It's
easy to assume that seniors in residential care facilities are
protected from what goes on outside the perimeter of the building. For
the most part it's true. However, residents often can have their own
phones in their rooms and many have cell phones and computers these
days. It is important that administrators and staff know how to
recognize when one of their residents is being hunted by phone, mail,
and email solicitors. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) says "over
90% of all reported elder abuse is committed by an older person’s own
family members, most often their adult children." To add to the
frustration of this type of elder abuse is that it is rarely reported.
The FBI says that "older Americans are less likely to report a fraud
because they don’t know who to report it to, are too ashamed at having
been scammed, or don’t know they have been scammed." They also fear
that their family will view them as unable to manage their own affairs.
Naturally, seniors living on their own are most at risk but in a
residential care or independent community we can educate our
population. Consider having a workshop that teaches about these scams.
Encourage discussion about it so your residents can look out for one
another. Please use the following links for more information.
Article:
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