Elder Abuse Recognized as a Growing Problem
In Philadelphia and across the nation, elder abuse – physical, financial, sexual or by neglect – is a growing problem, yet it dwells in the shadows of the better-publicized crimes of child abuse and domestic abuse, advocates say. The Philadelphia Inquirer recently published a story about this growing problem and the City’s response.
“Elder abuse here and everywhere is a hidden problem, and it’s only going to get bigger, given the demographics of the baby boomers,” said Joseph Snyder, of the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), a nonprofit agency that investigates abuse allegations and works to keep the elderly in their homes. In response to the problem, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office has revamped its elder-abuse efforts into the Elder Justice Project to better prosecute perpetrators and better serve victims. Its director, Deborah Cooper Nixon, tapped by D.A. Seth Williams in December, has been with the office for 21 years, most recently as a homicide prosecutor.
Unfortunately, the City of Las Vegas does not have a comparable program. According to the Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division over 3000 cases of elder abuse were reported between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012. To report suspected elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, isolation, and/or complaints to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program please call (702) 486-6930.
The Law Offices of Lee A. Drizin – Protecting Senior Citizens from Exploitation and Abuse
Financial abuse and exploitation can have a devastating impact on your loved one, robbing them of self-esteem and the ability to trust others. It can also severely impact your loved one’s ability to receive the necessary care that they deserve.
Drizin Law is providing this information for educational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion as to any specific facts or circumstances. This information is based on general principles of Nevada law at the time it was created and you should be aware laws frequently change. Moreover, the laws affecting you may differ depending on the circumstances. You should consult with a qualified attorney in your own state or jurisdiction concerning your particular situation. Review of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.
