Citizens, Service Providers Urged to Report Elder Abuse
Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and now is the time to value and protect Kentucky’s seniors by reporting possible abuse.
Elder abuse can occur in many forms — physical, financial, emotional, neglect or abandonment — and often several types of abuse can be inflicted at the same time. Financial abuse is considered the most common form of abuse to elders, costing victims an estimated $2.6 billion a year. Investment fraud is an area of particular concern, as victims can see their life savings depleted with little opportunity to recover and achieve financial stability.
To combat this problem, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) are partnering to urge citizens to report possible elder abuse or financial exploitation.
“Elder financial abuse is becoming the crime of the 21st century as the growing senior population is increasingly targeted,” said Attorney General Jack Conway. “Studies show that family members and caregivers are the culprits in more than half of these cases. Anyone can — and should — report abuse of an elderly person, whether it is physical, emotional or financial.”
The Attorney General and DFI are co-sponsors in a coming event to inform financial institutions, attorneys and caregivers when and how to report suspected elder abuse or financial exploitation. The Protecting Vulnerable Adults summit will take place June 24-25 in Frankfort, Ky. Attendees will learn about the effects of abuse and exploitation; current problems and scams; and ways to work together to eliminate abuse in Kentucky. To register for this event, or for more information, call 800-500-0100.
Securities or investment fraud should be reported to DFI’s Securities Division at 800-223-2579. Other types of elder abuse should be reported to your local office of the Department for Community Based Services’ Division of Protection and Permanency at 800-752-6200 or visit http://chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/serviceregions.htm for regional contacts. If an elderly person has been the victim of a consumer scam, they may contact the Office of the Attorney General at 1-888-432-9257. The Office of the Attorney General also operates an Elder Abuse Hotline, 1-877 ABUSE TIP (1-877-228-7384). You may also report abuse through the national Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116.
Abridged
SOURCE: Office of the AG, KY. USA
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