Elder Abuse Awareness Month

Did you know that June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and the month of June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month? How impactful is that? While most people are aware that the elderly are vulnerable to scams and fraud and are often targets for schemes, many are not aware of the often silent but growing problem of elder abuse. 

According to SeniorCare, elder abuse is legally defined as:

“an act or omission, which results in a serious physical or emotional injury to an elderly person or financial exploitation of an elderly person; or the failure, inability or resistance of an elderly person to provide for himself or herself one or more of the necessities essential for physical and emotional well-being without which the elderly person would be unable to safely remain in the community.” 

Because the elderly are often unwilling to speak out against their abusers for fear they will lose their independence, elder abuse often is not identified and goes unreported. Prevalent forms of elder abuse include:

1. Physical or Sexual Abuse
   Often at the hands of a caretaker or family member at home, a staff member in a long-term care facility or by another resident of an elder care facility. Many victims of physical or sexual abuse are afraid or unable to speak out against their abuser. When the abuser is a family member or a spouse, the elderly person may be too embarrassed to admit what is happening.

2. Verbal or Emotional Abuse
   Older adults are often subjected to verbal or emotional abuse and may be yelled at, threatened or belittled. Verbal abuse doesn’t leave physical marks, but it can leave deep emotional scars. The elderly are typically too afraid or embarrassed to report the abuse.

3. Financial Abuse
   Trusting but mentally declining adults are often victims of scams and other forms of financial abuse by family members, caretakers or random perpetrators. Often times the elderly do not speak up when they realize they are a victim of financial abuse because they realize their mental or physical abilities are declining and are fearful their independence will be taken from them. 

4. Self-Neglect
   An older person may stop taking their medications, forget to eat, not pay their bills, avoid medical treatment, live in unsanitary conditions and other signs of physical or mental self-neglect. Poor decision making including continuing to drive a car and wandering are also signs of elder abuse by self-neglect.

Is Someone You Care About Vulnerable to Elder Abuse? 

Dealing with elder abuse can be especially difficult if the victim is unwilling or unable to speak out against their abuser. If you suspect that your loved one is being abused, you should try to remove your loved one from the situation as soon as possible. There are various avenues you can pursue including immediately reporting it to the police or contacting adult protective services.  You may also consider obtaining guardianship over your loved one. 

What Is An Adult Guardianship?

Georgia courts can grant an adult guardianship for a vulnerable adult who lacks the ability to make responsible decisions concerning their own health or safety. 

Protecting the dignity and rights of your loved one is important. Just as important is recognizing when a parent can no longer make responsible decisions and taking action to protect them. A probate attorney with experience in adult guardianships can help with the following:

• protect them from elder abuse and fraud

• preserve their assets if they need long-term care

• secure their finances and pay their bills

• manage their estate

• make healthcare decisions

Georgia Adult Guardianship Attorney

Do you have questions about how to protect a vulnerable adult through guardianship? Contact attorney Jammie Taire at SmithTaire Legal: Your Trusted Legal Partner in Georgia at (678) 253-8133 or jtaire@tairelaw.com or schedule an initial complimentary consultation at smithtaireconsult.as.me/

Learn More:

 What Is The Difference Between Adult Guardianship Of The Person or The Property?