CONNELLY LAW
Serving Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut
401-724-9400
Southern New England's Certified Elder Law Attorney
Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts
Elder Abuse and Exploitation
The Federal Department of Justice reports that financial exploitation of the elderly is among the most frequently reported forms of elder abuse. Every year, abuse and exploitation rob older Americans of nearly $3 billion, which is 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.
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. Close to 90% of elder financial abuse occurs in domestic settings instead of long-term care facilities and is usually caused by family members. This can be done through promises of lifelong care or through 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. It affects the physical and emotional health of the victims.
Goals of the Workshop
To Improve the health and well-being of older adults by detecting, reporting, and understanding elder mistreatment in physical abuse, psychological abuse, and neglect by a person of trust.
Presenter
Attorney RJ Connelly, III - Certified Elder Law Attorney
Offices in Pawtucket, RI, Mystic, CT, and Martha's Vineyard, MA
1-401-724-9400
Call our office today at 401-724-9400 or complete the box below and ask about scheduling one of our free inservice or workshops. If you have a specific need that you do not see here, please ask if we can provide a specialized inservice for your organization, clients or staff!
Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut Certified Elder Law Attorney
"Southern New England's Certified Elder Law Attorney"
Call Connelly Law Today
Rhode Island Elder Law Attorney
Phone: 401-724-9400
Fax: 401-724-3046
Our office locations
Connecticut
Broadway Street
Mystic, CT 06355
860-440-7600
Rhode Island - Main Office
372 Broadway
Pawtucket, RI 02860
401-724-9400
Massachusetts
Martha's Vineyard
East Chop, MA 02557
508-316-2396
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