Elder abuse is a real problem in the United States and the most prevalent form of abuse is financial. In a post Life Care Funding put on this BLOG back in 2012, we shared information that was released on this subject by the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) putting numbers behind the severity of this problem: “In a national survey of state securities regulators, financial planners, health care professionals, social workers, adult protective services workers, law enforcement officials, elder law attorneys, and academics 79 percent of the surveyed experts identified theft or diversion of funds by family members as the most common form of financial abuse.”  Click here to read BLOG post from 9-19-12: http://lcfunding.wpengine.com/blog/family-members-theft-most-common-form-of-financial-elder-abuse/

Elder abuse is a serious issue that we are always looking for when working with seniors who need help with long term care.  Life Care Funding has encountered families on more than one occasion whose primary concern is finding ways to preserve their loved one’s money for themselves.  It is heartbreaking for us to speak to family members who we know are more concerned about trying to “run out the clock” without needing to spend too much money on care.  We have seen circumstances where a loved one is kept alone at home with random visits or is moved into a spare room or basement of a family member’s house.  We have had family members literally tell us they don’t expect their loved one to live much longer or they don’t know the difference so what does it matter!

In an announcement about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, HHS points out some alarming statistics and encourages people to “take a stand”.  We applaud their efforts to bring more awareness to this problem and are pleased to join them in taking a stand!
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING (Dept. of Health and Human Services)

Every year an estimated 5 million older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that’s only part of the picture: Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23 cases go unreported.

That’s why it is so important that everyone can act to protect seniors.

Once a year on June 15, communities and municipalities around the world plan activities and programs to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). It’s an opportunity to share information and spread awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation in later life. Everyone can make a difference, but together, we can unite as one nation.

Take a stand against elder abuse!

As in past years, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), encourages individuals and organizations across our nation, states, and local communities to take a stand and to raise public awareness about elder abuse. As part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2014, ACL is pleased to provide information, tools, and resources to support efforts to shed light on the importance of preventing, identifying, and responding to this serious, often hidden public health problem. Remember, it only takes one individual, one action, to make a difference.

Click here to access the 2014 World Elder Abuse Day Tool Kit http://www.acl.gov/NewsRoom/Observances/WEAAD/Tools-Tips-Resources/Index.aspx