Elder abuse doesn’t just include physical or mental abuse. Financial crimes against the elderly are a growing trend, according to news reports .
Often as not, the thief may be a family member, says Dr. Judy Yates, affiliated with Senior Concerns. She works with a local Financial Abuse Specialist Team to investigate allegations of financial fraud against the elderly. Such FAST teams exist on the county level in California and other states.
She describes an all too common situation: Grandma needs help living on her own, so her family assigns a grandson or granddaughter the job of living with her and buying groceries. The grandchild is put on grandma’s checking account or given access to her debit card.
“Next thing you know,” says Yates, “the grandson buys a car to take grandma to and from the doctor — except it’s not a car, it’s a monster truck.”
As an Beaufort personal injury lawyer I think it’s important to remember that crimes against the elderly don’t only include elder abuse, but also mental abuse and financial abuse. I urge loved ones to pay attention to their elderly relatives to ensure they are safe and being treated kindly.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an elder abuse incident, contact a personal injury lawyer Beaufort.