Assisted living can provide a senior with a comfortable environment where they can live. However, it’s also a place where elder financial abuse may occur. If you spot signs of this happening, it’s essential to report it to the proper authorities as soon as possible.
What Is Elder Financial Abuse?
Senior living facilities allow older individuals to live their life more comfortably with the aid of caregivers. Unfortunately, there are times when an unscrupulous caregiver decides to take advantage of a senior who may be feeling isolated, lonely or have a lack of familiarity with financial matters. This caregiver may use the senior’s funds or assets illegally or improperly. This type of action can include forging an elder’s signature on documents or checks, stealing money or coercing them to change their will.
Signs of Financial Abuse
If you know an individual or a loved one who is in an who is showing signs of depression, severe emotional distress or deteriorated physical health, someone might be abusing them financially.
Reporting Elder Financial Abuse
When elder financial abuse occurs in senior living facilities, it can help to take the following steps:
- Communicate with the manager of the assisted living facility.
- Contact Adult Protective Services in your county.
- Research state laws associated with financial exploitation.
- Contact a legal representative who specializes in this area.
Taking the proper steps to stop this crime should help make a senior’s life more pleasurable and less stressful. To learn more about healthy living for seniors in Warren, NJ, visit The Chelsea at Warren.
