Category: Elder Rights

Initiated in 2006 by the United Nations, June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a good time to focus on financial exploitation of elders at the local, state and federal levels… Link: Keep watchful eye out for elder abuse

Elder abuse is a national epidemic, affecting elders of all economic strata (ie., socialite Brooke Astor, actor Peter Falk, DJ Casey Kasem) but the majority of victims do not have extreme wealth. They are your neighbors, parents and friends. Through undue influence and coercion, intimidation, isolation, and misrepresentation, these vulnerable elders can lose their civil…

The Maine Attorney General Task Force Final Report on Financial Exploitation of Elderly was released on March 11, 2015. Like the Massachusetts October 23, 2014 Special Commission Report on Elder Protective Services, the Maine Task Force identifies the lack of training and staffing in handling financial crimes against the elderly. The Maine Task Force Report,…

“Financial abuse of elders is a growing problem in Massachusetts. While the public may be familiar with the abuse stories of actor Mickey Rooney, radio personality Casey Kasem and millionaire Brooke Astor, people with less than $500,000 in assets also are vulnerable.” http://www.newburyportnews.com/opinion/x1927809637/Help-protect-Massachusetts-elders-from-financial-exploitation

Incorrect diagnoses can also cost elders their civil rights and lead to the misuse of Powers of Attorney, Guardianships and the financial exploitation of elders. Misdiagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease Costs Man 3 Years – Boston.com http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2013/08/11/treatment-for-little-known-brain-disorder-can-reverse-symptoms-dementia-gait-and-incontinence/rntRkpbkUlc2L6AEpkXABN/story.html It can take a team to facilitate accurate diagnoses – Boston.com http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/letters/2013/08/18/can-take-team-facilitate-accurate-diagnoses/3HrA6ccsXqYJvCasc6wiyK/story.html Care providers, policy makers must work to…