Elder Abuse
November 30, 2009
By Bridget C. Maybury, MSN, ANP, RN & Maureen J. Maybury-Merges, MSN, ANP, RN
The classic role of registered nurses - caring for patients at the bedside - has evolved. Aside from advocating for patients, nurses have been regarded as the "eyes and ears" of their communities. Today, RNs are the initial person to suspect and at times encounter those who fall prey to crimes, particularly crimes against the elderly.
Current statistics indicate elder abuse is mushrooming at an alarming rate. Crimes against elders are becoming more common as more baby boomers reach retirement age. This population relies heavily on retirement savings and Social Security to pay daily expenses.
The crimes they fall prey to: most occur through manipulation that begins by befriending the elder, to eventually duping them out of his assets. Others get hoodwinked by imposters who illegally obtain their personal identification and financial records.
Some dishonest people present themselves as professionals to the elderly. They pose as carpenters, electricians and contractors who promise to fix their homes. Others pose as financial gurus who suggest they can help make the most out of a retirement "nest egg."
Many elderly victims don't report this sort of crime. Some don't know who to turn to. Others feel embarrassed because they unknowingly believed the con artist.
For example, many of the victims of investment banker Bernie Madoff's now infamous ponzi scheme were elderly.
Abridged
SOURCE: Nursing AdvanceWeb.Com
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