What are the chances elders in Fargo will fall victim to scams?
As we age, we often become more vulnerable to scams and fraud. Scam artists intentionally target the elderly, knowing they often live alone, have a limited understanding of technology, and may feel vulnerable when threatened by someone pretending to be from the IRS. An adult with dementia may also not recall whether they bought a lottery ticket when someone calls to claim they won the lottery. The following data sheds light on the number of elderly fraud victims in North Dakota and how much they have lost:
North Dakota had 104 elderly fraud victims in 2020.
Resulting in $ 1,008,768 total losses.
Seniors often have limited budgets. Many live off fixed incomes from Social Security. Falling victim to fraud can mean giving away a significant portion of their savings, which can cause a lot of financial stress and hardship for your older loved one and your family. One way to avoid that is by creating a guardianship or conservatorship to protect the financial interests of your senior and prevent their money from ending up in the hands of scam artists.
What should families in Fargo know about the prevalence of elder abuse?
The percentage of seniors experiencing abuse might be higher than you thought. It can be devastating to think that your senior might be facing neglect or even physical or sexual abuse. That's why having an elder care attorney on your side is so important. Here is the average reported rate of elder abuse, broken down by abuse type:
It's important to know the signs of abuse, so you can realize if something is amiss and act as soon as possible. Bruises or other injuries could be signs of physical abuse, but emotional abuse might be harder to spot. If you notice your senior suddenly drawing into themselves, closing up, experiencing weight loss or a lack of appetite, or displaying other worrying signs, you should be concerned.
How can I help the senior in my life find an elder care attorney in Fargo?
An expert in Fargo elder law can be your senior's first line of defense against any type of abuse. Furthermore, they can help with other aspects of Fargo elder law, such as estate planning and creating wills. A surprising number of seniors don't have wills. While it can be depressing to plan for death, it's inevitable, and writing a will can actually give your aging loved one peace of mind, as they will know their wishes will be followed, even after they die. Furthermore, it can be a relief knowing that their passing won't be a burden on their loved ones and that their children will be provided for. However, it's important to look for a lawyer who specializes in Fargo elder law, has experience dealing with seniors, and understands the needs of the elderly.
Our comprehensive guide to choosing an elder care lawyer can help.
Elder care attorneys in Fargo
To ensure your older relative can live out their final years in dignity and respect, enlist the help of an elder care attorney in Fargo who can ensure their needs are taken care of and they are treated well by their caregivers. Let Seasons help you find a qualified Fargo elder care attorney today.
