Elder Abuse You May Be Overlooking

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

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  

If youre looking for a rewarding way to spend your free time, why not consider volunteering with seniors? Volunteering with seniors can offer you many benefits, such as: Making New Friends and ConnectionsSeniors have a wealth of life experience and wisdom to share, and they can also be great listeners and companions. You can learn from their stories, enjoy their humor, and support them in their challenges. You might even find a mentor or a role model among them.Improving Your Health and Well-BeingVolunteering with seniors can boost your mood, reduce your stress, and increase your self-esteem. It can also help you stay physically active, mentally stimulated, and socially engaged. Studies have shown that volunteering can lower your blood pressure, improve your immune system, and even extend your lifespan. Giving Back to Your CommunitySeniors are valuable members of our society, but they often face isolation, loneliness, and neglect. By volunteering with seniors, you can show them that they are not forgotten, that they are respected, and that they matter. You can also help them access the resources and services they need, such as transportation, health care, or social activities. Developing New Skills and InterestsVolunteering with seniors can expose you to new perspectives, cultures, and hobbies. You can also learn new skills or improve existing ones, such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, or empathy. Volunteering can also enhance your resume and career prospects, as it demonstrates your commitment, initiative, and teamwork.There are many ways to volunteer with seniors, depending on your availability, preferences, and goals. You can:Visit seniors in their homes or in care facilities. You can chat with them, play games with them, read to them, or help them with daily tasksJoin or organize social events for seniors. You can host a tea party, a movie night, a bingo game, or a dance class. You can also invite seniors to join you in your hobbies or interests, such as gardening, knitting, or hikingTeach seniors new skills or technologies. You can help them learn how to use a computer, a smartphone, or the internet. You can also teach them a language, a musical instrument, or a craftAdvocate for seniors rights and needs. You can raise awareness about the issues and challenges that seniors face in your community. You can also support campaigns or organizations that work for seniors welfare and dignityBenefits of Volunteering at Grace Pointe Senior Care Community of Greeley, ColoradoVolunteering with seniors can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for both you and them. It can enrich your life in many ways and make a positive difference in theirs. If youre interested in volunteering with seniors, contact Grace Pointe Senior Care of Greeley. We will match you with suitable opportunities and provide you with training and guidance. Volunteering with seniors is more than just a good deed. Its an opportunity to grow as a person and to connect with others who have so much to offer. So dont hesitate to give it a try. You might be surprised by how much you gain from it.