 |
|
|||
 |
||||
 |
|
 |
||
|
Latest News View a Portrait of Independence! Read the Latest Issue of The Beacon! Preview our Electronic Newsletter!
|
|
||
 |
|
 |
||
Suspecting Elder Abuse I have an older neighbor who lives by herself. Although I am raising a family and I have a job, I try to get over to my neighbor’s every few weeks to say hello. I don’t think she has much social interaction. The last few times I’ve visited her she’s complained about not having enough money to pay the bills. I find this odd because while she’s not rich, she has told me before that she has a good pension and receives Social Security. Obviously I’m concerned that she can’t pay her bills, but I’m also concerned about why. I know this is terrible to think, but her son has had problems with drugs in the past and I wonder if he’s stealing money from his mother. That’s obviously a difficult question to ask someone and I’m not comfortable asking her, but is there anything I can do? Answer: There are many reasons why your neighbor may be struggling to pay the bills, but your concern that she is being financially exploited could be the problem. Elder abuse, of which financial exploitation is one form, is a widespread problem in our culture. Although exact figures are not known, it is estimated that 400,000 to 3.5 million older Americans suffer from abuse each year. In addition to financial exploitation, elder abuse includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.
|
Question
| Click here to find out about information, advice, services, and ways to contribute to MVES. |
Site Sponsor:
|
  |
|
| Your connection to Massachusetts’ largest online resource for aging services, programs, and information | ||
|
