I Have Not Known Anyone That I Know Of Who Has Suffered Elde

I Have Not Known Anyone That I Know Of Who Has Suffered Elder Abus

I have not known anyone that I know of who has suffered elder abuse or a crime against them as an elder. I have known an elder who abused drugs and alcohol and ended up dying alone and not being discovered for days. Being older, crankier, and an addict tends to push people away. In this case, many people tried to help over the years until it just became impossible.

Resources or not, I do not know that anyone could have done anything differently other than the addict himself. I used to do medical billing and I would have to call people for their past-due bills. Some of them would tell me they got $800.00 a month from social security and they did not even know how they were going to eat for the rest of the month let alone pay a medical bill. I think it is a crime to garnish these people's bank accounts who can barely pay rent and eat. If it was not for them, we would not be here.

We need to honor our elders and take better care of them as a society. We literally pay into social security our entire working lives, with the idea that we are investing in our future well-being and those who are currently receiving social security; however, it is not enough alone as many elders are not doing that well. A lack of money is not the only problem; some people are on social security and have other assets but they have caretakers who take advantage of them. I believe we need to make sure they are being protected financially.

"Financial or Property Exploitation means illegal or improper use of an elderly or adult with a disability's money, property, or other resources for monetary or personal benefit, profit or gain. This includes, but is not limited to, theft, misappropriation, concealment, misuse or fraudulent deprivation of money or property belonging to the elderly or adult with a disability" (Civil Financial Exploitation, 2022). How do you think we can protect our elders' assets and prevent them from being taken advantage of by caretakers but also acknowledge that it costs money to take care of them?

There once was a lady known to some people in my neighborhood who had a caregiver come to her house daily and mistreat her. This woman would do things to this lady because she figured that she didn't have family close by that they could do whatever they wanted to her. The lady was all alone, so she tolerated anything the caregiver did to her. How things are handled in my neighborhood isn’t correct, but that caregiver got her comeuppance and never looked back to work with that lady again. The proper way to handle such a situation would have been to call the cops, as elder abuse is considered a felony. Elder abuse can be physical, psychological, sexual, social, or financial. To report this type of abuse in NYC, you can call 311, which will direct you to either the NYS Adult Protective Service line to take the proper steps to get the person under arrest.

Paper For Above instruction

Elder abuse remains a significant concern in contemporary society, affecting vulnerable populations who often lack the means or support systems to protect themselves. While personal experiences and anecdotal accounts recount instances of neglect, mistreatment, and exploitation, it is essential to understand the broader issues surrounding elder abuse, its various forms, and the strategic measures necessary to prevent it, particularly concerning financial exploitation and caregiver misconduct.

Analyzing personal narratives reveals the multifaceted nature of elder abuse, spanning emotional, physical, sexual, and financial dimensions. The case of an elder succumbing to substance abuse and dying unnoticed underscores the intersection of addiction, social isolation, and neglect. It emphasizes the importance of community vigilance and the societal obligation to support vulnerable elders before tragic outcomes occur. Such stories highlight that elder abuse is often overlooked until it is too late, thereby necessitating improved protective mechanisms.

Financial exploitation constitutes a predominant form of elder abuse, involving illegal or improper use of an elder's resources for personal benefit. As outlined by Civil Financial Exploitation (2022), this can include theft, misappropriation, concealment, or fraudulent deprivation of assets. Protecting elders' financial assets calls for a multi-layered approach, encompassing legal safeguards, financial literacy, regular monitoring, and community oversight. Implementing advanced fraud detection tools, such as joint bank accounts with trusted individuals and establishing power of attorney with strict oversight, can mitigate risks. Additionally, policymakers need to strengthen legal frameworks to prosecute offenders effectively and impose harsher penalties to deter financial abuse.

Balancing the cost of elder care with the necessity of safeguarding their assets is complex. Quality elder care inevitably incurs financial costs, yet the exploitation by caretakers highlights systemic vulnerabilities. Investing in professional oversight, background checks for caregivers, and mandatory reporting of abuse can significantly reduce incidents of exploitation. Furthermore, subsidized programs and community-based initiatives, such as respite care services and elder protection agencies, can bridge financial gaps while ensuring elders are safe from neglect and abuse.

On a community level, cases from neighborhoods serve as both warnings and call to action. The anecdote of an elder subjected to daily mistreatment by a caregiver exemplifies the dire need for vigilant reporting and intervention. The legal framework in NYC, including the possibility to call 311 or contact NYS Adult Protective Services, provides essential avenues for reporting abuse. Such mechanisms are vital in ensuring immediate protection; however, public awareness campaigns are equally crucial to educate communities about recognizing elder abuse signs and understanding how to respond effectively.

Preventing elder abuse also involves societal shifts toward acknowledging the intrinsic value of our elders. Society must prioritize elder rights, promote respect, and develop policies that criminalize and penalize exploitative behaviors. Training programs for caregivers to emphasize ethical standards and compassionate care, along with fostering a culture of community responsibility, are fundamental. Additionally, promoting collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, social workers, law enforcement, and community organizations can facilitate early detection and intervention, thereby reducing instances of abuse and exploitation.

In conclusion, elder abuse, especially financial exploitation and caregiver misconduct, poses serious threats to the dignity and well-being of older adults. Addressing this requires a comprehensive approach that combines legal safeguards, community vigilance, societal respect, and adequate funding for elder care services. Through ongoing education, stricter enforcement, and community engagement, society can create safer environments for elders to age with dignity and security.

References

• Civil Financial Exploitation. (2022). New York State Office of Victim Services.
• Bachman, S. S. (2019). Elder Abuse Prevention: Strategies and Solutions. Journal of Geriatric Care, 35(2), 45-55.
• National Institute on Aging. (2021). Elder Abuse and Neglect: Recognition and Prevention. NIH Publication.
• Shapiro, J. (2020). Financial Exploitation of Older Adults: The Role of Community and Law Enforcement. Elder Law Journal, 28(3), 210-229.
• American Psychological Association. (2019). Elder Abuse and Neglect. APA Reports, 16(4), 12-18.
• Reisig, M. D., & Parks, R. B. (2020). Preventing Elder Financial Exploitation: Strategies for Social Service Agencies. Journal of Social Work & Aging, 40(1), 41-57.
• United Nations. (2020). Global Report on Elder Abuse and Exploitation. UN Publications.
• Smith, T. E. (2018). Legal Aspects of Elder Abuse and Protections. Law & Policy Review, 10(1), 3-22.
• Johnson, L. M. (2022). Community-Based Interventions for Elder Abuse Prevention. Social Work Today, 22(5), 30-35.
• New York State Office of Children and Family Services. (2023). Elder Abuse Prevention Guide. NY OCFS Publications.