- Telemarketing scams
- Home mortgage scams
- Substance abusing squatters
- Legal scams
- "Free" revocable trust seminars
- pre-paid funeral plans
- Annuities
- Caretaker abuse
Protecting elders from abuse requires you to probe without prying, and to protect while respecting their independence. It isn't easy, but if you give it now, you may get it when you become an elder.
- Walk the fine line between probing without prying into their finances, possible new/younger acquaintances, mail, and phone calls
- Spend "quality" time visiting them
- Combat loneliness by encouraging them to participate in senior centers, adult daycare, light sporting activities
- Get acquainted with elder's support networks such as neighbors, visiting social services who can alert you to any concerns
- Read between the lines if there has already been abuse but they're too embarrassed to tell you directly, or if they are being threatened and therefore not as open as they may normally be
- Make sure they have the legal documents such as Last Will & Testament, durable POA for general business purposes, durable POA for healthcare decisions, a Living Will, and other legal documents that allow you to step in during an emergency
- Get help immediately if you suspect abuse by calling the police. The sooner an attorney is consulted, the sooner stolen assets may be recovered, abusive powers of attorney invalidated, and asset depletion ended.
- Walk the fine line between independence and the need for help
- Realize your limitations that mental and physical abilities might be slowing down
- Recognize when help is needed and ask for it before divulging personal or financial information to a stranger, before signing a contract on your home or other financial obligations, and before opening your home to a stranger who has befriended you
- Ask for help from family members whom you trust
The information presented in this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.
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