Finally, some good news out of Washington, D.C. that helps protect seniors from getting robbed of their life savings. A new law was recently passed called the Court Appointed Guardian Accountability and Senior Protection Act. It's designed to protect seniors from neglect and financial exploitation.
The legislation is part of the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act. Under the program, state courts may apply for funding to assess the handling of proceedings relating to guardians and conservators, and then make necessary improvements. For example, the courts could conduct background checks on potential guardians and conservators, or implement an electronic filing system to better monitor and audit conservatorships and guardianships.
Simply put, the law strengthens oversight and accountability for guardians and conservators. It addresses the financial exploitation of seniors by their guardians which is a growing problem in the U.S.
A 2015 report estimated that older Americans lose $36.5 billion each year because of financial scams and abuse. The CDC estimates that more than 500,000 elder Americans suffer from financial elder abuse annually - and this includes only those who report it.
To learn more about the Klobuchar-Cornyn Accountability and Senior Protection legislation visit www.guardianship.org or https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/182/text?format=txt.
Because seniors are a lucrative target for financial exploitation, Seniors Helping Seniors wants to help their clients by making them aware of this problem. "We do our best to keep our clients up to date on any new laws that might help, or be of interest to them," said Amy McDermott, owner of Sussex County's Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care services. McDermott also said, "We are glad to see new legislation that helps our elder population...a bill that addresses a problem that affects such a large segment of Americans."
Seniors Helping Seniors employs mature, compassionate and experienced caregivers who care deeply about helping others. Their team is composed of those with giving hearts and the ability to relate to the challenges posed by aging.
They are fully vetted and have passed state and federal background checks. Company team members take their time getting to know their care receivers, ultimately becoming their trusted companion and friend.
Seniors Helping Seniors offers services that include transportation, meal preparation, light housekeeping, pet care, doctors' visits, personal care and grooming/dressing, shopping, mobility assistance and more. Whether it's 24-hour care or a few hours a week including Alzheimers and dementia care, Seniors Helping Seniors of Sussex County is here to help.
Contact Seniors Helping Seniors for a free consultation if interested in their services. Go to www.seniorcarerehoboth.com or call 302-858-7330.
Meg Ellacott
Seniors Helping Seniors