People who take advantage of other people have always been around. They always have been and it seems like they always will be. It’s sad, but also true and so we have to keep an eye out.
The elder abuse facts in the country are upsetting. These people are part of a generation that helped shaped what America is today. It’s important to be knowledgeable on what to look out for, and where to get help for your loved ones.
Consulting an elder abuse lawyer can benefit everyone involved. There are various types of elder abuse to be aware of. Here are the some of the most common types:
- Abandonment
- Abduction
- Financial Abuse
- Isolation
- Neglect
- Physical Abuse
The financial elder abuse facts are just as scary. This abuse can ruin an individual’s life, and their family’s. At a rate of 41 per 1,000 people who were surveyed, major financial exploitation was reported higher than the rates of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
Financial Elder Abuse Facts:
- According to the Investor Protection Trust Elder Fraud Survey, Americans over the age of 65 have been victimized by financial fraud at a rate of one in five people.
- A study done by Metlife Mature Market Institute announced that financial exploitation costs elders just under $3 billion every year.
Another important issue regarding the financial responsibility of elders is having a proper will. Over 40% of all elders do not have a will in place. Having a proper will can help secure your family’s future both emotionally and financially. Knowing where and how to find a probate attorney is very important.
It’s important to fill out a will as soon as possible. Don’t wait. A complicated will can take anywhere from six months to over two years to write, according to the Wisconsin State Bar. If something were to happen to you or your family before then, it would be devastating.
Having a healthcare power of attorney should not be underestimated. They allow decisions to be made on the person’s behalf regarding healthcare if that person is impaired. Just under 40% of adults currently have a healthcare power of attorney.
Knowing the signs of elder abuse and being knowledgeable about how to get help is extremely important. Protecting the people who deserve to be protected can end up saving them from horrible financial, emotional, and physical struggles.