Financial Abuse of Elders on The Rise
“The amount of incidents of financial abuse have been steadily increasing.” Carl Eklund, deputy director of Adult Protective Services for San Bernardino County.
BROOKE EDWARDS Staff Writer
Barbara Carroll, trusting her family, said she would give certain one’s blank checks. Today, her entire life savings of $30,000 has been depleted. Carroll is one of thousands throughout the state to be a victim of elder abuse — and the numbers are growing. “The amount of incidents of financial abuse have been steadily increasing,” said Carl Eklund, deputy director of Adult Protective Services for San Bernardino County’s desert region. Sadly, Eklund said Carroll’s story isn’t unusual.
She said most of the time this type of elder abuse is perpetrated by a a relative or someone known to the elder. These situations become particularly tragic for seniors, who are often reliant on savings and a fixed income to get by. “I get pension and social security,” Carroll said. “That makes my rent and that’s about it.” She said she doesn’t know how she is going to get by without her savings to fall back on.
In spite of her health concerns, Carroll was one of few seniors willing to come forward with charges against her family. Still, Eklund said, “Rarely does a senior express that they want to press charges.” He said many times they don’t want to get the relative in trouble or they are embarrassed that this has happened to them.
Also, seniors who may already struggle with health problems may not want to deal with the added stress an investigation may bring. With few options left, Carroll called Adult Protective Services and reported what had happened. APS assisted Carroll in filing a police report with the San Bernardino County Sheriff Department’s Apple Valley station. Carroll hasn’t heard any updates on her case since then, and hasn’t had any luck in getting an attorney to take her case.
Do you need to report elder abuse or just need help? Here’s some numbers to call. Elder Abuse Hotline (877)-565-2020 Senior Information & Assistance (800) 510-2020 Brooke Edwards may be reached at 955-5358 or at bedwards@vvdailypress.com
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