Avoid Elder Abuse
- Jun 6, 2016
- 2 min read
In our practice we see far too many cases of elder abuse. One recurring problem seems to be that as people age they start to lose critical protections from scams that prey on their emotions. An aging individual may seem quite alert and cogent, but they become too trusting and so are exceptionally vulnerable. We’ve seen people lose their homes, pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to “contractors” who do shoddy work if they do anything at all, and leave their estates to “caregivers” who don’t deserve it. The list goes on.
It’s understandable that the root causes of this vulnerability often are loneliness, grief and lack of involvement. Sometimes an individual has lost a spouse, other loved ones and friends, often in a short period of time. Their family has scattered to the four corners of the world. After a long and productive life, these events are tragic and may be very damaging.
So what’s the solution? Monitoring the vulnerable adult’s finances is good. So are legal remedies like various trusts and vulnerable adult protective orders.
There are other things that may provide protection and increase the quality of a senior’s life. A happy option is play. Isn’t that one of the big reasons we retire, to play more? Play keeps our bodies and minds engaged. Plus, it’s fun. We all really need more fun.
Edmonds offers excellent opportunities to play and be engaged. Here’s just a sample:
Recently at the weekly breakfast meeting of the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, we heard a presentation by Jack McHenry about the Edmonds Petanque Club (pronounced Pay Tonk.) This is a game of some athleticism and strategy sort of like bocce ball or curling without the ice. A game that originated in France, it’s becoming very popular here in the U.S. Jack reported that they have many members in their 80s and a few even in their 90s. The Petanque Club has been chosen as Edmonds Citizen of the Year for 2016. The Edmonds Petanque courts are at Edmonds Civic Playfield, north of the intersection at Sixth Avenue N and Bell Street.
The Edmonds Senior Center. If you are of a certain age and live in or around Edmonds, you need to join. Membership fees are cheap, the people are caring and the activities are almost endless.
Edmonds Parks and Recreation. Swimming! Dancing! Arts! Pickle Ball! Much more! www.edmondswa.gov/parks-recreation-departments/classes-programs.html
Edmonds Center for the Arts. Hate to drive to downtown Seattle? See a great performance right here. www.edmondscenterforthearts.org/index
Cascade Symphony Orchestra, “Mozart makes you smart.” One of Edmond’s premier jewels, this is an excellent orchestra under the direction of the talented and charming Michael Miropolsky. Cascadesymphony.org.
Rick Steves Free Travel Classes. You’ve always dreamed of traveling. Why wait? www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/travel-classes
Active body, active mind. Let’s go have some fun!
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