Denton County Living Well Magazine Fall 2014 | Page 21

Elder Abuse:
Could Someone
You Know
Be a Victim?
Courtesy DATCU Credit Union

D

• Significant or suspicious changes in
an older person’s will
• Large unexplained or more frequent withdrawals of cash
• Increased use of credit cards
• Adding someone new to financial
accounts or to credit cards
The sad but sobering truth is that
many of our elderly are reluctant to
report that they are victims of abuse.
Why? Because they fear punishment
from the abuser, the abuser is a child
or family member, or they simply
don’t know who to approach for help.
In my humble opinion, we have a duty
and a responsibility to educate them
and ourselves. There is help available!
If you believe someone you know
is a victim and in immediate danger,
call 9-1-1. If you suspect elder abuse
but not immediate danger, please call
the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800252-5400 or go to www.txabusehotline.org. Remember too that those
with dementia and cognitive diseases
are at a greater risk for elder abuse.
As a credit union, we see more financial directed elder abuse. With an
approximate 264,000 annual cases of
financial exploitation (reported), it is
a problem that is going to increase as
the “boomer generation” continues to
age. We see it every day and we want
to make a difference by educating the
folks in this community. Please join
me in passing this article along to your
friends, family, and neighbors.
If you ever need financial help or
advice, it would be our pleasure to
serve you. Join us today!

enton County is the
If you are an aging individual or
ninth largest county in
the family member of an elderly
the state of Texas havperson, here are some immediate
ing increased in popusteps that can be taken:
lation by 53% over the
last decade. With this growth trend
• Educate yourself on ALL the signs
expected to continue, we will face the
of elder abuse. The above are just
some of the more common signs.
challenges of an aging population.
This means more retirees and unfor• If you hire someone for elder care,
tunately an increase in mental disordo your homework and make sure
they are screened with criminal
ders and diseases including demenbackground checks.
tia and other cognitive impairments.
According to the National Center on
• Never provide sensitive information
over the phone unless you personElder Abuse, there are an average of
ally know to whom you are speak2.1 million reported cases of abuse
ing. This includes social security
of the elderly each year. Sadly, it is
numbers, credit card information,
more common than we think.
financial account information, etc.
As one of the largest financial
• Don’t be intimidated into making
institutions in Denton County, we
large purchases or investments
often identify those who would take
without consulting someone that
advantage of our aging citizens. We
you know and trust.
see financial fraud, scams, breaches
• Always shred sensitive information
of trust, and even elder abuse. It is
including financial records, tax docheartbreaking. These abuses are
uments, receipts, and utility bills.
frequently at the hands of trusted
They contain sensitive information
caregivers, friends, and even family.
that could lead to abuse.
It is so important that we as a
• Never sign complicated documents
community be aware of the signs
without first consulting someone
of elder abuse. Through greater
you trust such as an attorney or
awareness, we can help protect
family member. This is very imporand educate our more vulnerable
tant!
friends and neighbors.
• Finally, be added to the National
Some common signs of elder
Do Not Call Registry. This may help
abuse include:
stop those unwanted calls for “priz• Physical injuries, neglect, and
es, loans, and investments” that are
behavioral/emotional changes
frequently scams. Call 8