Exploitation

Excerpt from Daily Cures, Wisdom for Healthy Aging by Connie Mason Michaelis

The Kansas City Star recently published a lengthy article on the exploitation of seniors.   No one knows exactly how many older adults are victims of scammers each year.  But the best estimate is that up to 5 percent of seniors — 3 million people — are financially exploited each year.  The scams range from family members and paid caregivers writing checks from the elders’ savings, identity fraud, unscrupulous financial advisers, and sweetheart scams that prey on people’s affections and bank accounts.  Many times these crimes are never reported because the victims are embarrassed and feel they are to blame for being so naive.  This is a topic that my family is well acquainted with; sadly, our mom loaned hundreds of thousands of dollars to a caring friend who turned out to be a crook!

As we searched our souls to figure out how it could have happened to our mother, who was a sharp businesswoman and completely independent, it became apparent the most significant issue was isolation. This woman wormed her way into Mom’s home and heart and took total advantage of her.  She was clever enough to make sure mom never told us anything until it was too late.  Secrecy is part of the game.  Deals made with a handshake and believing a person’s word is his/her bond are things of a past generation.  One of the reasons I am so passionate about Elders living in some type of senior community is that there are automatic safeguards in place. When you are surrounded by friends and support staff all the time, there is little room for interlopers.  Social isolation has long been known as a significant risk factor for exploitation.  Although it was a devastating lesson to learn, my sisters and I were relieved and happy when mom moved into an apartment where she was surrounded by trustworthy people.