What are the chances elders in Memphis will fall victim to scams?
It can be difficult to quantify some of the effects of elder abuse, but financial fraud can be measured in terms of the dollars lost. The Federal Bureau of Investigations compiles an annual report on the subject every year, and here is what the data says for residents of Tennessee in 2020:
Tennessee Had 1,881 elderly fraud victims in 2020.
Resulting in 10,846,194 total losses.
If your senior is lonely and socially isolated, they may be more receptive to the overtures of the scammer looking to relieve them of their retirement funds. You might want to consider pursuing the power of attorney or conservatorship to manage your elder loved one's finances for them. An expert in Memphis elder law could help you arrange something.
What are some signs of elder abuse that caregivers in Memphis should look for?
While financial fraud is relatively easy to spot since you can follow the money, other forms of elder abuse can be more difficult to detect without a trained eye. The NCEA (or National Center on Elder Abuse) shares common signs that may point to five different types of elder abuse below:
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
The list above is not comprehensive and you should always follow up if you suspect that someone may be taking advantage of your older adult. A Memphis elder care attorney can help you figure out what might be going on and report it to the appropriate authorities. They may also notice signs of abuse that you missed completely.
Why should I help the senior in my life find an elder care attorney in Memphis?
Memphis elder law might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you're brainstorming ways to help your aging loved one, but finding them a lawyer could help with multiple aspects of their life. Working with an attorney can make it easier to notice and report elder abuse, seek restitution for any damages caused, and pursue criminal charges. Furthermore, a lawyer with a background in estate planning could help your senior write a will and oversee that their assets are distributed per their wishes. If your senior is interested in an advanced medical directive, an elder care attorney in Memphis could help them with that too. Perhaps most importantly, attorneys provide peace of mind to both you and your senior since you know an expert is fighting for everything they deserve. Our comprehensive guide to choosing an elder law attorney includes further info on the benefits a lawyer can provide and how to find one.
Elder care attorneys in Memphis
American law is complicated and many seniors don't understand their rights. You could try to give yourself a crash course and guide your elder loved one through any situations that come up, but wouldn't it be better to trust an expert? Seasons provides resources at no cost to consumers to help you find a fantastic local lawyer, so please use them to help your aging loved one live securely.
