How can seniors with cognitive impairment keep their independence?

More and more experts are pushing for less restrictive alternatives to drastic legal action such as guardianships

by Marilyn Perkins

America’s population is aging. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that, by 2034, there will be more adults over 65 than children, and The Administration for Community Living projects the number of seniors over 85 will double between 2020 and 2040.

With that shift will come more people than ever being diagnosed with dementia and cognitive impairment-causing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly one out of every three seniors over the age of 85 has Alzheimer’s dementia, and the annual incidence of Alzheimer’s is projected to double by 2050.

These conditions cause a person’s decision-making abilities to deteriorate, making it increasingly difficult to manage personal, financial and health care affairs independently. In these cases, legal interventions — often in the form of full or partial guardianships — can come into play.

But a growing number of physicians, lawyers and policymakers are bringing attention to how drastic legal action such as guardianships can put seniors’ livelihood and well-being at stake, and they’re pushing for less restrictive alternatives. One of those alternatives is a framework called supported decision-making.

“When I think about something like Alzheimer's disease, I think of it as a disease of autonomy,” says Emily Largent, a professor of medical ethics and health policy at the University of Pennsylvania and proponent of supported decision-making.

“It affects people's ability to make decisions about what's important to them,” she continues. “One of my big concerns is that when we look at tools like guardianship, we're stripping people of decision-making authority prematurely.”

She explains that, in supported decision-making, an adult with cognitive impairment relies on a trusted person or group to assist them through choices around finances, health care, housing or any other complex issues in their lives. It can include assistance in understanding information, communicating preferences, exploring alternatives and considering potential consequences. Supporters may include family members, friends, advocates or professionals who work collaboratively with the person to enable them to exercise their decision-making autonomy. The process emphasizes that, at the end of the day, it’s the individuals’ decision, rather than a guardian’s.

“Even though somebody's helping them, they retain the power over their own life,” says Largent.

The framework also lies in contrast to surrogate decision-making, an alternative to guardianship in which someone is authorized to make decisions on behalf of another person deemed incapable of making those decisions themselves.

The problem with guardianship

Guardianship came to the national forefront in 2021, when the #FreeBritney movement highlighted the alleged abuse in pop star Britney Spears’ conservatorship imposed over her mental health issues. Spears detailed the far-reaching control over her personal and professional life she endured during a widely watched trial that resulted in her release from the conservatorship.

But while Spears’ high-profile case revealed the reality of guardianship exploitation to a larger audience, it wasn’t representative of what most guardianships look like. The majority of people in guardianships are elderly, residing in health care facilities with some degree of cognitive impairment.

While full or partial guardianships can be necessary and even helpful for seniors with dementia, they can also open a door to abuse and exploitation, and can make people feel that they’re losing what little sense of self they have left.

“This is an issue of the most important fundamental rights: What it means to be a person, to make decisions about your life, about your health care, about where you live, what happens with your possessions, your money, who you see,” says Karen Buck, executive director of the SeniorLAW Center. “Every aspect of your life is potentially at risk with guardianship.”

Valerie Snow, an attorney with SeniorLAW Center who represents adults in guardianships or facing guardianship petitions, says that ageism is a big factor in why the mistreatment of seniors in guardianships has gone overlooked for so long.

“Older people are often ignored and devalued,” agrees Buck. “Their voices are unheard.”

Supported decision-making

Supported decision-making was first introduced as a way for young adults with developmental disorders such as Down Syndrome to avoid lifelong guardianships. Researchers like Largent are still working to adapt the approach for seniors living with cognitive impairment and dementia, as most studies conducted so far have focused only on younger adults.

“The studies that have been done with these younger adults, generally speaking, have found that they feel happier, more independent, they have greater self confidence, and they have a greater sense of control over what happens to them,” says Largent.

The pilot projects also show a much lower potential for abuse and exploitation compared to guardianship.

However, supported decision-making for seniors still faces a number of challenges. Compared to younger adults with developmental disabilities, cognitive abilities in older adults are less stable. A person who has Alzheimer’s disease may experience poor memory one day, clarity the next; and ultimately, their memory will likely deteriorate over time.

That means supported decision-making strategies for older adults need to be flexible day-by-day, and perhaps transition into guardianships over time.

Proponents of supported decision-making also admit that it isn’t a solution for everyone. For those with severe cognitive impairment or dementia, guardianship or surrogate decision-making might be the only option.

Still, a physician and director of the Penn Memory Center Jason Karlawish emphasizes the importance of pursuing arrangements that let seniors with cognitive impairment keep their autonomy.

“Guardianship is a method of last resort,” says Karlawish. “It's a tool that should be in the toolbox, but it should be used with great care and caution.”

And like successful guardianship, supported decision-making requires a person to have someone in their life who, in the words of Karlawish, is “trustworthy, reliable and accessible.”

Karlawish cautions that finding that balance can be difficult, even with spouses and adult children.

Legal status

As of 2023, over a dozen states, including California, Texas and the District of Columbia, legally recognize supported decision-making. In Pennsylvania, it remains an informal mechanism.

Largent says it’s still possible to informally develop a supported decision-making arrangement for seniors, but that privacy-oriented institutions like banks and health care providers may not recognize it.

For anyone considering a supported decision-making arrangement — or any other alternative to guardianship — for themselves or a loved one, Snow recommends planning ahead as much as possible.

“Putting the person in the driver's seat is the most important thing you can do,” she says. “If you don't plan ahead, you might end up under a guardianship where you are not in the driver's seat, and you have very little agency over these big things that affect you.”

While the state doesn’t have any supported decision-making laws on the books, Pennsylvania representatives are on the forefront of the national stage for guardianship reform. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman recently introduced a bill to standardize the nation’s patchwork of guardianship laws and push for less-restrictive alternatives like supported decision-making.

Karlawish says he thinks it’s time for the legal and medical framework that helps seniors with cognitive impairment maintain their autonomy to expand. He points back to a similar moment in the late 1980s and early ’90s, when new technologies such as life support systems allowed doctors to prolong the lives of patients who once would have died.

From this explosion in medical technology came legal frameworks like surrogate decision-making and living wills. “That took away a lot of ethical dilemmas and anxieties that dominated medicine in the late 20th century,” explains Karlawish.

Now Karlawish says it’s once again time for policy to catch up to medicine. As lifespans stretch and treatments for dementia cause seniors to live with mild cognitive impairment for longer, he believes supported decision-making will be more relevant than ever.

Largent agrees. “I think we should really keep people empowered as long as possible — and this is a way of doing that.”

Full Article & Source:
How can seniors with cognitive impairment keep their independence?

Caregiver arrested for DWI; accused of neglecting elderly patient, using her car

A caregiver is behind bars after an elderly woman was found at home alone sitting in her own excrement while allegedly in her care. 

Source:
Caregiver arrested for DWI; accused of neglecting elderly patient, using her car

Caregiver Arrested For Forging Checks In Elderly Woman’s Name

Brittany Kozubik

By Brianna Pitts

CULVER — A Marshall County caregiver was recently arrested for allegedly stealing money from the woman she was caring for.

Brittany Kozubik, 38, Monterey, is charged with eight counts of forgery, all level 6 felonies; and exploitation of a dependent, a class A misdemeanor.

On Sept. 27, 2022, a woman contacted Marshall County Central Dispatch to report allegations regarding her mother’s caregiver, identified as Kozubik, forging checks and stealing money from her. The woman said she had documentation of this occurring.

The woman gave Kozubik a budget of what to spend on her mother’s expenditures and she was allowed to use a debit card from the Fifth Third Bank only. When visiting her mother in Culver, the woman came across a check written out to Kozubik from a checking account from First Farmers Bank, an account she was not supposed to have access to, containing a forged signature with her mother’s name.

The woman said she noticed these checks being suspicious because only maintenance costs for the house were to be paid out using checks and there were several checks made out to “Brittany” since 2019, when she was initially hired.

Kozubik was booked in the Marshall County Jail on June 29, 2023.

Full Article & Source:
Caregiver Arrested For Forging Checks In Elderly Woman’s Name

RIGHT PATH American Pickers star Frank Fritz’s conservator files new financial plan as he recovers from debilitating stroke

by Teresa Roca

AMERICAN Pickers star Frank Fritz’s conservator has filed a new financial plan, as the former host continues to recover from a stroke he suffered last year. 

Frank, 59, was placed under conservatorship after he suffered a debilitating stroke in July 2022 that reportedly left his decision­-making capacity impaired.

The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal Frank’s conservator, MidWestOne Bank, filed an Amended Initial Financial Management Plan and an Inventory Report on June 27. 

MidWestOne Bank requested to seal the inventory of Frank’s “real property and monetary assets,” as well as his whereabouts because he is a well-known celebrity.

The judge on the case approved his conservator’s request to seal the financial records.

The request comes after a Notice of Delinquency for Conservatorships was filed on June 2 after the inventory report was not filed by the due date.

The court papers read: “Failure to file the same within sixty (60) days from the date hereof will result in: (1) a report being made to the presiding judge (2) the fiduciary(ies) being subject to removal (3) a report being made to the Chief Judge of the Judicial District and the Administrator of the Judicial Branch, and (4) a report being made to the Committee on Professional Ethics and Conduct (which may result in disciplinary action being taken).”

FRANK'S FINANCES

MidWestOne Bank filed an Initial Plan that revealed Frank’s monthly expenses in October 2022.

According to the plan, Frank spends $28,292 monthly on expenses, including $22,832 on in-home health care.

The health care alone is expected to cost $273,984 yearly for the star.

Other expenses include $1,250 in food, $850 in health insurance payments, $500 in transportation, $250 in clothing, and more. 

Frank’s annual income is just $60,000 from investments.

But according to the court papers, MidWestOne Bank provided a plan for Frank to make more money.

The court papers read: “Assets will be invested to start generating income for Mr. Fritz.”

The conservator has not inventoried Frank’s many collectibles and antiques, but they plan to “leave them largely as they are now.”

The conservator will work with the guardian to “integrate Mr. Fritz into management decisions as he continues to recover.”

A checking account with a small balance will be available for Frank’s personal use.

The conservator will also “work to apply for disability income for the protected person should he be eligible.”

When asked how long the conservatorship is expected to last, the bank responded: “unknown.”

Frank was unemployed at the time of his stroke.

He had no debt listed. 

UNDER CONSERVATORSHIP

The U.S. Sun broke the news that the conservatorship was filed in August 2022. 

The documents obtained by The U.S. Sun read: “Because of his stroke, Mr. Fritz’s decision­-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety, or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care without which physical injury or illness may occur.

“Mr. Fritz’s decision­-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to make, communicate, or carry out important decisions concerning his own financial affairs.”

An exhibit was mentioned in the court papers from a doctor, allegedly confirming Frank does not have decisional capacity.

The legal papers continued: “Decisions must be made for Mr. Fritz’s care and placement while he continues to recover and receive treatment for his injuries. 

“Appointment of a guardian and conservator is necessary to avoid immediate harm to him.”

The Petitioner requested a separate longtime friend of Frank’s, who has been assisting him in decision-making since the stroke, be his guardian. 

The guardian will help Frank with his Crohn's disease treatment and continued physical therapy. 

He will also help the former American Pickers star grocery shop, cook, and get him to any activity he feels up to doing.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Frank struggled with his health when he returned home from rehabilitation.

The U.S. Sun obtained four 911 calls placed from the house, resulting in Frank being rushed to the hospital. 

On November 17, Frank’s caregiver called 911 because he was having a seizure.

She told the operator: “He just came home from inpatient rehab for a stroke. He just had a full-blown seizure, maybe more than one… He's been shaking.”

She then asked the operator if there is anything she can do to help him, as she was transferred to medical. 

On December 7, another caregiver called 911 for elevated blood pressure. 

She said on the call: “I have a 59-year-old stroke victim with elevated blood pressure.”

You could hear Frank moan in the background, as she could be heard telling him: “You have to go because your blood pressure is too high."

He responded: "Oh."

In the final two calls, another caregiver called 911 on December 21 for possible pneumonia.

Frank’s guardian then called the next day. 

He said in the call: "I'm going to need an ambulance to take someone to the hospital because I think they have pneumonia. I'm the guardian. He's handicapped. He's wheelchair-bound."

FRANK'S FIRING

Frank last appeared on American Pickers during a March 2020 episode, as he took time off to recover from back surgery that left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine. 

During his time off the show, Frank lost 65 pounds.

He also told The U.S. Sun that he entered rehab for alcohol addiction in Iowa for 77 days.

Frank revealed his feud with co-star Mike during the 2021 interview with The U.S. Sun.

Frank said: “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years. He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me up and ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is.

"The show is tilted towards him 1,000 percent. I can’t even bend that far down to show you how much.

"That’s fine. It’s like you’ve got Aerosmith and there’s Steven Tyler and he’s the frontman. I found my spot, I’m second and he’s number one on the show. That’s no problem with me, maybe he does have a problem.”

He even admitted: “I think Mike wants to get his brother Robbie in there to replace me. I don’t know why he’s behaving like that towards me."

FRIENDS AGAIN

But a friend told The Quad-City Times that Frank and Mike had a tearful reunion over Memorial Day Weekend. 

The pal said: "This was not a feud between Mike and Frank at all. They were not feuding. They needed separation to appreciate each other."

The friend explained that the longtime buddies' relationship became tense after 11 seasons of working 10-hour days, seven days a week on the reality TV show.

She informed the newspaper that Mike and Frank were both in tears during their long-awaited reunion.

The friend disclosed: "Both were crying," before adding that “Mike brought up how nervous they both were to be going on David Letterman, which was one of their first big appearances."

Mike told his former co-star: "Nobody can replace you, Frank," while admitting that it was Frank’s "uniquely funny personality" that contributed to them working so well together for the 11 years they spent making the show.

The arrangements were made after Frank told the friend: "I need to talk to Mike,” so she called the TV personality on Mother's Day to make the plans.

The insider ended: "Mike really stressed all the good times they had before the show and during the show.

"Mike did say he’d like Frank back on the show, but Frank is focused on his health."

Full Article & Source:
RIGHT PATH American Pickers star Frank Fritz’s conservator files new financial plan as he recovers from debilitating stroke

See Also:
American Pickers' Frank Fritz Still Under A Conservatorship, But There's Been An Update

PICKING PRIVACY American Pickers star Frank Fritz’s conservator begs judge to seal his financial records and location amid his recovery

CONSERVATOR CHAOS American Pickers star Frank Fritz’s conservator at risk of removal by judge after star suffers debilitating stroke

PAY UP American Pickers alum Frank Fritz’s conservatorship lawyer demands to be paid $2K for his services in tragic case

Frank Fritz, of 'American Pickers,' under guardianship after stroke

FRANK'S FATE American Pickers alum Frank Fritz’s judge makes major ruling in conservatorship case after star suffers from stroke

Schiavo’s first bill signed by governor

News release 

Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, D-Chatsworth, announced that Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed her first bill, Elder and Adult Abuse Reporting (Assembly Bill 751), aimed at protecting the safety and well-being of California’s senior and disabled communities.  

AB 751 signifies a significant step forward in combating the pervasive issue of abuse targeting these vulnerable populations, said a news release from the assemblywoman’s office. 

“I’m so proud that our first bill signed by Gov. Newsom is AB 751, aimed at protecting the safety of our senior and disabled communities,” Schiavo said in the release. “This bill earned bipartisan support from my colleagues in the Legislature because too often, these communities are targeted and preyed upon. It’s critical that when abuse is reported, it’s investigated. This milestone achievement represents a collective effort to prioritize the safety and security of our senior and disabled populations.” 

AB 751 addresses the urgent need for law enforcement agencies to improve their training and investigative protocols concerning abuse inflicted on elderly and disabled people, the release said. The legislation mandates that agencies provide comprehensive information and training on various types of abuse, ensuring a more informed and effective response to these distressing incidents. 

In California, there are approximately 8.5 million older adults and 9 million people with disabilities, encompassing both adults and children. These individuals are uniquely susceptible to the harms of abuse and other serious crimes, which often go unreported, uninvestigated and unpunished, the release said. Abuse can manifest in diverse forms, including physical and psychological mistreatment, financial exploitation and caregiver neglect. 

“This is the next, major step toward a revolutionary change in how law enforcement protects California’s 9 million adults and children with disabilities and its 8.5 million older adults,” Greg deGiere, with the Advocates for People with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities California, said in the release from Schiavo’s office. 

AB 751 also garnered support from both senior and disability groups. 

“We want to thank the Legislature and the governor for prioritizing the health and safety of all Californians, especially our children, seniors and people with disabilities with the passage of AB 751,” Dwayne Camp Jr., with the California Alliance for Retired Americans, said in the release. “This legislation is pivotal to ensure law enforcement is better equipped with the resources to more equitably protect our most vulnerable communities and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with all stakeholders during the implementation process.” 

Source:
Schiavo’s first bill signed by governor

Opinion: New state law protects seniors from financial predators

by Jorge Perez, Bruce Adams, Tom Mongellow and Kelly Papa

Connecticut’s elder population has collectively lived lives that have impressed and awed so many of us. Imagine one person over the age of 80 and what that person has witnessed during a lifetime. Numerous wars, a Great Recession, so much political turmoil and upheaval. This person has witnessed and participated in dramatic social change and perhaps played an active role as technology and innovation have taken us in amazing new directions, in addition to building a family, a career and a legacy. This is a person to be honored and revered.

Now consider the fact that there are more than 800,000 of these kinds of stories in Connecticut.  Census numbers show seniors over the age 60 account for nearly a quarter of our state’s population. They are our loved ones, neighbors, friends, role models and mentors.

This is why it is particularly disturbing that cases of financial fraud, scams and exploitation against this treasured population have been on the rise lately. It is unconscionable to most of us, but there are those out there who prey on this population and seek to steal their hard-earned investments and savings. And it needs to stop.

Now consider the fact that there are more than 800,000 of these kinds of stories in Connecticut.  Census numbers show seniors over the age 60 account for nearly a quarter of our state’s population. They are our loved ones, neighbors, friends, role models and mentors.

This is why it is particularly disturbing that cases of financial fraud, scams and exploitation against this treasured population have been on the rise lately. It is unconscionable to most of us, but there are those out there who prey on this population and seek to steal their hard-earned investments and savings. And it needs to stop.

It should be unfathomable to think of this happening, but sadly, financial exploitation of the elderly has become common. Those who work with seniors on a daily basis know of many tragic instances where many seniors have seen their savings depleted and, in some cases, wiped out entirely simply by placing their trust in the wrong people — a more common mistake than most think. To sit with someone after this has happened — someone who has spent a lifetime working, saving and sacrificing — is as infuriating as it is heartbreaking.

Will this new law stop all instances of financial exploitation of the elderly? Unlikely. But will it make it much harder by adding a strong layer of protection and training? It will indeed.

So going forward, for example, when someone walks into their bank or credit union and makes a request for money from a senior citizen that doesn’t seem quite right, that person will be prepared to put the brakes on and halt the transaction until it can be verified. This will give seniors and their families the peace of mind of knowing the right people are looking out for their welfare.

These strong new actions were a priority of the Department of Banking this year because similar legislation had stalled in previous years. We cannot wait any longer while these stories of exploitation and targeting of older residents pile up. The stories hit harder every time we hear them. It is time to do whatever we can to stop these scams and schemes preying on this vulnerable population. By empowering both our financial institutions and our seniors with more avenues to recourse than ever, this is major progress that could set a national standard.

We need to continue to honor our senior population on a daily basis for all they have seen, endured and contributed, and all the good they continue to do in their later years. With this new law coming on the books, we are doing just that.

Jorge Perez is the commissioner of the State of Connecticut Department of Banking. Bruce Adams is president and CEO of the Credit Union League of Connecticut, which represents Connecticut’s credit unions. Tom Mongellow is president and CEO of the Connecticut Bankers Association, which represents the Connecticut banking industry. Kelly Papa is president and CEO of Duncaster, a nonprofit continuing care retirement community in Bloomfield.

Full Article & Source:
Opinion: New state law protects seniors from financial predators

Ohio pushes for more nursing home accountability, transparency

Ohio is looking to increase nursing home oversight in the state while stiffening the penalties for ones who treat patients poorly.

By Josh Croup

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVG) - Ohio is looking to increase nursing home oversight in the state while stiffening the penalties for ones who treat patients poorly.

The state’s new two-year budget dedicates an additional $1.4 billion to increase the quality of care in nursing homes, the governor’s office says.

The budget includes money to “dramatically” increase the number of inspectors in the state to “make sure people are living with dignity in high quality and safe environments,” Gov. Mike DeWine said.

The budget also stiffens penalties for nursing homes that consistently fail to provide quality care.

“Expectations are a two-way street,” DeWine said. “If a nursing home takes care of its residents exceptionally well and is well-staffed, they will be rewarded with more funding.”

The governor says the budget also provides nursing homes with more resources to hire qualified and compassionate staff members, along with technical assistance to improve their quality of care.

The state is also developing an “easy-to-navigate” website with details about every nursing home in the state.

For people who want to age in their homes, the budget dedicates $40 million to establishing a new Healthy Aging Grants program.

Full Article & Source:
Ohio pushes for more nursing home accountability, transparency

Protecting Our Seniors: Yolo County Joins Forces to Combat Financial Scams Targeting the Elderly

PRESS RELEASE

The Yolo County District Attorney's Office, in partnership with the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency, are issuing an urgent public advisory to raise awareness about the alarming increase in financial scams targeting our elderly population. These scams have reached an unprecedented level of sophistication, posing a serious threat to the financial security and overall well-being of our beloved seniors.

Recent data from the California Department of Justice reveals a startling rise in financial scams targeting the elderly, with a staggering 30% increase in reported incidents across the state over the past year alone. Our own community of Yolo County has unfortunately not been spared from this troubling trend, with a significant number of our seniors falling victim to these reprehensible crimes.

These scams have evolved far beyond traditional methods, leveraging advanced technology and exploiting the vulnerabilities of our seniors. Fraudsters employ various manipulative techniques, including impersonating trusted institutions, creating sophisticated phishing emails, and using coercive tactics to extract sensitive personal and financial information. It is crucial that our focus be on supporting and protecting victims rather than criticizing them for having been victimized by these criminals.  

In response to this growing threat, the County of Yolo has taken proactive measures to combat financial scams targeting our elderly residents. The Yolo County District Attorney's Office and the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency have joined forces to launch a comprehensive initiative aimed at raising awareness, providing educational resources, and strengthening community support networks.

Through this collaborative effort, we are enhancing public education and outreach to ensure that our seniors have the knowledge and tools to recognize and prevent scams before falling victim. We are also bolstering efforts to investigate and prosecute those responsible for preying on our vulnerable population, sending a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated in our community.

We urge all residents of Yolo County to remain vigilant and to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. Here are some essential tips to help safeguard against financial scams:

• Keep personal information, such as Social Security numbers and banking details, confidential and secure.

• Be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages requesting personal or financial information. Legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive details via unsolicited means.

• Regularly review financial statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity. No legitimate financial institution or organization will ever ask you to buy gift cards or put money into cryptocurrency.

• Report any instances of scams or fraud to the local authorities and relevant regulatory agencies. Embarrassment and fear of losing their independence are often the reason victims do not report these crimes. When someone falls prey to deceit, DO NOT talk down to them or treat them like a child. Encourage them to report it and support them in their recovery from being scammed.

Stay informed by visiting the official websites of trusted organizations for the latest information on scams and fraud prevention.

The County of Yolo, through this partnership of its dedicated staff, remains committed to the safety and well-being of our seniors. We encourage everyone to join us in this critical endeavor by spreading awareness, supporting those victimized, and remaining vigilant against these cunning scams. By working together, we can protect the most vulnerable members of our community and ensure a safe and secure future for all.

• Report any crimes to your local law enforcement’s non-emergency number. If you suspect that someone is a victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation, report it to Adult Protective Services (APS) at 530-661-2727 or 1-888-675-1115. If you think the person’s safety may be at risk, call 911.
• Additionally, if you or someone you know is a victim of elder fraud, we encourage you to call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).

If you want to assist us in spreading public awareness or are interested in how best to protect yourself, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has additional resources here: www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/resources-for-older-adults/protecting-against-fraud

Source:
Protecting Our Seniors: Yolo County Joins Forces to Combat Financial Scams Targeting the Elderly

Pastor next door confronts intruder after elderly neighbor attacked

A camera was rolling in a northwest Houston neighborhood where a man barged his way into a couple's home, attacking an elderly man in the process.

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Pastor next door confronts intruder after elderly neighbor attacked