Steady Rise of Cases Against the Elderly Are Ending in Death

By FELICIA THOMAS-LYNN fthomas-lynn@journalsentinel.com Jan 12 2008

Marian Witter was excited when the voice on the other end of her phone line said she would be mailed a new Medicare card in 20 days. "I was thinking, I would like a new card," said the 78-year-old retired retail merchandiser. "My card is looking a little shabby."

She immediately placed a call to Medicare and learned that the agency wasn't sending new Medicare cards. "It was a scam."

The steady rise in the number of cases against the elderly, particularly those ending in death, has led the department to join forces with the Medical College of Wisconsin's Center for Healthy Communities and other senior advocates in a new multilevel approach to protecting seniors.

Faces of Hope focuses on Milwaukee-area people who need a hand and the agencies that are helping them. Ideas? Call urban affairs reporter Felicia Thomas-Lynn at (414) 224-2073, or e-mail fthomas-lynn@journalsentinel.com

Abridged and edited for EA =>>