What are the chances elders in Amarillo will fall victim to scams?
Financial fraud or abuse is the most common danger for many older adults. Whether from relatives, caregivers, or scammers, seniors are often targeted for various forms of financial abuse, and this abuse can have a dramatic effect on their quality of life. Information from the Internet Crime Complaint Center provides more data on the scope of the problem in Texas.
Texas had 6,342 elderly fraud victims in 2020.
Resulting in $ 69,759,993 total losses.
While many older adults have been perfectly capable of managing their finances throughout their life, issues ranging from cognitive challenges to unfamiliar circumstances or dedicated scammers can make keeping their money safe significantly harder. One of the key benefits of finding an Amarillo elder law expert is that they can help both prevent abuse and help your senior recover in the event of it. In some instances, placing your senior under a conservatorship or guardianship might be necessary to keep their finances safe.
What are some signs of elder abuse that caregivers in Amarillo should look for?
Because older adults can be more isolated than other parts of the population, it can be difficult to recognize the signs of abuse. If your older adult ages in place, they can go for extended periods without seeing family or friends, and it can be hard for them to talk about abuse. The National Center on Elder Abuse provides a number of signs to look for if you suspect your loved one has been a victim of abuse.
Signs to look for in identifying elder abuse
- Physical abuse
- bruises, wounds, cuts, fractures, sprains, or other signs of physical trauma
- recent falls
- signs of punishment such as evidence of physical restraint
- medication overdoses
- Psychological abuse
- emotional distress or withdrawal
- lack of self-care
- lower self-esteem or feeling of despair and worthlessness
- dementia behaviors like biting, rocking, and sucking
- Sexual abuse
- bruises and abrasions in the chest or genital region
- STDs, bleeding, and trauma in genital areas, genital infections
- increased anxiety or depression
- agitation, restlessness, and sleep disturbances
- Financial abuse
- sudden changes in bank account or to a will or other financial documents
- disappearance of funds, possessions
- poor financial decisions
- unpaid bills and other financial distress
- anxiety and depression
- malnutrition
- Neglect
- unsanitary or unsafe living conditions
- personal hygiene issues
- untreated bed sores
- untreated/unattended health issues
- malnutrition or dehydration
If your loved one lives in a senior care facility, they can still be subject to abuse. This makes the services of an expert in Amarillo elder law valuable no matter what your older adult's situation. An attorney can be a trusted confidant that your senior can tell about unsafe conditions, and the lawyer can act to protect them.
How can I help the senior in my life find an elder care attorney in Amarillo?
The benefits of finding an elder care attorney in Amarillo are significant, but finding the right one for your senior involves careful research. Because a lawyer will work with your older adult on a number of sensitive issues, it is important to find a trustworthy individual. Ask for references from any prospective lawyer and pay attention to the way they interact with your older adult. Additionally, your senior's needs play a role in the type of support they need. Whether your loved one is concerned about abuse, or they need help preparing a will or trust, it is essential to find an attorney with experience in the aspects of elder law that are relevant to their concerns.
For more information about elder law and how to find a qualified attorney, check out our comprehensive guide to choosing an elder care lawyer. This guide can help you in your search and gives tips about the criteria to consider as you look.
Elder care attorneys in Amarillo
An Amarillo elder care attorney can provide you with peace of mind and help your older adult enjoy the retirement they deserve. Whether your senior is looking to draw up end-of-life or advance medical directive documents or you want to protect them from abuse and scams, an attorney can provide valuable support to your loved one. Seasons offers free listings and guides to help you through the search process.
