What are the chances elders in Gulfport will fall victim to scams?
Scams can affect elderly individuals no matter where they live. These individuals might contact your older loved one online or via phone, making it seem as though there is an urgent situation, and your senior needs to pay money right away. It is estimated that there were over 400 cases of fraud targeting elderly individuals in 2020 in Mississippi. While this number might not seem exceptionally high, it is still too much.
Mississippi had 461 elderly fraud victims in 2020.
Resulting in $ 2,213,731 total losses.
You can help protect the senior in your life by finding a professional who specializes in Gulfport elder law. Depending on your elderly loved one's cognitive abilities, the attorney might suggest a guardian or conservatorship, in order to prevent fraud from taking place and affecting the lifestyle and comfort that your senior is used to.
What are some signs of elder abuse that caregivers in Gulfport should look for?
Elder abuse comes in a variety of forms. It can be related to financial abuse, or totally separate from it. The abuse can be from a stranger, but it could also be done by someone your senior - and likely you - know. If you start noticing changes in your senior, pay attention to the possible warning signs that could indicate they are facing abuse and consult with an elder care attorney in Gulfport right away.
Signs to look for in identifying elder abuse
- Physical abuse
- bruises, wounds, cuts, fractures, sprains, or other signs of physical trauma
- recent falls
- signs of punishment such as evidence of physical restraint
- medication overdoses
- Psychological abuse
- emotional distress or withdrawal
- lack of self-care
- lower self-esteem or feeling of despair and worthlessness
- dementia behaviors like biting, rocking, and sucking
- Sexual abuse
- bruises and abrasions in the chest or genital region
- STDs, bleeding, and trauma in genital areas, genital infections
- increased anxiety or depression
- agitation, restlessness, and sleep disturbances
- Financial abuse
- sudden changes in bank account or to a will or other financial documents
- disappearance of funds, possessions
- poor financial decisions
- unpaid bills and other financial distress
- anxiety and depression
- malnutrition
- Neglect
- unsanitary or unsafe living conditions
- personal hygiene issues
- untreated bed sores
- untreated/unattended health issues
- malnutrition or dehydration
If the above warning signs match up with what your senior is going through or if they ask you to help them, it's crucial to speak with a professional. An attorney can help your senior document any abuse they are going through, assist them in getting an order of protection, and ensure that charges are pressed. This allows your older loved one to remain safe, even if someone who was close to them is being abusive.
How can I help the senior in my life find an elder care attorney in Gulfport?
If you are trying to ensure your senior loved one is kept safe from financial abuse, scams, and other legal problems that might affect them, it is helpful to find a qualified Gulfport elder care attorney before you need them. Being able to consult someone who is skilled in elder law means you can rest easy, knowing that your older loved one will have help at the ready should they ever need it. Besides assisting with fraud and abuse situations, an attorney who understands elder law can help with other issues that affect the senior population, such as creating a will, setting up a trust, and other end-of-life decisions that can change your senior's life. If you are looking for more information, check out our comprehensive guide to choosing an elder care lawyer.
Elder care attorneys in Gulfport
You want to ensure your aging loved one always has the best care possible and is kept safe in their golden years. That's why it is crucial to have legal help from someone who is an expert in Gulfport elder law. Let us help you find an attorney in the Biloxi or Gulfport areas, so you can both have peace of mind.
