Abuse and Exploitation of the Elderly

In today's local news is another story about a vulnerable Senior. Why does having a care manager make sense? Read the article and see for yourself.

The story is all too familiar. An elderly person is trying to remain in their home but requires help to do so. Somehow this person contacts an unscrupulous person who has more on their agenda than helping to make someone's life better. The person in need decides to let this person "help" them.

The chain of events is usually the same. Sometimes it is a neighbor, sometimes an acquaintance, sometimes a relative who offers their "help". Their motives are disguised and the needy person falls into their trap. Like spiders, they weave their webs around their prey.

For people to do this is unconscionable, for we humans are at the top of the food chain supposedly because of our cognitive abilities including discernment between right and wrong. Our brains are supposed to differentiate us from the animal kingdom. Obviously there are people with brains who lack this capacity.

Had the victim in this case had proper oversight, this situation would not have occured. Had there been a responsible advocate, this would not have occured.

In this case the victim is female. I have been contacted however by concerned loved ones whose grandfathers, father's, uncles, and brothers were in similar circumstances.

Unfortunately, a story like this is the most effective means of getting the importance of care management across. This news story today is a nightmare. The perpetrator has been sentenced and will hopefully be spending the full 20 years of her sentence in jail. Hopefully conditions of her sentencing include the inability to receive and early release.

Everyone, all members of every community, in and out of Florida, need to be alert to all situations that can lead to abuse. If you see situations, hear suspicious conversations, or hear of circumstances which seem like they could be abusive, don't hesitate to call your local police department or the abuse hotline to report it. Better to report it than not. Maybe you can help to keep a situation like this from happening again.

Care managers help caring people to make sure their loved ones needs are being met in an appropriate fashion so there is one less vicitim to report about in the news.

The link which inspired the writing of this page. click here:

Update on abuse 2008 click here:

Jane Ogilvie