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Elder Abuse Restraining Order – Can it help you?

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  Elder Abuse is reported by about 1 in 10 older adults but thought to be vastly underreported. Elder abuse is the physical abuse, mental suffering, sexual abuse, financial abuse, or neglect of someone 65 years old or over. Although it can be inflicted by a stranger, a neighbor or an acquaintance, it is too often inflicted by a caregiver, child, or spouse. The stress of caregiving and financial strain create circumstances that are especially susceptible to abuse. Elders are often stuck in these situations without the physical capability to leave or financial means to seek help. If someone finds themselves in this situation and are in danger, they should call the police. In addition, there are resources in San Diego County that can help to construct a comprehensive protection plan. A Civil Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Restraining Order is one of these tools.  In so many instances, stopping an abuser’s physical access to the elder or to the elder’s assets...

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United Nations’ Elder Abuse Awareness Day

In the United States it is estimated that elder abuse will affect over 5 million seniors and cost them over $2.6 billion each year. The United Nations defines elder abuse as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.” Unfortunately of those 5 million seniors often do not report their abuse due to embarrassment or denial. The United Nations has designated June 15th as Elder Abuse Awareness-Day to raise awareness for the immense scale of this issue and to let seniors know that their abuse should not be a subject of embarrassment. Some of the most prevalent types of elder abuse we see at Elder Law & Advocacy are scams and financial fraudulent activities. Sadly, scams and their effects are widespread among members of our senior population due to the fact that predators view seniors as vulnerable targets. Scam artists take advantage of lonely, sometimes confused seniors...

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Elder Abuse Restraining Order Representation Project

Elder Law & Advocacy is excited to announce the Elder Abuse Restraining Order Representation Project (EARORP) serving both San Diego and Imperial Counties. This program provides free legal advice and representation for victims of physical, emotional or financial elder abuse. Representation includes assistance with court paperwork and representation in the civil restraining order hearing. California law defines Elder Abuse as “(1) Physical abuse, neglect, abandonment, isolation, abduction, or other treatment with resulting physical harm or pain or mental suffering. (2) The deprivation by a care custodian of goods or services that are necessary to avoid physical harm or mental suffering. (3) Financial abuse…” It is estimated that Elder Abuse is experienced by 1 in 10 older adults. It is also believed that many cases of elder abuse go unreported. The Elder Abuse Restraining Order Representation Project offers free legal advice and representation to older adults (aged 65+) who have been the victims of financial, physical or emotional abuse. This program seeks to increase the access to justice for seniors who would otherwise...

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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

In 2011, the United Nations designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, recognizing Elder Abuse as a “global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world.” The World Health Organization defines Elder Abuse as any act or lack of action that occurs within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust. This can come in the form of financial, emotional, physical or sexual mistreatment. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, about 5 million, or 1 in 10 older Americans, are victims of Elder Abuse, with about 1 in 14 cases going unreported. It is also worth noting that anyone can be a perpetrator of Elder Abuse. In fact, almost 60% of abusers in elder abuse and negligence cases are family members Here at Elder Law & Advocacy, we serve over 8,000 seniors annually in both San Diego and Imperial counties. If you have concerns regarding Elder Abuse for yourself or a loved one, please contact...

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Scam Alert

WARNING-SOLAR ENERGY INSTALLATIONS CAN ‘BURN’ YOU!   THE PROBLEM: You “went solar” or got a new water heater or put in artificial turf or installed new energy efficient windows but now you have a much bigger property tax bill. HERE’S WHAT CAN HAPPEN: You receive a visit from someone who offers to help you lower your energy or water bills.  You may be told it will also help the environment.  You are told that it is a “government–sponsored program”.  That person implies it is free, especially for seniors. You had that energy upgrade installed but the product was substandard, the installation was sloppy, they damaged your property during the installation. You get behind on your property bill and may be at risk of foreclosure! WHAT TO DO:  Take your time before you sign! MAKE SURE YOU ASK FOR A PRINTED COPY OF ALL DOCUMENTS TO READ BEFORE YOU ALLOW ANYONE TO WORK ON YOUR HOME. Elder Law & Advocacy will review any documents with you for free, before you...

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