Conroe Courier - News
Signs of elderly abuse not always easy to see
 |
The two times in our lives when we are most vulnerable are when we are young and when we grow old. We rely on others to take care of us and keep us safe. In many cases, however, there are those who exploit the elderly and disabled for their money, property, or assets.
Unlike the outward signs of physical abuse, financial abuse of the elderly or disabled is often hidden and seldom known until it is too late. We often stress watching out for strangers, but unfortunately, family members and caregivers are most often the offenders.
Financial abuse often occurs when:
• Checks are cashed without the victim’s permission;
• A person’s signature is forged;
• Misusing or stealing a person’s money or possessions; or
• Forcing or deceiving a person to sign legal documents.
If you are elderly, disabled or are a family member of a person who is elderly or disabled, look for the warning signs of financial abuse:
• Unexplained withdrawals of money by a person accompanying the victim;
• Sudden changes in a bank account or banking practices;
• Unexplained missing funds or valuables;
• Unpaid bills despite having enough money;
• Unexplained transfers of assets;
• Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming rights to a person’s affairs or possessions; or
• Unapproved charges or withdrawals on credit cards or debit cards.
You can protect yourself, a family member, or friend by:
• Checking financial statements regularly;
• Refusing to sign documents you have not completely read or do not fully understand;
• Resisting pressure from family members, friends, caregivers, or anyone who wants you to do something you do not want to do.
You can learn more about financial exploitation of the elderly and disabled, or file a complaint if you feel you are victim, by contacting the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (Adult Protective Services) at (800) 252-5400, on the Internet at www.everyonesbusiness.org or by contacting your local law enforcement agency.
Remember, if it’s not your money, it’s a crime. Helping yourself to the property of people who are elderly or disabled is a crime. Preventing financial exploitation is everyone’s business.
Unlike the outward signs of physical abuse, financial abuse of the elderly or disabled is often hidden and seldom known until it is too late. We often stress watching out for strangers, but unfortunately, family members and caregivers are most often the offenders.
Financial abuse often occurs when:
• Checks are cashed without the victim’s permission;
• A person’s signature is forged;
• Misusing or stealing a person’s money or possessions; or
• Forcing or deceiving a person to sign legal documents.
If you are elderly, disabled or are a family member of a person who is elderly or disabled, look for the warning signs of financial abuse:
• Unexplained withdrawals of money by a person accompanying the victim;
• Sudden changes in a bank account or banking practices;
• Unexplained missing funds or valuables;
• Unpaid bills despite having enough money;
• Unexplained transfers of assets;
• Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming rights to a person’s affairs or possessions; or
• Unapproved charges or withdrawals on credit cards or debit cards.
You can protect yourself, a family member, or friend by:
• Checking financial statements regularly;
• Refusing to sign documents you have not completely read or do not fully understand;
• Resisting pressure from family members, friends, caregivers, or anyone who wants you to do something you do not want to do.
You can learn more about financial exploitation of the elderly and disabled, or file a complaint if you feel you are victim, by contacting the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (Adult Protective Services) at (800) 252-5400, on the Internet at www.everyonesbusiness.org or by contacting your local law enforcement agency.
Remember, if it’s not your money, it’s a crime. Helping yourself to the property of people who are elderly or disabled is a crime. Preventing financial exploitation is everyone’s business.
Copyright © 2009 - Houston Community Newspapers Online