ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness To Prevent Elder Abuse Act
1 in 10 People Over 60 Experience Abuse
Prevalence Much Higher For People With Dementia Disorders
Both sides of the aisle in Congress recently united to pass legislation intended to add in the protection for Alzeheimer’s sufferers against elder abuse. The bill, entitled Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act, is designed to make sure the U.S. Department of Justice’s elder abuse training materials consider the needs of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia disorders. The materials will equip first responders to identify and respond to incidents of elder abuse, including financial fraud, physical abuse, and neglect especially among those seniors with dementia. The elder abuse litigators at Evans Law Firm, Inc. have experience representing seniors harmed by lack of care, neglect and intentional abuse in nursing homes. If you suspect a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse anywhere in California, call the elder abuse attorneys at Evans Law Firm, Inc. today at (415)441-8669.
Risk of Elder Abuse For Dementia Sufferers
Although elder abuse can strike any seniors, older persons with dementia are particularly vulnerable to abuse. Some advocates estimate that over 50 percent of elders with dementia experience some form of elder abuse, more than five times more than older persons without dementia. With over 5 million Americans suffering some form of dementia year in and year out, the impact of elder abuse on the portion of our population with dementia is enormous. The higher incidence of elder abuse upon dementia sufferers is due to a variety of factors: dementia victims are often unaware of what is happening to them, they forget problems as soon as they arise, or they may be unable to communicate as a result of their dementia. Sadly, there are financial predators who will prey upon these vulnerabilities for their own benefit. The results can be devastating.
What Families Can Do
Families need to stand up for their older loved ones who are in this vulnerable state. While COVID-19 makes personal interaction dangerous, there are still many things you can do from a distance to protect older people. For one, thoroughly check out any caregiver or nursing home before you hire or engage their services. The California Departments of Health and Social Services both maintain databases where you can review licenses and citation records. Review any senior’s bank statements carefully and regularly for suspicious activity; excessive ATM withdrawals or unusual charges are real red flags that something is not right. You might want to take over bill payment to ensure that essentials like long-term care insurance, doctor’s bills, medication orders, and utility bills are paid on time. Keep a senior’s valuables locked up and never leave checkbooks or credit cards lying around. Never ever allow a senior to grant a Power of Attorney to a caregiver; that is really asking for trouble. Be especially vigilant if a new “friend” takes an interest in a senior’s life. If you suspect any trouble of any kind, reach out to elder abuse counsel right away.
Contact Us
If you or someone you love is the victim of elder abuse in Marin or elsewhere in California, call Ingrid M. Evans and the other elder abuse attorneys at Evans Law Firm, Inc. at (415) 441-8669, or by email at info@evanslaw.com. Ingrid and our other elder abuse attorneys will pursue all remedies available to injured seniors, including recovery of attorneys’ fees and expenses for bringing your case.
