Elder Abuse: What It Is and How to Prevent It

At Sammartino and Sultan, we’re committed to raising awareness about elder abuse, a hidden and often overlooked problem. This abuse can take many shapes, including physical harm, emotional distress, and, notably, financial exploitation. Financial abuse is particularly troubling because it involves the misuse or theft of an older adult’s money, property, or assets, frequently by someone they trust or know well.

Let’s talk about what you can do to help protect the seniors in your life, and how seniors themselves can stay safe and empowered.

How You Can Help Protect Seniors

Talk About Money:

Keep the conversation open with elderly family members about their finances. Don’t be afraid to discuss creating a financial plan or organizing their affairs, it’s a great way to prevent confusion and spot problems early.

Stay Informed: 

Watch for red flags like sudden changes in bank accounts, estate planning documents, or unexplained withdrawals and spending. Being aware of these signs can help you act quickly if something seems off.

Report Suspicions: 

If you think an elderly person is being financially exploited, don’t hesitate to report it. Contact local adult protective services, law enforcement, or the financial institutions where they hold accounts. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

How Seniors Can Protect Themselves

Stay Connected: 

Keep in touch with loved ones and stay active in your community. Isolation can make seniors more vulnerable to abuse, so regular social interaction is key.

Plan for the Challenges of Aging:

Organize your important documents and make a plan for managing your money as you get older. This can help you stay in control and avoid confusion down the road.

Regularly Review Your Finances:

Know who can help you manage your assets and learn about using a Power of Attorney. Reviewing your finances regularly can help you spot any unusual activity right away.

Add a Trusted Contact: 

Designate someone you trust as a contact for your financial accounts. This adds an extra layer of protection and gives you peace of mind.

Protect Your Personal Information:

Never give out your Social Security number, credit card details, bank account numbers, or passwords over the phone or email no matter who asks.

Elder abuse is a serious issue, but together, we can help prevent it. Whether you’re looking out for a loved one or taking steps to protect yourself, staying informed and connected is the best defense.

If you have questions or need guidance, Sammartino and Sultan are here to help.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

About the Author

Christina has been practicing law in New York State, for over 7 years. She is a Pace University School of Law graduate. After passing the New York and New Jersey Bar Exams, she went on to work for several law firms with primary practice areas in Real Estate, Estate Planning, Estate Administrations, Guardianship proceedings under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law, and Article 17A, Medicaid planning and applications. Christina is also certified as a Guardian, Court Evaluator, and Attorney for the AIP under Part 36 of the Rules of the Chief Judge.