Elder Abuse Attorney in Thousand Oaks
If you or a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse, you may want to consider hiring an experienced elder abuse attorney to help you out. Elder abuse affects millions of Americans over the age 60 each year. As an example, in early March, it was reported that famed American singer and songwriter Jerry Lee Lewis was suing his daughter for elder abuse. The 81-year-old celebrity claimed his daughter stole millions of dollars, which falls under the category of financial abuse of an older person. Lewis alleges that his daughter fed him a “cocktail” of medication that kept him sedated and cooperative.
Many elderly people around the country go through similar experiences. Unfortunately, many people are too afraid to report the crime to authorities. So, how do elderly Americans protect themselves against financial abuse?
Hiring an Elder Abuse Attorney to Track Your Finances
In 2014, 3.2 million Americans were victims of financial abuse. The average person has $30,000 stolen from them. According to USA Today, many of the culprits behind financial abuse are those charged with looking after the elderly person. Therefore, the abuse can come from children, spouses, new relations, or even nurses at a care home.
The best way to prevent any kind of financial abuse is to keep a close eye on bank accounts and credit cards. That way if something is amiss or irregular activity surfaces on your monthly statements, contact your bank immediately. In addition, you should not be afraid to report the activity, and if needed, do not be scared to get the police involved. Of course, this is easier said than done when a loved one is involved.
Hire an Attorney to Help Plan Ahead
Experts agree that putting a will in place as you get older can prevent financial abuse from occurring. A will outlines where your money and property will go in the future. Therefore, if you have a will in place, you will be able to show what the plan for your financial situation was prior to any claim of abuse.
A will can also prevent bullying and intimidation by family, friends and others, who may try to get you to put them in your will. Making sudden major changes could be a red flag that something is amiss. Plenty of people have received large cash sums or property after influencing an elderly person to change his or her will.
Get out of the House
Too often, elderly people cut themselves off from the outside world. As a result, elderly people also cut themselves off from friends and family. Thus, they become more reliant on the few people the very few people they see. Elderly people may trust them simply because of their dependence on them. Some people take advantage of that dependency and trust.
Keeping a fit mind and body can help prevent abuse from taking place. In addition, keeping in contact with friends and family on a regular basis and getting out of the house can make a big difference. The more people you interact with, the greater the opportunity for someone to identify and help address problems of abuse if they occur.
Thousand Oaks Elder Abuse Attorneys | Flahavan Law Offices
If you or a loved one have experienced elderly abuse, contact an elder abuse attorney at Flahavan Law Offices. Flahavan Law Offices specializes in personal injury law and can give you advice on the compensation and help you deserve. Flahavan Law Offices is here to help with all your personal injury law needs. To read more on elder abuse law, please see our other articles here.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse, you may want to consider hiring an experienced elder abuse attorney to help you out. Elder abuse affects millions of Americans over the age 60 each year. As an example, in early March, it was reported that famed American singer and songwriter Jerry Lee Lewis was suing his daughter for elder abuse. The 81-year-old celebrity claimed his daughter stole millions of dollars, which falls under the category of financial abuse of an older person. Lewis alleges that his daughter fed him a “cocktail” of medication that kept him sedated and cooperative.
Many elderly people around the country go through similar experiences. Unfortunately, many people are too afraid to report the crime to authorities. So, how do elderly Americans protect themselves against financial abuse?
Hiring an Elder Abuse Attorney to Track Your Finances
In 2014, 3.2 million Americans were victims of financial abuse. The average person has $30,000 stolen from them. According to USA Today, many of the culprits behind financial abuse are those charged with looking after the elderly person. Therefore, the abuse can come from children, spouses, new relations, or even nurses at a care home.
The best way to prevent any kind of financial abuse is to keep a close eye on bank accounts and credit cards. That way if something is amiss or irregular activity surfaces on your monthly statements, contact your bank immediately. In addition, you should not be afraid to report the activity, and if needed, do not be scared to get the police involved. Of course, this is easier said than done when a loved one is involved.
Plan Ahead
Experts agree that putting a will in place as you get older can prevent financial abuse from occurring. A will outlines where your money and property will go in the future.
A will can also prevent bullying and intimidation by family, friends and others, who may try to get you to put them in your will. Making sudden major changes could be a red flag that something is amiss. Plenty of people have received large cash sums or property after influencing an elderly person to change his or her will.
Get out of the House
Too often, elderly people cut themselves off from the outside world. By cutting yourself off and seeing fewer friends and family, you become more reliant on the few people you do see. You may trust them simply because of your dependence on them. Some people take advantage of that dependence and trust.
Keeping a fit mind and body can help prevent abuse from taking place. In addition, keeping in contact with friends and family on a regular basis and getting out of the house can make a big difference. The more people you interact with, the greater the opportunity for someone to identify and help address problems of abuse if they occur.
Thousand Oaks Elder Abuse Attorneys | Flahavan Law Offices
If you or a loved one have experienced elderly abuse, contact an elder abuse attorney at Flahavan Law Offices. Flahavan Law Offices specializes in personal injury law and can give you advice on the compensation and help you deserve. Flahavan Law Offices is here to help with all your personal injury law needs. To read more on elder abuse law, please see our other articles here.