FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE EFFORT TO COMBAT ELDER ABUSE
ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
By 2025 it is estimated that there will be 63.5 million senior citizens in the United States, a dramatic increase in the aging population, nearly double the number of elderly citizens in a 25- year period. The prevalence of elder abuse merits a national bi-partisan, bi-cameral effort to put federal dollars into identifying and preventing the physical neglect, abuse and financial exploitation of elderly citizens.
Co-sponsored by Senator Herman Kohl, Chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, the Elder Justice Act http://www.apa.org/about/gr/issues/aging/elder-justice-facts.aspx would authorize federal funding to support state and local programs and social service agencies in the prevention of abuse, neglect and financial fraud perpetrated upon elders by fraudulent investment scammers, poorly-run nursing homes, or caregivers.
Elders are increasingly likely to fall victim to financial abuse, frequently perpetrated upon them by members of their own families. Especially vulnerable are women in their 80’s living alone. Crimes against vulnerable seniors frequently occur at the hands of a trusted family member, as recently occurred in San Jose http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Elder-Financial-Fraud–182135161.html when an 81 year-old woman found her bank accounts drained of $85,000 and a claim of ownership of her home made by the granddaughter whom she trusted with her power of attorney. According to Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Janet berry, only one in fifteen cases of financial abuse in Santa Clara County are reported.
You can protect yourself and your loved ones by seeking legal advice from an attorney who specializes in cases involving the victimization of seniors.
Evans Law Firm, Inc. represents victims of elder abuse in California. If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or elder abuse, contact Evans Law Firm, Inc. for a free and confidential consultation at 415-441-8669 or e-mail [email protected].