Rhode Island Elder Law Attorney - Community Education Series

Elder Law Attorney for Rhode Island, Eastern Connecticut and Southeastern Massachusetts

Elder Abuse and Exploitation

The Federal Department of Justice reports that financial exploitation of the elderly is one of the most frequently reported forms of elder abuse. Every year, abuse and exploitation rob older Americans of nearly $3 billion, with the actual amount believed to be much higher. By 2030, people aged 65 and older will constitute 20% of the total U.S. population with those aged 85 and older ranking as one of the fastest growing populations in the country.

Given their advanced age and increased dependence on others coupled with the fact that older adults tend to have more financial assets, the elderly are particularly vulnerable to financial exploitation. This is especially the case where an elderly individual suffers from dementia or some other mental incapacity that weakens their ability to make sound financial decisions. Elder financial abuse can take many forms, including scams by telemarketers or other con artists, forgery, identity theft, or the use of undue influence to pressure an older adult to transfer his or her assets.

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Those who perpetrate these crimes can be a stranger, such as an aide who comes into the home to assist with daily activities, or they can be someone in a position of trust, such as a family member.  In fact, close to 90% of elder financial abuse takes place in domestic settings instead of long-term care facilities and is normally caused by family members. This can be done through promises of lifelong care or through the use of a power of attorney authorizing the perpetrator to access an elder's financial assets. When criminals take advantage of older persons by forging a signature or coercing them to sign a will, the impact goes far beyond the pocketbook and affects the physical and emotional health of the victims.

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Goals of the Workshop

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To Improve the health and well-being of older adults by detecting, reporting and understanding elder mistreatment in the areas of physical abuse, psychological abuse and neglect by a person of trust.

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Presenter

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Attorney RJ Connelly, III - Certified Elder Law Attorney

Offices in Pawtucket, RI, Mystic, CT and Martha's Vineyard, MA

1-855-724-9400

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