HOUSING AND AGING: CONSIDERATIONS FOR HOME AND NEIGHBORHOOD
The home and neighborhood are central to quality of life for people of all ages, but there are specific ways they can affect the well-being of older adults.
How to recognize and prevent elder abuse
Renée A. Harvey – Counselor at Law
Elder abuse is a problem that’s intensifying across the nation. Older adults often become vulnerable due to isolation, physical or mental disabilities, and dependence on others for assistance. A vulnerable person is an easy target for physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and fraud.
Fraud usually occurs when there are no witnesses. In turn, elderly victims are often reluctant to report the
abuse because they feel ashamed, embarrassed, humiliated, and afraid. They may even defend the abuser.
Why? Victims frequently rely on the abuser for some type of caregiving services at home and are afraid if the abuse is reported, they will be placed in a nursing home. Some victims are even able to convince themselves that they deserve the abuse or exploitation.
The vast majority of cases come at the hands of close family members and individuals we know and trust.
Even celebrities such as Mickey Rooney have testified before Congress on this issue, having fallen prey
himself to exploitation by a family member. Oftentimes, general durable powers of attorney and joint bank accounts are used to take money or property. Other times, physical and emotional abuse, neglect, pressure, and lies are used in the manipulation.
Nationwide, financial exploitation scams are prolific. Hired professionals or volunteer caregivers are
sometimes culprits. Then, there are phone, mail, e-mail, and computer virus scams intended to scare people or trick them into sending money. Additionally, more timely social concerns are leaned on to elicit money from you, such as natural disaster relief, environmental issues, and political causes.
Here are some key signs of financial exploitation:
- Inconsistent, unexplained, or suddenly changed financial activity
- Confusion or inability to explain why there is suddenly less money or property has disappeared
- The existence of a “new friend”
- More time is spent away from family and/or friends or interactions with family and friends are less friendly
- Sudden or unexpected changes in a will, trust, power of attorney documents, or other legal documents in favor of a “new friend”
- Changes in appearance
How to prevent this from happening to you or a loved one:
- Keep in touch with friends and loved ones. You are an easier target if you are isolated.
- Be suspicious of providing personal information, such as your Social Security Number or credit card
- Do not sign blank checks.
- Avoid scam prizes you have suddenly “won.” If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
- Check your bank statements and bills to watch for activity that is unusual or which you cannot explain.
- Before you hire someone to do work, get credentials, references, the cost of the job, and job specificationsin writing in advance. Avoid paying in full until the work is completed.
- Hire a money manager and speak to your advisors if dealing with your daily finances is too much for you to handle.
The bottom line is elder abuse happens across the socioeconomic spectrum. Be vigilant. If it happens to you or you suspect it is happening to a loved one, report the abuse to your local police department and your particular state agency (see below).
NH Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services: 1-800-949-0470
VT Adult Protective Services: 1-800-564-1612
Visit these sources for more information:
https://www.athenaadvocacy.com/
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network
Renée A. Harvey
Counselor at Law, Caldwell Law
FITNESS AND AGING
When we think about fitness, the first thing that often pops into our heads is the idea of an elite athlete—a weightlifter, a marathon runner, an olympic gymnast. Although those people are incredibly fit, they are also at the veryfurthest end of the fitness spectrum.
EXERCISE AND AGING
We want to help people to stay fit
and active — at all ages across the
spectrum. We know there can be
many challenges to staying active as
we age, but the benefits are well
worth the effort.
YOUR BODY WANTS TO HEAL
It started with a burning sensation
in the back, and then a numbness in a foot. Random physical sensations that could have been explained away if they hadn’t come back worse over the next several days.
MANAGING YOUR DIGITAL ASSETS
Have you ever wondered how your
digital assets are managed when
you are unable to manage them
yourself? What happens to all your
online accounts when you die?
HOW TO RECOGNIZE & PREVENT ELDER ABUSE
Elder abuse is a problem that’s intensifying across the nation. Older adults often become vulnerable due to isolation, physical or mental disabilities, and dependence on others for assistance