Isolation Increases Elder Abuse

Isolation Increases Elder Abuse in Utah Seniors. 

Isolation increases elder abuse an is an enabler in financial exploitation.

Isolation Increases Elder Abuse can be encouraged by several factors but is commonly the result of loss mobility, and loss of friends and family. Abusers of all types prey on victims who have few connections. Courts have noted the difficulties associated with catching and preventing abusers because of their ability to secretly isolate victims. This is especially true when the abuser is a relative.

Gender can also be a significant factor in exploitation. In 2010 women were twice as likely to become victims of financial exploitation as men. Widows are especially vulnerable if the deceased spouse was in charge of finances.

The risk of exploitation increases through advanced age and health complications. Lack of capacity fosters financial abuse. When a potential victims become dependent on family or other care providers, the risk for abuse increases. Furthermore, a dependent relationship lowers the chance that abuse will be reported.

It is crucial to be aware of the emotional vulnerability that can result from isolation. Abusers thrive on being able to keep their victims sequestered from outside contact. Be aware of these risks. A typical tactic is to isolate the victim then threaten to leave if an abuser’s demands are not met. The fear of being alone is often all it takes for the abuser to exert total control over an elderly person.

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Isolation Increases Elder Abuse

Isolation Increases Elder Abuse in Utah Seniors. 

In a recent New York case, an elderly man, diagnosed with prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s disease was left in the care of a family friend while his daughter took a short vacation.His daughter returned to discover that her supposed friend had married her father.

It must have been a busy week because the new bride was added to her elderly husband’s will and listed as the beneficiary of his retirement account before his daughter returned. The groom did not live much longer, so a third issue at trial was his dubious widow’s right to an elective share. This case is demonstrative of how quickly devastating financial exploitation can occur. Unfortunately what makes this case truly rare are not the outrageous facts, but rather that the abuser was challenged.

Elder financial abusers come in many forms. Scams such as telemarketer swindles,door to door sales fraud, mail solicitations, lottery scams, internet scams Medicare/Medicaid fraud together with more legitimate business exploitation such as bad faith mortgage loans fraudulent investment advice, and many others accounted for 45% of reported abuse of elderly from 2010-2011. Abuse of elderly by family members and fiduciaries accounted for 47% over the same period. The latter category is of most concern because it involves abuse by actors who are often legally empowered to ensure the victim’s welfare during incapacity.