Bill protects seniors from exploitation
By Chad Selweski
Macomb Daily Staff Writer
Vulnerable senior citizens would receive new protections from financial exploitation, including plots by scheming relatives, under legislation unveiled Monday by state House Democrats.
The bill, introduced in a series of 10 press conferences across the state, would require bank employees to report suspicious transactions that could signal someone taking advantage of a senior. Those persons who are granted "power of attorney" on behalf of a senior would be required to sign a contract that detailed their obligations and fiduciary duty.
Rep. Frank Accavitti, an Eastpointe Democrat, said that bank tellers are in a good position to spot "the kind of erratic financial activity that often signals the presence of predatory behavior."
The legislation would also create in each county a "death review team," which would scrutinize suspicious deaths of the elderly. Those convicted of elder abuse would be prohibited from inheriting a victim's estate.
Much like the powers granted in domestic violence cases, a police officer could file a criminal complaint in a case where a victim of elder abuse is reluctant.
"This gives more tools to law enforcement," said Rep. Steve Bieda, a Warren Democrat. And it provides more protection for this vulnerable segment of our population."
Some of the victims are incapacitated or suffering from dementia, which makes them easy prey for financial scams, lawmakers said.
The Democrats, relying on a 2004 report from the National Center on Elder Abuse, said most cases involve physical abuse or neglect but 15 percent involve financial exploitation. Based on 2001 figures from the Michigan Adult Protective Services agency, an estimate of financial victims among the elderly would be about 1,000 a year.
SOURCE: macombDaily
No comments:
Post a Comment