QUESTION: I am a senior and have never given much thought about elder abuse. However, I am now hearing more about it. What is considered elder abuse and what steps can be taken to help prevent it?
ANSWER: Elder abuse wears many faces. It can be actual physical abuse, emotional or psychological. It can be caused by neglect, abandonment, abduction, isolation or false imprisonment. It can also be identity theft or financial abuse
It can happen to anyone and the abuser could be a stranger, caregiver, friend or a family member. Elder abuse is considered a crime and abusers can be charged with theft, assault and identity theft to name a few charges.
The more you know about elder abuse the more you can do to help protect yourself. If you live alone, and many seniors do, don’t isolate yourself. Keep in touch with friends – both face-to-face and on the telephone. Get involved in activities offered at church or senior centers. Stay physically active this will help you maintain your physical and mental health.
Financial abuse is currently the number one type of abuse being reported. Stay in control of your finances. Review your banking records and credit card statements when they arrive. Question any discrepancies and don’t share personal information with others. Limit the information you share on the inter-net and social media – the less you share the safer you are
When disposing of any records that have personal information make sure you shred them. If you don’t have a shredder tear them into very small pieces before disposing of them..
Fraud and scam artists are very cleaver – so be aware of the current scams that are taking place. Be very careful with door-to-door contacts and telephone marketeers. Never open your door to a stranger and monitor your phone calls.’ You can never be too careful!
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HAPPENINGS:
TUESDAY – June 26 – 4:00 to 5:30 pm – Seminar – The Path to Positive Aging
Series – “End of Life – What Matters Most” – at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks. For reservations call 1-805-497-0189.
TUESDAY – June 26 – 1:30 to 3:00 pm – Seminar – “Will You Pass Your Next Driver’s Test?” – at Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi in Simi Valley. For reservations call 1-805-583-6363.
WEDNESDAY – June 27 – “10th Annual Salute Our Veterans” Event from – 11:00 am to 1:00 pm – at Cypress Place Senior Living, 1200 Cypress Point Lane in Ventura. For reservations call 1-805-650-8000.
WEDNESDAY – June 27 – 1:30 to 3:00 pm – Memorial Visiting Nurse Associaton “Diabetes Class” – at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. No reservations needed – just drop in.
THURSDAY/FRIDAY – June 28-29 – Simi Valley Senior Center Performing Arts Group presents “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” – Thursday June 29 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm and Friday June 29 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm – Admission is free but seating is limited. For information call 1-805-583-6363.
WEDNESDAY – July 4 – 9:00 am – Goebel Adult Community Center Home Run Derby – at Borchard Community Center, Field #1, 190 N. Reino Road, Newbury Park. Men’s and women’s Divisions – fee is $5.00 and registration is from 8:30 to 9:00 am. For more information call 1-805-381-2744.
SATURDAY – July 7 – 7:30 am to 2:00 pm – “9th Annual Rummage Sale” – at Wilson Senior Center, 350 N “C” Street in Oxnard – if you have items to donate or want a spot to sell – call 1-805-385-8042 for more information.
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Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are located at the Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 or call 1-805-495-6250- or e-mail bberry@seniorconcerns.org (please include your telephone number.) You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.
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