Caregiver Financial Abuse a Form of Elder Abuse
Friday, January 13, 2012
by Sharon Zaleski
I’ve come across quite a few stories recently where caregivers have been caught stealing money from the elderly. No one wants to think someone could steal from them, but it’s happening more and more at an alarming rate, and part of it could be due to the economic situation in our country. But let’s not forget the other types of abuse that plague our nation’s seniors, because those stories also have been surfacing in news reports. Before hiring a caregiver, it’s never been more important than it is now to do some research and homework first. It may be the best prevention measure on can take.
According to HELPGUIDDE.org, every year, tens of thousands of elderly Americans are abused in their own homes, in relatives’ homes, and even in facilities responsible for their care. You may suspect that an elderly person you know is being harmed physically or emotionally by a neglectful or overwhelmed caregiver or being preyed upon financially. More than half a million reports of abuse against elderly Americans reach authorities every year, and millions more cases go unreported.
The different types of elder abuse
Elder abuse can occur in many different ways; financial, neglect, intimidation, to name a few. HELPGUIDE.org describes the most common forms of abuse:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Nonverbal psychological abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect or abandonment
- Financial abuse
- Healthcare fraud and abuse
Unfortunately, the majority of financial abuse acts committed against seniors are carried out by someone the victim knows, such as a caregiver or family member. So take the time to learn the signs of elder abuse before you place your family member in a caregiver setting or hire someone to care for them in their own home.
Click here to read a story about how a caregiver was able to steal thousands of dollars from an elderly man.
Tags: elder abuse,
elderly americans,
caregiver,
financial abuse,
family member,
elderly person