New Federal Law Puts Focus on Preventing Elder Abuse
A new federal law is designed to address the growing problem of elder abuse. The law supports efforts to better understand, p...
Read moreAs we age, it is not uncommon to experience some level of cognitive decline. Cognitive decline can range from mild impairment to more severe conditions such as dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in nine adults is experiencing subjective cognitive decline (SCD). SCD is self-reported confusion or memory problems that have become more frequent or have worsened during the previous 12 months.
Each experience with cognitive decline is unique. A person may have trouble with some aspects of their life but still be able to handle others adequately. Recognizing the signs of cognitive decline is key for early intervention and support. Symptoms may include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confusion, and impaired judgment.
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Regardless of one’s age, the decline of mental faculties can leave a person vulnerable to abuse. In some cases, the abuser is someone known to the abused. Through certain lifestyle choices and proactive measures, older people can help mitigate the effects of cognitive decline and protect themselves from potential abuse.
Signs that someone is experiencing cognitive decline can be subtle. When spending time with aging loved ones, look for any changes in behavior or speech, such as the following:
Cognitive decline may be inevitable for some older people, but there are ways to mitigate the risk factors.
Financial elder abuse is a serious and growing concern, particularly for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. It involves the illegal or improper use of an elderly person’s funds, property, or assets. Perpetrators can be strangers, caregivers, or even family members. The effect of financial elder abuse can be devastating, leading to significant financial loss and emotional distress.
Detecting financial abuse can be tricky and often requires a delicate touch. The victim may feel ashamed knowing that someone has taken advantage of them. Keep the following in mind when looking for the possibility of financial abuse.
Preventing all types of elder abuse requires consistent monitoring. Here are some ways to help prevent financial elder abuse.
You can help protect your elderly loved ones from abuse in several ways.
Cognitive decline is a natural part of aging, but it does not have to lead to financial vulnerability. By staying informed, taking proactive measures, and fostering open communication, families can protect their elderly loved ones from financial elder abuse. Ensuring the safety and well-being of seniors requires vigilance, compassion, and a commitment to their overall health and security over the long term.
Contact an experienced elder law attorney near you today to learn how you can safeguard yourself and your loved ones from elder abuse. Your attorney can discuss your specific situation and your options with you. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) is also a good resource.
For additional reading on cognitive decline and elder abuse, check out the following articles:
A new federal law is designed to address the growing problem of elder abuse. The law supports efforts to better understand, p...
Read moreThe older the population gets, the greater the potential for elder abuse. States have laws in place designed to combat elder...
Read moreIf you suspect elder abuse, an outstanding resource for professionals and public alike is the National Center on Elder Abuse...
Read moreReports of elder financial abuse continue to increase, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to scams or to financial a...
Read moreIn addition to nursing home care, Medicaid may cover home care and some care in an assisted living facility. Coverage in your state may depend on waivers of federal rules.
READ MORETo be eligible for Medicaid long-term care, recipients must have limited incomes and no more than $2,000 (in most states). Special rules apply for the home and other assets.
READ MORESpouses of Medicaid nursing home residents have special protections to keep them from becoming impoverished.
READ MOREIn addition to nursing home care, Medicaid may cover home care and some care in an assisted living facility. Coverage in your state may depend on waivers of federal rules.
READ MORETo be eligible for Medicaid long-term care, recipients must have limited incomes and no more than $2,000 (in most states). Special rules apply for the home and other assets.
READ MORESpouses of Medicaid nursing home residents have special protections to keep them from becoming impoverished.
READ MORECareful planning for potentially devastating long-term care costs can help protect your estate, whether for your spouse or for your children.
READ MOREIf steps aren't taken to protect the Medicaid recipient's house from the state’s attempts to recover benefits paid, the house may need to be sold.
READ MOREThere are ways to handle excess income or assets and still qualify for Medicaid long-term care, and programs that deliver care at home rather than in a nursing home.
READ MORECareful planning for potentially devastating long-term care costs can help protect your estate, whether for your spouse or for your children.
READ MOREIf steps aren't taken to protect the Medicaid recipient's house from the state’s attempts to recover benefits paid, the house may need to be sold.
READ MOREThere are ways to handle excess income or assets and still qualify for Medicaid long-term care, and programs that deliver care at home rather than in a nursing home.
READ MOREMost states have laws on the books making adult children responsible if their parents can't afford to take care of themselves.
READ MOREApplying for Medicaid is a highly technical and complex process, and bad advice can actually make it more difficult to qualify for benefits.
READ MOREMedicare's coverage of nursing home care is quite limited. For those who can afford it and who can qualify for coverage, long-term care insurance is the best alternative to Medicaid.
READ MOREMost states have laws on the books making adult children responsible if their parents can't afford to take care of themselves.
READ MOREApplying for Medicaid is a highly technical and complex process, and bad advice can actually make it more difficult to qualify for benefits.
READ MOREMedicare's coverage of nursing home care is quite limited. For those who can afford it and who can qualify for coverage, long-term care insurance is the best alternative to Medicaid.
READ MOREDistinguish the key concepts in estate planning, including the will, the trust, probate, the power of attorney, and how to avoid estate taxes.
READ MORELearn about grandparents’ visitation rights and how to avoid tax and public benefit issues when making gifts to grandchildren.
READ MOREUnderstand when and how a court appoints a guardian or conservator for an adult who becomes incapacitated, and how to avoid guardianship.
READ MOREWe need to plan for the possibility that we will become unable to make our own medical decisions. This may take the form of a health care proxy, a medical directive, a living will, or a combination of these.
READ MOREDistinguish the key concepts in estate planning, including the will, the trust, probate, the power of attorney, and how to avoid estate taxes.
READ MORELearn about grandparents’ visitation rights and how to avoid tax and public benefit issues when making gifts to grandchildren.
READ MOREUnderstand when and how a court appoints a guardian or conservator for an adult who becomes incapacitated, and how to avoid guardianship.
READ MOREWe need to plan for the possibility that we will become unable to make our own medical decisions. This may take the form of a health care proxy, a medical directive, a living will, or a combination of these.
READ MOREUnderstand the ins and outs of insurance to cover the high cost of nursing home care, including when to buy it, how much to buy, and which spouse should get the coverage.
READ MORELearn who qualifies for Medicare, what the program covers, all about Medicare Advantage, and how to supplement Medicare’s coverage.
READ MOREWe explain the five phases of retirement planning, the difference between a 401(k) and an IRA, types of investments, asset diversification, the required minimum distribution rules, and more.
READ MOREFind out how to choose a nursing home or assisted living facility, when to fight a discharge, the rights of nursing home residents, all about reverse mortgages, and more.
READ MOREUnderstand the ins and outs of insurance to cover the high cost of nursing home care, including when to buy it, how much to buy, and which spouse should get the coverage.
READ MOREWe explain the five phases of retirement planning, the difference between a 401(k) and an IRA, types of investments, asset diversification, the required minimum distribution rules, and more.
READ MOREFind out how to choose a nursing home or assisted living facility, when to fight a discharge, the rights of nursing home residents, all about reverse mortgages, and more.
READ MOREGet a solid grounding in Social Security, including who is eligible, how to apply, spousal benefits, the taxation of benefits, how work affects payments, and SSDI and SSI.
READ MORELearn how a special needs trust can preserve assets for a person with disabilities without jeopardizing Medicaid and SSI, and how to plan for when caregivers are gone.
READ MOREExplore benefits for older veterans, including the VA’s disability pension benefit, aid and attendance, and long-term care coverage for veterans and surviving spouses.
READ MOREGet a solid grounding in Social Security, including who is eligible, how to apply, spousal benefits, the taxation of benefits, how work affects payments, and SSDI and SSI.
READ MORELearn how a special needs trust can preserve assets for a person with disabilities without jeopardizing Medicaid and SSI, and how to plan for when caregivers are gone.
READ MOREExplore benefits for older veterans, including the VA’s disability pension benefit, aid and attendance, and long-term care coverage for veterans and surviving spouses.
READ MORE