Elder abuse is on the rise, and COVID-19 is to blame | Aging in Style with Lori Williams

Author

Lori Williams - Senior Services

Posted on

Jan 28, 2022

Book/Edition

Texas - Dallas, Collin, SE Denton & Rockwall Counties

Elder abuse is on the rise, and COVID-19 is to blame | Aging in Style with Lori Williams

Elder abuse is on the rise - in large part thanks to COVID. Nowadays, many seniors are isolated or lack the social support they've had in the past. Plus, many caregivers are simply not equipped to be caregivers, and there are fewer that remain in the workforce. Without the right care, seniors are vulnerable to abuse such as verbal, emotional, and even financial abuse like scams.

Abuse can happen anywhere: not only in senior living, but often with family as well. Thats why its important to become aware of the signs. Senior Services Expert Lori Williams has tips to help you learn:
- What elder abuse is
- The different types of elder abuse
- How we can prevent it
- How to report it when we see it
And more.

Its also important to be aware that elder abuse is changing with the times. There are many predatory tactics happening with technology too. It's critical information for you and your senior loved ones to know.
Topics discussed:
- Elder abuse
- Types of abuse
- Caregivers
- Scams
- COVID isolation
- Ombudsman
- Dementia
- Adult protective services

Takeaways from this episode:
- 60% of cases of elder abuse happens at the hands of a family member.
- The best way to prevent abuse is to educate others and talk about it. Also, be sure to check in on older adults and caregivers you may know.
- If you suspect elder abuse, call Adult Protective Services or a local long-term care ombudsman.
- Help your senior loved ones set their social media to private and let them know about the types of social media, phone call and text message scams.
- A common red flag in scams is if anyone asks you to wire money or send gift cards.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Adult Protective Services (located in all states)
Texas Adult Protective Services:
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Adult_Protection/

The Role of the Ombudsman in Advocating for Seniors' Safety
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/79a3922f/036-the-role-of-the-ombudsman-in-advocating-for-seniors-care

Texas Ombudsman
https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/news_info/ombudsman/

How seniors can protect themselves against identity theft and scams
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/7900734e/044-how-seniors-can-protect-themselves-against-identity-theft-and-online-scams

Updated list of current scams to be aware of:
https://oig.ssa.gov/scam

Listen to the podcast HERE

Other Articles You May Like

The Junkluggers: Simplifying Junk Removal in Dallas-Fort Worth

The Junkluggers: Simplifying Junk Removal in Dallas-Fort WorthIn the bustling metropolis of Dallas-Fort Worth, where urban landscapes meet sprawling suburbs, the need for efficient and eco-friendly junk removal services has never been greater. Enter The Junkluggers, a trusted name in the industry, offering a unique solution to the clutter conundrum that plagues both residential and commercial spaces across the region.Founded on the principles of sustainability, community, and customer service, The Junkluggers have carved a niche for themselves in the clutter removal market. What sets them apart is not just their ability to haul away unwanted items, but their commitment to responsible disposal practices and charitable contributions.Picture this: You're a homeowner, gearing up for a long-overdue spring cleaning session. The attic is overflowing with old furniture, broken appliances, and boxes of forgotten memorabilia. The garage resembles a storage unit more than a functional space for your vehicles. This is where The Junkluggers step in to save the day.With a simple phone call or online booking, The Junkluggers dispatch a team of trained professionals to your doorstep. Clad in their signature green uniforms, equipped with the necessary tools and vehicles, they tackle the clutter with precision and efficiency. From bulky sofas to electronic waste, no item is too big or too small for their lugging expertise.But here's the twist: The Junkluggers don't just dump everything into the nearest landfill. Instead, they adhere to a strict recycling and donation policy. Items in good condition are carefully sorted and earmarked for local charities or recycling centers, ensuring that they find new homes or are repurposed responsibly. This eco-conscious approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also contributes to the welfare of the community.As a resident of Dallas-Fort Worth, you can rest easy knowing that your unwanted belongings are being handled with care and consideration for the planet. The Junkluggers take the hassle out of junk removal, allowing you to reclaim valuable space in your home without guilt or environmental compromise.Homeowners arent the only ones who benefit from The Junkluggers' services. Businesses across Dallas-Fort Worth also rely on them to declutter their offices, retail spaces, and construction sites. Whether it's clearing out office furniture during a renovation or disposing of construction debris after a project, The Junkluggers deliver prompt and professional service tailored to the needs of each client.Beyond their commitment to sustainability, The Junkluggers prioritize customer satisfaction above all else. Their team goes above and beyond to accommodate scheduling preferences, provide transparent pricing, and ensure a hassle-free experience from start to finish. It's this dedication to excellence that has earned them a loyal following and rave reviews from satisfied customers throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In a city where fast-paced living often leads to accumulation of clutter, The Junkluggers offer a welcome solution. They combine efficiency with eco-consciousness, turning the chore of junk removal into an opportunity for positive change. So the next time you find yourself drowning in belongings you no longer need, remember: The Junkluggers are just a phone call away, ready to lighten your load and lift your spirits, one lugged item at a time.

Paperwork...Paperwork...What Should I Keep?

PaperworkPaperworkWhat Should I keep? Sorting through the paperwork of a deceased loved one is a daunting task. It is important to know what to keep and what to discard. Here are some helpful tips.  Deeds, Titles and Vehicle RegistrationsDeeds and titles to property may not be obvious on the face of the document so it is important to read everything carefully. Keep anything that has a legal description (Lots and Blocks or Metes and Bounds), a vehicle identification number (VIN), contains the word title, deed of trust or warranty deed.  ReceiptsSome property does not have a title such as a tractor, farm equipment or certain recreational equipment. In such cases, keep the purchase receipts for this type of property. It will be useful if there is a question about ownership, the value of the property or the date it was purchased.  Bank RecordsSave all bank records and statements. These will be valuable if a dispute arises about ownership of an account, payments or distributions made from the account and to whom. Shred unused checks.  Retirement AccountsSave all statements and records pertaining to the decedents individual retirement accounts (IRAs), 401(k) plans or pension plans.  Life Insurance PoliciesSave all life insurance policies.  Social Security Paperwork and Earning StatementsSave information about the decedents Social Security account or earning statements.  Cancel the Decedents Credit Card Accounts Nowadays, identity theft is a huge issue. Contact Experian, Equifax and TransUnion to report the death of your loved one. Request the credit report be flagged as Deceased. Being proactive prevents a lot of hassle later on.  Cancel all credit cards in the deceased persons name. Also, there may be questions about the credit card purchase of certain items or property. Save credit card statements until probate of the decedents estate is complete.  Documents that contain the decedents Social Security NumberIf you find any documents with the decedents Social Security Number and you make a determination that the documents are not going to be saved, make sure it all gets shredded.  Tax RecordsKeep the decedents tax records. There may be a question about real property valuation, exemption or other issues that can be resolved by information in a tax return.   Loan PaperworkKeep all loan paperwork including loans on property or a loan the decedent made to a relative, friend, individual or organization. This may show that there is outstanding debt or money owed to the decedents estate.  Business AgreementsSometimes people have business agreements that have been documented in writing. Such agreements may contain a succession plan, what should happen with business equipment or property, or what should happen upon the death of a business partner.  Military RecordsSave all military records just in case there are benefits owed to a survivor such as a spouse, dependent child or disabled child. Some benefits are dependent upon verification of military service during war time which occurred prior to the advent of computer records. This includes photographs taken during wartime.  Birth and Marriage CertificatesSave all birth and marriage certificates. Again, for certain benefits for survivors, such certificates may be needed.  Timeframe for Keeping PaperworkIt is advisable to keep these potentially important documents until the estate of the decedent is settled, at a minimum. Otherwise keep them at least seven years and longer if possible, especially if real estate is involved.  Contact Your AttorneyYour attorney will ask you pertinent questions and give you advice about what records to keep.  You should also review your own estate plan documents to make sure they are up to date and reflect your current wishes.  This article was written by Donna A. Schuyler, Attorney, who practices in the areas of estate planning, elder law, guardianship, and probate. Donna Schuyler Law, PLLC; elderlawboise.com. Phone 208-344-1947

Why Elder Financial Abuse Goes Unreported

Elder financial abuse occurs when someone illegally or improperly appropriates money or belongings from an older person for their own personal use. While this financial exploitation takes many forms, including online scams, according to the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) the vast majority of reports involve perpetrators who are related to or in a trusting relationship with the victim.NAPSA reports financial abuse of elders is costing older Americans and their families billions every year, though occurrences are thought to be grossly underestimated, with only 1 in 44 elder financial abuse cases even reported. This suggests were only seeing the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the actual devastation older adults and their families are experiencing the wake of abuse. So why are the majority of cases going unreported? The abuser is a trusted family member or caregiver Even if the victim becomes aware of the abuse, choosing to pursue a case against a loved one may be an impossible and heartbreaking decision for many older adults, especially if they are dependent on the abuser in some way. Many abusers have provided some form of assistance or caregiving to the older adult and can convincingly argue they are owed compensation, while the truth is they have abused the victims trust for personal financial gain, with little regard for the victim. The abuse takes place little by little over time Financial abuse often occurs over months or years. It can be a slow, steady process of siphoning off small amounts at a time through check requests, bank withdrawals, wire transfers, recurring credit card payments, etc. The perpetrators are methodical and measured. They dont ask for or take amounts significant enough to trigger suspicion in financial institutions or be questioned by family members or friends of the victim. Unfortunately, by the time the abuse is discovered, there may be little chance of reversing the financial damage. Shame and fear As with many acts of abuse, the victim may feel a great deal of shame. If taken advantage of, older adults often worry that relatives will feel they can no longer take care of their own financial affairs. With financial exploitation there is often an illusion of consent on the part of the victim, but its propped up by manipulation, deception, or blatant misinformation. Despite this, the victim may fear they will be seen as mentally unfit for allowing themselves to be exploited and that reporting the abuse will lead to a loss of independence or autonomy. They dont know how or where to report the abuse to In the wake of a financial violation, finding resources can be an overwhelming task, further complicated by a lack of trust because of the abuse. But reporting financial abuse is imperative to gain knowledge of how abusers operate and to understand the full scope of the damage they cause in order to enact the measures necessary to break the cycle.If you think you or a loved one is a victim of elder financial abuse, contact these trusted organizations to find resources and file a report:justice.gov/elderjustice National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-8333728311The Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center 1-844-880-1574elderjusticemn.org 651-440-9312  

Local Services By This Author

Lori Williams Senior Services

Housing Placement & Resource Specialists , Dallas, Texas, 75201

Finding senior housing for yourself or for a loved one can be a time-consuming and stressful process. You can search google and find a senior community that sounds perfect, only to find out later that its way beyond your budget...or not the right fit for your loved ones care needs. We are here to help. Lori Williams Senior Services is a completely free senior living advisement service. Our senior experts are locally based, know the senior living options in the area, and are dedicated to helping you find the right solution for yourself or your family member.How It Works PHONE CONSULTATIONDuring our phone consultation, our objective is to learn as much as we can about your senior loved one.  We will ask questions about their day to day experience, health concerns, personality, interests/hobbies, budget and desired geographic location. This helps us determine which senior community or services will be the best fit.HOUSING/CARE OPTIONSWe create a custom list of options that fit your loved ones unique needs. We go over each option together in detail, and schedule a date/time for you to visit the community. We are dedicated to helping you find the right fit for your loved one. GUIDANCEWe stay in contact with you as you visit senior communities, carefully listening to your feedback and fine tuning your search as needed until we find the perfect solution. There can be a lot of moving parts as you transition to senior living and we can help with that too. We can connect you with realtors who work specifically with seniors, estate sale companies, packers/movers, and more.