Overview
Statement of Focus
Financial exploitation occurs when a person misuses or takes the assets of a vulnerable adult for his/her own personal benefit. This frequently occurs without the explicit knowledge or consent of a senior or disabled adult, depriving him/her of vital financial resources for his/her personal needs (Elder Financial Exploitation, 2016). Elder financial abuse is a rising threat which has the ability to affect numerous older adults across the nation. Research states that at least twenty percent of adult’s age sixty five and over have been victimized by financial exploitation. In 2010, reported occurrences of scams and fraud against older adults lead to approximately 2.9 billion in financial losses. Since most cases …show more content…
Additionally, it is suggested that it is significantly important to examine the context in which the financial abuse occurs, and the characteristics of elders and their families that might influence such abuse (Pinsker & McFarland, 2010). Without dependable and reliable research relating to the occurrences of financial elder abuse, it’s impossible to estimate the degree and severity of this issue. Because of this, it seems to be impossible to educate the public about the nature of financial elder abuse and to make a case for increased resources such as crisis interventions, to address such abuses (Pinsker & McFarland, …show more content…
Adult Protective Services (APS) is a social services program provided by state and local government’s nationwide serving seniors and adults with disabilities who are in need of assistance. APS workers commonly serve as first responders in cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation, working closely with a wide variety of associated professionals such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, firefighters and law enforcement officers (Elder Financial Exploitation, 2016). Every day, APS social workers receive numerous referrals suggesting that some aspect of financial exploitation may be occurring. A large portion of these referrals are reported from banks and financial institutions. After investigating, it is unfortunate to find that a large number of the perpetrators end up being someone close to the older adult, usually a family member. As an APS social worker, it is our job to protect the older population. Many older adults live alone without the help of home health aides or family support. However, many older adults face abuse, such as financial exploitation, by others and need trained professionals to advocate on their behalf (Elder Financial Exploitation, 2016). This is why the work of an APS social worker serves such importance. Not only are we protecting our older adult clients, but we act as a voice when they are unable
Statement of Focus
Financial exploitation occurs when a person misuses or takes the assets of a vulnerable adult for his/her own personal benefit. This frequently occurs without the explicit knowledge or consent of a senior or disabled adult, depriving him/her of vital financial resources for his/her personal needs (Elder Financial Exploitation, 2016). Elder financial abuse is a rising threat which has the ability to affect numerous older adults across the nation. Research states that at least twenty percent of adult’s age sixty five and over have been victimized by financial exploitation. In 2010, reported occurrences of scams and fraud against older adults lead to approximately 2.9 billion in financial losses. Since most cases …show more content…
Additionally, it is suggested that it is significantly important to examine the context in which the financial abuse occurs, and the characteristics of elders and their families that might influence such abuse (Pinsker & McFarland, 2010). Without dependable and reliable research relating to the occurrences of financial elder abuse, it’s impossible to estimate the degree and severity of this issue. Because of this, it seems to be impossible to educate the public about the nature of financial elder abuse and to make a case for increased resources such as crisis interventions, to address such abuses (Pinsker & McFarland, …show more content…
Adult Protective Services (APS) is a social services program provided by state and local government’s nationwide serving seniors and adults with disabilities who are in need of assistance. APS workers commonly serve as first responders in cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation, working closely with a wide variety of associated professionals such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, firefighters and law enforcement officers (Elder Financial Exploitation, 2016). Every day, APS social workers receive numerous referrals suggesting that some aspect of financial exploitation may be occurring. A large portion of these referrals are reported from banks and financial institutions. After investigating, it is unfortunate to find that a large number of the perpetrators end up being someone close to the older adult, usually a family member. As an APS social worker, it is our job to protect the older population. Many older adults live alone without the help of home health aides or family support. However, many older adults face abuse, such as financial exploitation, by others and need trained professionals to advocate on their behalf (Elder Financial Exploitation, 2016). This is why the work of an APS social worker serves such importance. Not only are we protecting our older adult clients, but we act as a voice when they are unable