Elder abuse" is recognized as a health and human rights issue and includes a range of offenses. Abuse is sometimes hard to detect; elder abuse is frequently inflicted by a known, trusted person, often a family member. Neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation are common forms of abuse.
A startling example of financial exploitation was the story of a Los Angeles woman accused of convincing an elderly man, suffering from dementia, to marry her and empty his bank account the very same day. this kind of exploitation happens everyday and is quite common says California Financial Elder Abuse Lawyer Steven C. Peck.
Incidents like this prompted new lawmaking in the State of Washington The new law applies to older vulnerable adults, and requires financial institutions to train certain employees to better identify older adults who may be victims of financial exploitation, and gives institutions the right to withhold fund disbursement while the request is investigated. California already has these mandatory reporting requirements Peck says.
As community members, family and friends, we must be vigilant. Signs of mistreatment often include unexplained physical injuries, repeated accidents, behavior changes such as crying and isolation, or deteriorating health and hygiene. Financial troubles that appear out of the blue can signal financial exploitation.
If you suspect an older or disabled adult is being abused, neglected or exploited, immediately call Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1.866.999.9085 or call 911.
