporting this crime? Who can help?