sggytElder Financial Exploitation is a crime that has been called the “Crime of the 21st Century.” The Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) and its Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program encourages the public to understand more about this issue and learn how to take steps to prevent financial exploitation.

Financial Exploitation is the illegal use of the money or property of a senior or disabled adult for another person’s profit. It occurs when a senior or disabled adult is tricked, persuaded or forced into handing over money or property to a son, daughter, other relative, professional caregiver, or a stranger. Unfortunately, it happens more often than you may think. A recent study found that financial abuse is reported in only 1 of every 44 cases. This means that criminal exploitation goes undetected and unaddressed in 43 of every 44 instances.

Financial Exploitation can occur anywhere – in the home, in nursing homes, or other long‐term care settings and anyone can be a victim. It crosses all socio‐economic groups, cultures, and races. Statistically, women and “older” adults are most likely to be victimized. Dementia is a significant risk factor. Mental health and substance abuse issues – of both abusers and victims – are strong risk factors. Social isolation can also contribute to risk.

A free presentation will be available on Thursday, May 12 at 1 p.m. for the community to learn more about financial exploitation, the risk factors, and tips on how to avoid it. The event will be held at the Adams County Department of Job and Family Services, located at 482 Rice Drive in West Union. The information is being presented by the AAA7 Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Department through a grant from Healthpath Foundation of Ohio.

For more information about the presentation, please call the AAA7 Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Department at 1-800-582-7277, extension 21151, or e-mail info@aaa7.org.