What are the chances elders in Erie will fall victim to scams?
It’s important not to dismiss the chances of your senior falling victim to a scam. It’s a lot more common than you may think. Seniors are often more susceptible to scams because they suffer from dementia or don’t have sufficient knowledge of how technology works. Data from the FBI sheds light on the true number of reported fraud cases among seniors in the state:
Pennsylvania had 3,543 elderly fraud victims in 2020.
Resulting in $ 23,335,992 total losses.
Keep in mind that those are just the reported cases. There are many more cases that go unreported. Also, remember that scams aren't the only way seniors can lose their money. A relative may inappropriately use their funds, often without the senior's knowledge, leaving the senior penniless or forcing them to live in poverty.
Why are Erie elder care attorneys needed?
Unfortunately, many cases of elder abuse go unreported. In fact, the vast majority of seniors do not report abuse to the authorities, despite the extremely high rate of senior abuse. The statistics are alarming. One reason for that could be that seniors are afraid of what the abuser could do to them. Social isolation can cause them to feel alone and unable to do anything about the 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.
An elderly individual might not even realize that financial abuse is occurring. That's why having an expert in Erie elder law on their side is critical. An attorney can help them realize that abuse is taking place and make them feel like they have options. An attorney can notice signs of abuse and take action to stop it in its tracks and achieve justice for the victim.
How can I help the senior in my life find an elder care attorney in Erie?
It's important to search for an expert in Erie elder law who can help your senior with their legal needs, whether it's drafting a will or seeking justice and helping them recover their money after financial abuse. A lawyer can also help prevent financial abuse. One way they can do that is by helping you appoint a guardian over your senior's assets when they are unable to manage their money due to reduced mental capacity. You may need to petition for that in court, however. In any case, search for an attorney who offers a free consultation so you can get a chance to speak to them before committing. You might also want to check reviews online.
Read our comprehensive guide to choosing an elder care lawyer for more information on how to find a good attorney for your senior.
Elder care attorneys in Erie
Having an elder care attorney in Erie by your side will give you peace of mind, knowing your senior's assets are protected and there is someone making sure they aren't a victim of abuse. It's your senior's first line of defense against neglect and mistreatment. Let Seasons help you find a qualified Erie elder care attorney for your elderly loved one's legal needs today.
