What are the chances elders in Rockford will fall victim to scams?
It can be uncomfortable to think of your older loved one falling victim to abuse or scams. However, seniors are often more susceptible to financial scams, especially if they suffer from dementia or reduced cognitive ability. Data shows that many seniors in the state have suffered abuse in 2020. Here’s how much they lost:
Illinois had 4,227 elderly fraud victims in 2020.
Resulting in $ 32,143,412 total losses.
Fortunately, there are ways to protect your aging loved one's money. By appointing a guardian or conservator over their property, you can help them manage their finances when they can no longer do so themselves. If there is no durable power of attorney or advanced medical directive in place, a relative will have to go to court to petition for guardianship and having a Rockford elder care attorney can help in such situations.
What types of mistreatment do elder care attorneys in Rockford pursue?
An elder care lawyer can help you fight for your elderly loved one's rights, regardless of the type of abuse they are facing. What many people don't realize is that it's the caregivers of seniors, including their relatives, who are often perpetrating the abuse. Here are the different types of neglect, abuse, and mistreatment that attorneys can help you pursue:
Types of elder abuse
- Physical abuse
- Intentional or reckless use of physical force or physical coercion that could cause:
- bodily injury
- physical pain
- Impairment
- Sexual abuse
- Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an older adult
- Emotional or psychological abuse
- Infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts such as:
- verbal assaults
- insults
- threats & intimidation
- humiliation
- isolation
- harassment
- Financial abuse
- Illegal or improper use of an elder's funds, property, or assets such as:
- misusing or stealing money or possessions
- coercing or deceiving an older person into signing any document (e.g., contracts or will)
- improper use of conservatorship, guardianship, or power of attorney
- financial scams
- Neglect
- Refusal or failure to fulfill any part of a person's obligations or duties of care to an elder such as:
- food & water
- clothing
- shelter
- personal hygiene
- medicine
- comfort
- personal safety
For example, if your older adult is at a nursing care facility, and you worry they might be getting abused or are being neglected by the staff, enlist the help of an elder care attorney. They can help you spot the signs of abuse and bring it to an end by pursuing various legal means.
How can I help the senior in my life find an elder care attorney in Rockford?
When searching for an elder care attorney, it's important to look for one who specializes in Rockford elder law and cares deeply about their clients. An elder care attorney can help not only with preventing financial abuse and fighting for justice if your senior has been abused. They can also help with estate planning. If your senior needs a will drafted, find a lawyer who offers that service. It doesn't take a lot of time, but it will help your senior feel better, as they will have the peace of mind knowing their end-of-life wishes will be respected after they are gone. They can specify not just how they want their property to be handled, but also their wishes for their burial or cremation.
Our comprehensive guide to choosing an elder care lawyer can show you how an elder care attorney in Rockford can help you and what to look for in one.
Elder care attorneys in Rockford
Knowing your older adult has an expert in Rockford elder law on their side to help them navigate the legal challenges of aging will give you peace of mind as well. It will also ensure their money stays safe, so they don't face financial hardship due to fraud. Let Seasons assist you in your search today.
