According to the Bureau of Justice, over 3 million elderly Americans have their identity stolen by predators each year. Unfortunately, as long as there have been identity thieves, seniors have always been their preferred target. The elderly are often socially isolated, tend to be trusting and vulnerable, lonely, and may have early dementia or memory…
Tips and resources to help protect against physical abuse and neglect. Elder abuse includes physical and financial abuse, as well as neglect of persons 65 years of age and older. Neglect typically means the refusal or failure to provide an elderly person with such life necessities as food, water, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, medicine, comfort,…
Gifts to persons (caregivers, service providers, friends) who are not the natural objects of the elder’s love and commitment. Gifts to anyone that are so large, given the size and nature of the elder’s estate, as to threaten the elder’s economic security Loans, particularly if undocumented, to anyone; special scrutiny required if to non‑family members…
Contact Adult Protective Services Get an accounting of elder’s prior fiduciaries. Court procedures are available to compel these accountings. Institute conservatorship/guardianship procedures to formalize authority in a trusted person who will be accountable to the courts. Revoke or amend estate-planning documents that do not comport with the elder’s wishes. Commence a civil action against the…
