Taking Care to Stop Elder Abuse

By : Marcy Rein

Standing in line at a bank recently, I noticed an older woman approaching the teller next door with checkbook register in hand. Her voice was very concerned as she asked for help understanding why her register did not match her bank statement. Had someone stolen her money? The teller took her to a nearby table and went item by item to help solve the mystery. The patience, understanding and thoroughness were impressive to witness. By the time I finished my business, the pair had found the source of the difference and all was well.

This woman did a good job protecting herself. She kept her paperwork up to date. She got help when she had questions. However, there are many times when all is not well, especially for our older friends and family.

Financial exploitation is a form of elder abuse. While elder abuse takes many forms, the most common is financial.  Simply put, financial exploitation is theft. It might be taking actual money, or it could be taking items that belong to an older adult. It might also be scamming an older adult into giving out their Medicare number, Social Security number, or other personal information. Then thieves can use that information to take out new credit cards and access services.

Beyond great customer service, that bank teller probably received extra training about financial elder abuse. While anyone can get scammed, this bank teller knew certain people are at higher risk, such as a person who

• Experiences a disability, memory problems or mental illness,

• Does not have access to social support and friends,

• Lives in group housing, or

• Is grieving the loss of a spouse or family member.

Unusual activity in a bank account is a key sign of financial exploitation that the bank teller understood.  Another sign might be suddenly missing important paperwork or property. Sometimes a person exploiting an older adult will make sure they do not see a bank statement so they cannot notice the unusual activity.

When older adults are lonely, thieves can use the need for companionship to get close enough to take advantage. A person trying to exploit an older adult may try to isolate them so that friends and family will not notice those missing things.  What friends and family of the victim might notice is that their loved one has less and less furniture or clothing in the closet.

Older adults can do things to help protect themselves from financial abuse.

• Use direct deposit to get your benefits.

• Keep valuable things and your cash in a safe place.

• Do not sign anything you do not understand.

• If you have ATM debit cards or credit cards you do not use, cancel them.

• Do not give your bank PIN to anyone.

• Look at your bank statements carefully.

• If you have someone to help you with your money, put the details of your agreement in writing.

• Take the time to have someone you trust review paperwork with you.

• Do not answer calls if you do not recognize the number. They can leave a message.

Often, scammers and thieves make it seem like you must hurry and “act now.” You always have time to stop and think and check. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If someone says a family member needs money, call that family member directly. Telephone scammers can fake voices now, so check in with real people.

Sometimes older adults do not report theft or scams because they are embarrassed. It is important to know that you are not alone.  Thieves often take advantage of the best intentions of good people.  It is also important to know there are other good people, like the bank teller, willing to help sort things out.  Reporting a crime is important because it could keep it from happening again.

Friends and family can help older adults keep themselves safe from elder abuse. Know the risks. Remind older adults about how to protect themselves. Know your neighbors and help older adults take part in social activities to keep connected. Report suspected abuse by calling Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services at 1-800-752-6200. To find out more about elder abuse, visit https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dpp/apb/Pages/publications.aspx.

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Taking Care to Stop Elder Abuse