What are the chances elders in Gainesville will fall victim to scams?
If your older loved one has never been the victim of financial fraud or any type of scam, you might assume that the likelihood of this happening to them is low. But nearly 370,000 scams and financial abuse cases that specifically target older adults are reported to authorities annually. Here is a look at the number of Florida elderly fraud victims in 2020:
Florida had 9,252 elderly fraud victims in 2020.
Resulting in $ 84,649,328 total losses.
While you don't want to frighten your older loved one with concerns that the possibility of fraud is around every corner, it's still a good idea for them to exercise caution when managing their finances. They can take time to become familiar with different types of fraud and scams and avoid giving strangers important personal documents and financial information without conducting plenty of research. Your senior can also work with an elder care attorney in Gainesville who specializes in safeguarding the assets of older adults.
Why are Gainesville elder care attorneys needed?
It could seem that working with an elder care attorney is not necessary, especially if your senior loved one has managed their own finances for years or decades. But in addition to helping to manage finances, elder care attorneys can often provide representation for older adults who have been harmed. They might even recognize signs of abuse in cases that are going undetected or have not yet been reported. Here is a look at important elder abuse stats:
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.
It's heartbreaking to learn that so many cases of elder abuse go unreported. It often occurs in cases of caregiver neglect. Research has found that caregiver neglect is the most underreported form of senior abuse with only about 1 out of 57 cases being reported. Recognizing signs of abuse like confusion, isolation, unexplained scars, and abrupt changes in banking habits can go a long way in getting your elderly loved one help. You can also work with an elder care attorney who specializes in giving older adults legal assistance in their time of need.
How can I help the senior in my life find an elder care attorney in Gainesville?
A great way to start your search for a reputable attorney for seniors in Gainesville is to list the reasons your senior is seeking legal guidance. They might be interested in creating a will or planning their estate. If they're ready to secure health care, they might desire help with filling out a Medicaid application. Elder care attorneys can also assist with health care directives, power of attorney, and long-term care planning. If your senior has been abused, they could seek an attorney who specializes in financial elder abuse or elder law litigation. Attorneys can also work toward the appointment of a guardian if there are concerns about financial abuse and your senior is no longer able to protect themselves.
After determining your elderly loved one's needs, you can ask people you trust for recommended attorneys in the area. Another option is to use the attorney finder feature on the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) website. Get more information about this topic by consulting our comprehensive guide to choosing an elder care lawyer.
Elder care attorneys in Gainesville
Whether your senior loved one has been scammed or is looking for ways to protect themselves from this type of circumstance, they can benefit from the assistance of a qualified Gainesville elder law attorney. Let Seasons assist you with finding a great match. Review our listings today to locate a reputable elder care attorney in your area.
