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There are very few things that can compare to what it is like to be in a heart-rending situation of which you have little or no control over.
Isolation, neglect, abandonment… There are many painful ways in which an older adult might suffer and be hurt by, not just physically but also emotionally, financially and even, in some cases, sexually.
This is a very sad situation in which you definitely don’t want to have your loved ones be involved in. When they’re living their very last years, the least thing they should experience is numbing violence and neglect. It is not fair, it isn’t healthy, it doesn’t help anybody.
A power of attorney is a tool that can help you earn the legal rights to help execute your family member’s last will even while they’re still alive. This provides you with the necessary rights to act on behalf of this person in front of a banking institution, cable companies, the local jurisdiction and more.
One thing that happens way too often, many times going unnoticed for months or even years, is identity theft, there are many risks associated with aging. Being older, having limited mobility, talking slower, that makes the ideal storm for someone to take advantage of seniors.
Having a conversation with your family, friends, and those around you can help elevate awareness and help take the necessary steps to protect the older people in your life.
It’s easy to feel abandoned, ignored and minimized when you are in a vulnerable position, and it doesn’t have to be like that, you are not alone. As humans, we’re wired to connect with other peoples’ voices, faces, and build trust that way. Therefore, reaching out, being present, checking in, are all small actions that protect your loved ones.
A mental health crisis has led to a more and more common situation where people are financially taken advantage of. The power of attorney can also be used negatively, it’s important to have a professional on your side, let your wishes be known.
Sharing card or account PINs; there are ways in which an elder can exercise the convenience of having someone else help with certain transactions while you still protect yourself and your funds, by, for example; having a separate account, where you keep a smaller monetary amount, and such account can be shared or used by those who are taking care of the senior person.
Check out our daily safety checklist that we’ve made for you.
What are the things you do on a daily basis when you’re feeling really bad or having a bad day? Perhaps you can revise that list of activities that bring you joy again and explore what can be added, changed or modified based on your new preferences, needs and more. Elder abuse expands across all social and economic classes.
This can all play a role in the way seniors cope with different challenges and issues daily. Encourage your elders to be safe, to create a place where they can feel safe, they can feel happy, in good company. People can use many tools to stay healthy; knitting, crochet, there are some activities that our elder community can be enrolled in, engaged in. It’s very important to host healthy, safe and open environments, facilitate resources, normalize talking about elder abuse and telling people that they aren’t helpless when they’re involved in a situation like this.
This all can always facilitate trust, connection and the ability to build a community. Crowdsourcing is a very powerful element to make things possible for those who need it the most. Who do you call if a senior is experiencing abuse, neglect, or distress? Turning to a friend, or family member, someone who you trust, is always a good option
We’ve all heard about; cognitive decline, criminal activity directed and targeted specifically to the older community. We want to arm you with the power of prevention so you’re educated, informed, with this power in your hands and power in your mind, you know exactly what to do, where to go and how to ask for help.
A lot of loneliness, depression, fear, concern of their health, underlying chronic health conditions, maybe life is threatened by external situations such as financial distress, food security.
“I don’t have anyone to talk to”
You need a resource to know you’re not alone. Isolation and loneliness is the main door that leads to putting someone in a vulnerable situation. Elder abuse can happen to anyone. There doesn’t have to be shame directed to this person if they’ve been victimized.
“Everybody we come into contact with, is doing the very best that they can given the tools and skills they have in their pockets at that particular moment”
Let’s start from a place of compassion and understanding. With ourselves and each other. Take the time to feel a little bit “uncomfortable” by taking action, helping the elderly in your life, before things get worse and get to a very miserable situation.
It’s more than scams, more than the common stuff. Oftentimes, people will think that “someone in social work, someone in the police will take care of it” but many times that isn’t the case.
How can we, as community members, ask ourselves; how can we make sure that they’re safe?
Let’s give each other an excuse to check-in, an excuse to be present. A senior won’t come to you and say “Hello, I’m being abused” instead, they will say something like “oh, I can’t go to church, they don’t want me to go there” – that’s the moment to get curious, that’s the moment to act in. Make a friendly check-in, reach out, establish and open door environment where that elder in your life feels comfortable to reach out, where they feel safe enough to let you know of how they feel
Contact us if you need guidance, professional legal guidance or help and support Watch out for criminal actions targeted at seniors.
Let us be one of your safety lines, where you can get access to professional legal help. It’s confidential, it’s safe and it’s private. “What do I do? Where do I go?” We are a phone call away.
Support, help, information and empowerment is just one call away. We have solutions to share with you.