TIME FOR A REALITY CHECK, By AgeOptions Dec. 2, 2011
Visits to parents and older relatives are a perfect opportunity to assess how they’re doing. Even though they assure relatives and friends that they’re fine, some older adults may be having difficulties in one or more areas of their lives.
Some changes, such as appearance, reflexes and physical or mental health, may be obvious. Others may require looking into the refrigerator, the bank account and other aspects of the older person’s life. Keep in mind that issues may be connected, as when physical limitations or lack of transportation make it difficult to shop, cook, clean or visit friends. Read More
ELDER FINANCIAL ABUSE ESTIMATED AT $2.9 BILLION A YEAR, By Bill Benson and Nancy Aldrich, http://www.smpresource.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Media/Newsletters/Sentinel1111/The_Sentinel_November2011_HBABCs_financial_exploitation.pdf
Actor Mickey Rooney and philanthropist Brooke Astor are well-known examples of older adults who became victims of financial abuse by a family member. Rooney’s stepson allegedly took control of Rooney’s money and forced him to live in poverty. Astor’s son tried to take control of her immense fortune while she had Alzheimer’s disease. Read More