What are the chances elders in Bakersfield will fall victim to scams?
It may be difficult to think about, but your senior faces the risk of being a victim of a scam. One of the reasons scammers often target the elderly is that they often don’t know much about technology. Many seniors suffer from dementia as well, which makes it even more likely for them to be scam victims. Here is how many elderly fraud victims there were in California in 2020 and how much they lost, according to government crime data:
California had 12,534 elderly fraud victims in 2020.
Resulting in $ 152,644,032 total losses.
An attorney for seniors in Bakersfield can protect your older loved one's assets by helping you set up a guardianship or conservatorship, which allows someone to legally manage your senior's property and finances when they are no longer capable of doing so themselves. You may need to petition for such an arrangement in court, however.
Why are Bakersfield elder care attorneys needed?
An elder care attorney in Bakersfield can be your senior's first line of defense against abuse. Financial abuse, for example, isn't just when scammers call and pretend to be from the IRS. Caregivers, including relatives, may inappropriately use a senior's money for themselves, and your loved one might feel they can do nothing to stop it. They may not even know about it. Here are some alarming statistics about unreported elder abuse:
Alarming statistics about reported and unreported elder abuse
- Studies have found that at least one in 10 community-dwelling older adults experienced some form of abuse in the prior year.
- For every incident of abuse reported to authorities, nearly 24 additional cases remain undetected.
- Financial abuse was the most commonly reported form of mistreatment.
Often, it's people closest to the senior who are committing the abuse. Abuse can happen at nursing homes and even at the senior's own home. Adult children, spouses, hired caregivers, and relatives can all commit abuse. Legal assistance is often the most effective way to stop abuse as soon as possible.
How can I help the senior in my life find an elder care attorney in Bakersfield?
When searching for an expert in Bakersfield elder law, search for a lawyer who offers a free consultation. That way, you can learn how your senior can benefit and what services the lawyer can offer. It's also worth researching reviews online and checking references. A lawyer might offer services you may not have thought of, such as estate planning. Drafting a will might be an uncomfortable topic to bring up, but your senior will thank you. They will be able to live out their final years in respect and security, knowing that their final wishes will be honored.
Read our comprehensive guide to choosing an elder care lawyer for more information on what to look for in a lawyer.
Elder care attorneys in Bakersfield
One of the best ways to ensure your senior can live their golden years without being the victim of abuse or fraud is to hire an expert in Bakersfield elder law. A lawyer can help you spot the signs of abuse, as they have seen many similar cases throughout their career. Let Seasons help you in your search today.
