Tom Lee Speaks Out About The Signs of Elder Abuse

Added: (Sat Aug 07 2004)

Pressbox (Press Release) - Dealing with and or even recognizing elder abuse is an overwhelming challenge. Tom Lee, a leading California based elder care attorney and author states, "The increase in abuse crosses all ethnic and economic groups and it comes from a variety of sources including families, friends, financial institutions and medical caregivers."

Lee cites a disturbing example of financial abuse by one of the leading and most well-respected financial institutions in this country. A ninety year old man, who was living alone, had substantial investments with this financial industry icon.

After they churned his account for $900,000. Lee was hired as legal counsel. The case is currently in court and the financial house is represented by four $2,000.00 a day lawyers.

Lee cites another case involving a 76 year old woman, who was in the hospital recovering from a mild stoke. He states, "When she had stabilized--that's insurance speak for "it was time to move her to a nursing home so we can stop paying these outrageous hospital rates." Upon her arrival at the nursing home, they failed to place "must restrain" in her chart. As a result, she fell out of bed and broke her shoulder.

She was recovering from that injury when she stepped on a piece of broken glass in the nursing home bathroom. That wound became infected, Gangrene developed and her left leg had to be amputated." She died four weeks later. A lawsuit is now pending for Elder abuse, medical malpractice and related causes.

Lawsuits against nursing homes are challenging under the very best of circumstances. Finding the right attorney to handle a case can be even more difficult because many attorneys don't handle elder abuse cases, or don't have an elder abuse background. Some lawyers assume that because the client is old and in poor health, the damages will be limited and the case will not be worth the effort.

Lee mentions another case of financial abuse involving another senior, who was introduced to a person who said he was a CFP--certified financial planner. The 78 years old woman was concerned about obtaining a good return on her money. The CFP told her about a new product from a tech company that was scheduled for release. She was told that this investment was a "sure thing."

She agreed to purchase $125,000 of the company stock. Six months later the stock was valued at $7,000. Lee is working with the district attorneys office to bring felony elder abuse charges and has also contacted the FBI to investigate federal charges of mail fraud involving 50 other elderly investors. The ironic note to this case is that the CFP had his certification pulled two years before he met the woman--the charges at that time were stock fraud and misrepresentation.

Because of the increase in seniors and their need for representation, Thomas R. Lee and Douglas M. Neistat established Senior Resources of America, which is headquartered in West Hills, California. They realize the significance of providing quality senior related services to people age 50+. Their philosophy is that this rapidly growing demographic group will continue to increase and it's vital that seniors and elders receive appropriate and skilled legal representation.

Thomas R. Lee has been practicing Senior Law since 1974 and has represented over 10,000 seniors. Mr. Lee is a member of The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and The American Society on Aging and the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reforms.

Douglas M. Neistat was admitted to practice in 1973 and specializes in asset planning and protection, business reorganization, bankruptcy and debt restructuring. He also served as a non-executive director for West 175 Media Group, Inc.; a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange from 1996 to 2002 and chaired its remuneration committee. Mr. Neistat is certified as a Mediator to the United States Bankruptcy Court and laws appointed by the Los Angeles Chief of Police to its financial counseling team.

The twenty dollar Senior Resources membership provides access to an array of valuable information that addresses the lifestyle, needs and financial interests of people 50 and over.

In many cases, membership in Senior Resources has resulted in major quality of life improvements. A member, who's living on a fixed income, recently called for advice about her soaring monthly prescription bills. She couldn't stop taking her medicine that was costing hundreds of dollars a month, so she was forced to choose between food and rent, or her medications. The staff at Senior Resources found an excellent, low cost prescription plan that makes it possible for her to purchase her medications and live an independent life.

The TOLL-FREE Senior Hotline provides a gateway to information and resources impacting seniors, including:

• Disability planning and financial planning
• Long terms care insurance and planning
• Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and Medigap insurance
• Nursing home planning
• Geriatric care and planning
• Retirement living
• Prescription drug issues and benefits

Lee's best advice for both seniors and families is to become aware of the problems. Many people work hard to provide the best care and resources for an aging relative and it's troubling to consider that any problems exist with that care.

Red flags include:

People or long lost relatives who become too friendly with an older person who has assets.

Missing jewelry, keys, bank/investment statements, wills, legal papers

Phone and/or mail requests for "investments" from seniors who have won prizes, trips, new cars, etc.

Poor nursing or home care and/or signs of physical abuse

Elders who are cut off from friends and family by care givers

Preoccupation by caregivers with the amount of money being expended for care.

Refusal or reluctance of family or legal representative to spend money on care.

Disconnection of services such as utilities or telephone.

Caregiver preoccupation with the amount of money being expended for care.

Refusal or reluctance of family, or legal representative, to spend money on care, personal grooming items, food, appropriate clothing, etc., when elder has adequate funds.

Lee states, "Elder abuse is frequently thought of as physical violence, or sexual abuse‚ but it is more than that. Violations of the elder's rights may also include emotional and verbal abuse‚ neglect‚ threats‚ financial fraud‚ or even invasion of privacy."


http://www.seniorresourcesofamerica.com/

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