Don't be a victim! 

 

 

 

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) elder abuse frequently falls under these recognized types: Physical, Sexual, Emotional, Neglect, Abandonment and Financial. There are other hazards as well; not just crimes. Falls are also prevalent amongst the elderly. Nearly one-third of people 65 and older, fall each year. 1 out of every 5 falls causes a serious injury such as a head trauma or fracture.  Some of these falls are extrinsic and involve dim lighting or glare, obstacle & tripping hazards and slippery or uneven surfaces.

 

The State of Georgia and other local officials estimate that there are nearly 2.5 million at-risk adults (adults 65+ and adults 18+ with any disability) statewide. The State has also enacted criminal statues specific to abuse, neglect and exploitation of at-risk adults.

 

Scams

Everywhere you go, you hear or read about the growing occurrences of crimes against the elderly. There are numerous types of fraud and financial exploitation schemes that the elderly and those with diminishing cognitive abilities are subjected to everyday. Another problem is that these crimes are sometimes not reported or under reported. In some cases the victims are too embarrassed or scared to inform the authorities. Some don't even know that they are victims. Others, who are victimized by their own family don't want to report their family members to the authorities out of fear of retaliation, abandonment or in some cases; they don't comprehend the complexity of the crime. These types of crimes are as varied and complex as the solution. What are the crimes? Some are elaborate yet some are quite simple.

 

An example of the scams that occur involve prize and sweepstakes, investments, and charitable contributions. These scams often involve the promise of financial gain or winnings with a sum of money required to cover taxes or shipping and handling fees before the claim is received. Sometimes the prize is received however it is much less than the money paid to receive it or in some cases the prize is never received. Home and automobile repair schemes often recommend repair work that is not needed or the scammers receive payment upfront and no work or substandard work is performed or not completed. Loans and mortgages, health and life insurance, telemarketing, and mail fraud are additional examples.  Even face to face crimes where the scammer gains entry into the victims home posing as some type of utility worker or sales person while an accomplice burglarizes the home or they come back at a later date when the home is vacant. Please keep in mind that many of these crimes involve caregivers and relatives; not just strangers.

 

The OAA

In response to the growing number of older people and their diverse needs, the (OAA) Older American Act was passed by Congress in 1965. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). The State of Georgia Department of Human Services also has a Division of Aging Services, Adult Protective Services (APS). This agency investigates all reports of abuse, neglect, and or exploitation of older persons (65+) or an adult (18+) with a disability who do not reside in a long –term care facility pursuant to the Disabled Adults and Elder Persons Protection Act, O.C.G.A. 30-5-1. See provided link for more information. In addition to the above mention agencies, the (CDC) Center for Disease Control reports that (falls) are the leading cause of injury death for Americans (65) years and older. Also, each year about 35% to 40% of persons (65) and older fall at least once.  We are here to help alleviate that fear and we hope to provide you with a level of comfortability and reliability.  We will go into the place of residence and visually check for potential tripping, falling or any hazards pertaining to individuals with any conditions that might precluded them from normally noticing these hazards.  Remember,

 

"We can be there when you can't!"