Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are a place where the elderly should be safe.  Unfortunately, a significant number of nursing homes abuse their residents in some way --  from physical abuse to stealing money to false imprisonment. If you know  someone in a nursing home, pay attention to how that person is being treated and  learn  the common signs of elder abuse in nursing homes.  Then, if you suspect abuse, take steps to deal with the problem.

Elder Abuse: Financial Scams Against Seniors

Financial abuse is the fastest growing form of elder abuse. Broadly defined, financial elder abuse is when someone illegally or improperly uses a vulnerable adult's money or other property. Most states now have laws that make elder financial abuse a crime and provide ways to help the elder and punish the abuser. You can protect yourself or your loved ones from financial elder abuse by becoming familiar with the most common scams and learning what to do if you suspect foul play.

Elder Financial Abuse: Power of Attorney Scams

Financial scams targeting seniors are common.

Helping an Elder Make a Power of Attorney

Many people find themselves in the painful position of seeing a family member or close friend lose the ability to make medical and financial decisions. If the person you're caring for is still of sound mind and receptive to the idea of setting out medical wishes and naming someone to handle financial matters, you can help prepare and finalize both medical and financial powers of attorney.

Make a Financial Power of Attorney in Your State

Give someone you trust authority over your assets, just in case someday you are unable to handle them yourself because of illness or injury. Select your state for more information.

Your Obligation to Pay a Parent's Nursing Home Bill

Many states have filial responsibility laws that make children responsible for their parents’ medical care, however these laws are rarely enforced.

Caring for an Elderly Relative: Where to Begin

As Americans live longer and longer lives, many require ongoing, long-term care. This care often falls to grown children -- men and women who are in their forties, fifties, and sixties and busy with careers or perhaps children of their own. Getting caught in this care-giving "sandwich" -- growing children on one side, aging parents on the other -- can be an emotional and financial burden, especially if you don't know where to turn for help.

Senior Homesharing

Senior homeshare match-up programs bring together older home providers with individuals seeking a place to live. In exchange for providing a private room in their home, seniors receive household assistance or rent  from their housemate, or a combination of the two. Though the arrangement is not right for everyone, homesharing meets the needs of many seniors and their housemates.

Helping Seniors Manage Money and Finances

Many people worry about the ability of aging parents and other loved ones to handle money and financial affairs. The numbers show that these concerns are valid.

Daily Money Management Programs for Seniors

Daily money management (DMM) programs provide personal financial assistance to older Americans who can no longer handle certain aspects of money management.

Helping Your Widowed Parent With Legal and Financial Issues

A checklist for helping a surviving parent get organized.