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July 1, 2009

Forum: Watch for, report abuse of elders

BY ISMAEL AHMED

When an older American's bank account is cleaned out by the person who's entrusted with his or her care, we seldom hear about it.

And yet, one in five older adults has been abused, neglected or exploited.

I ask for your help in combating older adult abuse, improving their quality of life and allowing them to live as independently as possible.

Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services workers tell me that, in a growing number of cases, victims' relatives are exploiting them financially.

It might come as a surprise that many of those who take advantage of people in their senior years are family members. At a time when caretakers have been laid off or are facing foreclosure, their supposed loved ones' Social Security or pension checks are seen as ripe for the taking.

This type of abuse, or financial exploitation, comes in many forms. Abusers may write checks to themselves out of mom's account, or clean out dad's life savings. They may use a credit card without permission or cash a check and pocket the money.

What can we do to stop this?

Be vigilant. Often, victims -- too embarrassed to admit they were taken advantage of or who may live alone -- don't report it. And when it's a loved one who's abusing them, it's tougher.

Some signs to look for include missing bank cards, valuables that disappear without an explanation and "lost" checkbooks.

If you see it, or suspect it's going on, report it through the adult abuse toll-free hot line -- (800) 996-6228 -- or at your local DHS office. Last year, DHS received more than 1,400 financial exploitation referrals.

Adult Services' investigations begin within 24 hours after the complaint is received. If the alleged victim is in imminent danger, we move quickly to address their needs.

When abuse is documented in an investigation, we can help victims put stop-gap measures in place to protect them. That could mean revoking a family member's power of attorney, filing an alert with a credit card company or filing a police complaint.

The DHS also has a network of partners that provide help, resources and information. The Michigan Office of Services to the Aging, for example, can help find local community programs available. Their Web site is www.michigan.gov/miseniors.

So be on the lookout and remember to report abuse -- financial or otherwise -- when you see it or suspect it.

Older adults provide wisdom, experience and compassion to Michigan's families. It is our collective responsibility to ensure they live with dignity and without fear.

Let's remember and respect their contributions each and every day.

About the author: Ismael Ahmed is director of the Michigan Department of Human Services.

About the forum: The forum is a periodic column of opinion written by Record-Eagle readers in their areas of interest or expertise. Submissions of 500 words or less may be made by e-mailing letters@record-eagle.com. Please include biographical information and a photo.

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