What are the chances elders in Tallahassee will fall victim to scams?
Financial scammers often target older adults because they believe them to be easier victims. That’s why the rate of elder fraud in Florida is higher than you might think, as shown below. Being proactive and hiring an attorney who specializes in Thomasville and Tallahassee elder law may help to reduce your senior loved one’s risk of experiencing this outcome.
Florida had 9,252 elderly fraud victims in 2020.
Resulting in $ 84,649,328 total losses.
Hiring an attorney won't guarantee that nothing bad ever happens to your senior. But a lawyer can work with you to identify your senior's biggest risks for fraud and abuse, and then come up with plans to stay vigilant. If the need should ever arise, you'll also be able to seek justice more efficiently with a lawyer who you already know.
What are some signs of elder abuse that caregivers in Tallahassee should look for?
There are many different signs of elder abuse that may show up in your senior loved one. We've included the most common examples below so that you can familiarize yourself with them. These signs don't guarantee that abuse is occurring, but if you notice several of them in your senior, it may be time to contact a lawyer who specializes in Thomasville and Tallahassee elder law.
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
Even if your senior isn't exhibiting any of these signs, it never hurts to open a dialog with a Tallahassee elder care attorney. They may help you discover a vulnerability in your care plan that you hadn't thought about before. They can also help you put together a power of attorney and will to keep your senior safer from those who would harm them.
How can I help the senior in my life find an elder care attorney in Tallahassee?
Finding an attorney can feel like a daunting thing to do, but it doesn't have to be challenging. You can begin the process by doing some online research on providers' websites, Seasons, and online review sites. This will help you get a better sense of which attorneys have areas of expertise and communication styles that match your preferences and needs.
That should be enough to get your selections down to a list of finalists. You can interview these in person to make a final judgment based on intangible factors like personality and fit. If you'd like more detailed assistance with this process, you can find it by taking a look at our comprehensive guide to choosing an elder care lawyer.
Elder care attorneys in Tallahassee
Your senior has been preparing for their golden years all of their life. Now it's time to ensure that they can enjoy them to the fullest by hiring an attorney who specializes in elder law. Doing so can be a smart decision regardless of whether you need to file a lawsuit now or if you would like some guidance and advice on keeping your elderly loved one safe.
So why not take the first step today? You can use the free resources on Seasons to begin exploring your options right now.
