Report all cases of elder abuse
FEBRUARY 7, 2009
While Louisiana has some of the best laws in the country for protecting the elderly, an estimated 30,000 cases of elderly abuse go unreported each year. Jay Bulot, executive director of the Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs, says it is because people are not aware of laws that cover offenses such as financial exploitation and physical abuse.
It is important that agencies share information on elderly abuse on a regular basis with their communities and the victims who come to them for help.
There are few acts more heinous than abuse of the elderly - and probably no other age group is more vulnerable.
According to Bulot, predatory lenders target the elderly because they are on fixed incomes and looking for ways to save money. Lisha Landry, a specialist in the public-protection division of the state Attorney General's Office, says the elderly are often susceptible to telemarketing scams because they have expendable income, are more polite to callers and are home more often during the day.
If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, report it to member agencies of the task force. The state Attorney General's Office can be reached at 800-351-4889. You can call the nonprofit organization Elder Abuse nationwide and toll-free at 800-677-1116. Elder Abuse helps older adults and their caregivers find local services for seniors.
Take advantage of the resources available if you or an elderly loved one is subjected to abuse.
No comments:
Post a Comment