Elder financial abuse is a crime, and the incidence is on the rise. Fraud experts say it will be the "Crime of the 21st Century" due to a growing older population.
According to a MetLife Mature Market Institute report in 2009, up to one million older adults may be targeted yearly. The related cost of exploiting older adults exceeds $2.6 billion annually. This includes health care, social services, legal fees, prosecution, and lost income or assets.
At a time when older adults should be enjoying the labors of a lifetime, they are being exploited by con artists, unscrupulous companies, caregivers, and even family members. The outcome can be devastating. Without financial resources, emotional and physical well-being also declines and they may even lose their independence.
"Elder Financial Exploitation: Investigation and Intervention Tools" is the theme for the 2011 Rocky Mountain Conference on Aging on Thursday, April 21 at The Ranch near Loveland. Conference attendees will explore the challenges and complexities of financial exploitation, learn to recognize warning signs, and acquire tools for investigation and prevention.
Full Article and Source:
Elder Financial Exploitation Subject of April 21 Conference
5 comments:
I hope our Colorado members can attend!
I agree, Connie, it's important for victims to be heard at these events!
Is guardianship abuse on the agenda?
I bet it's not, Steve!
If elder abuse is a crime, then why aren't court-appointed guardians and conservators who deplete estates charged?
Post a Comment