What are the chances elders in Duluth will fall victim to scams?
Another way seniors are targeted is by scam artists. These are people who take advantage of elderly people who may not think as clearly as they used to and who are prone to believe what they are told rather than being skeptical of what people tell them. The information below indicates how many elderly fraud victims there were in Minnesota in 2020 and what their losses were.
Minnesota had 1,542 elderly fraud victims in 2020.
Resulting in $ 15,730,641 total losses.
Again, not all elder fraud is reported, so the total of victims and losses is likely a great deal higher than what was reported. If your senior relative is vulnerable to financial scams and fraud, an elder care attorney in Duluth or Superior could help to set up a guardianship or conservatorship for them. This means a reliable family member or friend will be appointed to act on behalf of the incapacitated senior. It's important to make sure the conservator is a trustworthy person, and the attorney can help with that.
What should families in Duluth know about the prevalence of elder abuse?
There are many types of abuse that seniors suffer from. The National Institute of Health conducted a study to find out what percentage of seniors reported elder abuse by abuse type. The results are listed below. Note that the percentages listed do not include unreported abuse, so the numbers may be somewhat skewed from what really goes on.
If a senior has an elder care attorney, caregivers may be dissuaded from abuse in the first place. It is believed that elder abuse is so common because of how vulnerable older adults are. If there is someone professional who is on their side and who has frequent contact with them, their caregivers may be less likely to neglect the senior, harm them, or take advantage of them because they may be afraid of getting caught. That's one more reason why connecting your elderly loved one with a Duluth or Superior elder care attorney is a good idea.
How can I help the senior in my life find an elder care attorney in Duluth?
When you're ready to find a Duluth elder law attorney, pick a few from the listings and arrange to visit them with your older loved one. Let the attorney know what you will discuss in advance and your initial consultation may even be free. During the meeting, find out if they have experience similar to your senior's situation. That may mean cases of certain types of abuse, but it also may mean estate planning, will preparation, or other legal issues common to seniors.
Evaluate the attorney's customer service. Are they professional and friendly? Do they listen to your older loved one and answer all of their questions? Do they answer emails or phone calls in a timely manner? Before making a final decision, be sure to make sure they are licensed to practice law in your state. For more information, check out our comprehensive guide to choosing an elder care lawyer.
Elder care attorneys in Duluth
The safety and security of your aging loved one are undoubtedly important to you. Getting appropriate representation for them can help keep them safe from all kinds of abuse as well as help them deal with legal issues that come along with aging. Use our resources above to start your search for your senior's Duluth elder care attorney today.