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Home >> Port St. Lucie Elder Law Attorneys Offer Tips to Prevent Elder Abuse

Port St. Lucie Elder Law Attorneys Offer Tips to Prevent Elder Abuse

June 12, 2017 by Joshua K. Crawford

elder law attorneys If you have a parent, or other loved one, who is enjoying their “Golden Years,” it is in their best interest for you to learn more about the growing problem of elder abuse in the United States. Sadly, as the nation’s older population continues to explode, the rate at which elder abuse occurs appears to be rising as well. The reality is that the elderly are frequently victimized by unscrupulous predators who target those they perceive as vulnerable. To help you protect your loved one, the Port St. Lucie elder law attorneys Kulas & Crawford offer tips aimed at preventing elder abuse.

How Bad Is the Elder Abuse Problem?

Elder abuse is not a new problem; however, as millions of Baby Boomers move into their retirement years, the problem of elder abuse has gained a significant amount of attention in the U.S.  Compiling accurate figures relating to elder abuse is difficult for several reasons, including the reluctance of victims to admit being a victim. As the following facts and figures illustrate, however, abuse of the elderly is a serious problem in the U.S.

  • 1 in 10 older Americans (age 60+) will suffer some type of elder abuse this year.
  • There are estimated to be over 2 million instances of elder abuse each year, not including financial exploitation.
  • 5 million seniors are the victim of financial exploitation each year.
  • More than 40% of nursing home residents have reported abuse, and more than 90% report that they or another resident of the facility have been neglected.

How Can You Prevent Elder Abuse?

We all need to be aware of the elder abuse problem in the U.S. as well as be on the lookout for signs that an elderly loved one is the victim of abuse. Ideally, however, we need to prevent elder abuse before it occurs. The following tips will help you to prevent an elderly loved one from becoming a victim:

  • Talk to your loved one. Sit down with your loved one and have a very frank discussion about the issue of elder abuse. Do your homework ahead of time and have some facts and figures to share. Emphasize that one reason predators and abusers target the elderly is that so many elderly individuals are too ashamed or embarrassed to come forward and report the abuse. Reassure your loved one that there is nothing to be ashamed of and that the best way to take away an abuser’s power over victims is to expose him/her.
  • Educate everyone involved. Sit down with family members and friends and make sure everyone is aware of the elder abuse issue. Go over signs of abuse so that everyone knows what to look for and create a plan to ensure that someone is checking on your loved one on a regular basis.
  • Research facilities and caregivers. Before you hire an in-home health care worker or choose a long-term care facility (LTC), make sure you research the individual/facility first. In the State of Florida, contact the Agency for Health Care Administration to check a nursing home for complaints.
  • Make your presence known. Whether someone else is caring for your loved one at home or your loved one is in an LTC facility, make sure that you (or another family member) drop in unannounced on a regular basis to keep caregivers on their toes.
  • Report concerns. Above all else, do not hesitate to report any concerns you have to the appropriate person or authority. The old adage “better safe than sorry” applies in this situation. If you suspect that your loved one is being abused, speak to a supervisor or administrative staff immediately about your concerns. If those concerns are not alleviated immediately, make a report to the appropriate law enforcement agency and consult with an experienced Florida elder law attorney to discuss your legal options.

Contact Port St. Lucie Elder Law Attorneys

For more information, please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you have additional questions or concerns regarding elder abuse and how you can help prevent a loved one from becoming a victim, contact the experienced Port St. Lucie elder law attorneys at Kulas & Crawford by calling (772) 398-0720 to schedule an appointment.

Filed Under: Baby Boomers, Elder Law, Long Term Care

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Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family.

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"Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family."

Janice M
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August 25, 2020
    

Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

Krissy L.
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I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

Leo C.
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Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

Mildred W.
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I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

Joan C.
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August 25, 2020
    

We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

L.G.K.
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