This is an interesting topic that most of us probably didn't even know existed. This article is from today's New York Times. It is long, but worth reading. It is quite an eye opener.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/nyregion...artner=homepage

Read the article and let us know what you think.

 

[QUOTE=ralper,Dec 12 2004, 02:05 PM]This is an interesting topic that most of us probably didn't even know existed.

 

Josey

I'm glad you took the time to read the article. That is quite an article, isn't it? I wasn't aware the problem was quite so severe.

I don't know what the answers are, or what should be done with the Franks of the world, but, something should be done.

 

It is an area that I've often thought of specializing in (the investigation of) and it is widespread, starting with something as simple as a phone scam or home repair scams that bilk them out of hundreds to thousands of dollars (and that's something we can all fall prey to, but most of the elderly really can't afford to lose that money and have no hope of ever making that money back), to neglect many suffer in nursing homes or at hands of family members who don't have the time or energy for them, to actual physical abuse. They are easy targets, having grown up in times where they were able to trust everyone or are hopeful that the kind words and warm smile of a stranger mean that that is someone that they can rely on to be up front with them.

If you have elderly friends who don't have family (or don't have family they trust), please let them know that you're there for them if there's something that confuses them or frightens them.

 

It can make a huge difference in someone's life. Nursing homes will also treat them better if they know someone is concerned and keeping an eye out.

Old folks are my soft spot. Elder abuse should be treated every bit as seriously as child abuse or domestic abuse.

It breaks my heart to think that there are members of "the greatest generation" out there with literally no one to watch over them.

We have our "Little Old Lady/Man List" here at the office. We make a big deal out of telling elderly clients that they're on "our list." They love the attention and it's a way for us to look out for our elderly clients who have little or no family. (We even look out for the ones with families.) We encourage them to call us if they get something in the mail they don't understand or if someone wants them to do something they're not sure about. They really do call and, of course, we don't ever bill them. I have 2 little old ladies who write me letters and I write back. One of them passed a couple of months ago and I cried my eyes out. She was a sweet lady.

 

There is an field of "Elder Care" emerging among CPAs and Attorneys to handle the financial needs of elderly clients. This field involves doing much of what Julie is doing except in a formal way. For example, the CPA or Attorney obtains the Power of Attorney from the client, and assumes full responsibility for managing his/her money and financial affairs.

Assuming that the CPA or Attorney is ethical and responsible, I think this is a very good thing. I too think that the elderly are among the most vulnerable and need help in dealing with life's everyday tasks.

That said, I wonder if an arrangement like this would have shielded the sisters in the article from Frank. As long as the sisters were deemed to be competent, the guardian would have had to follow their wishes. Perhaps, because the guardian could have represented the "voice of reason" it would have helped.