May 2011 - OutreachNC Magazine

6 OutreachNC • May 2011
Howell
Drug Co. Inc.
311 Teal Drive
Raeford
Pharmacy
875-3365
Night: 875-4186
PROVIDING
In home companionship
and personal care
services, including
assistance with bathing,
ambulation and
incontinence issues.
Be aware before you sign
Never underestimate the power of the pen, especially
when it is scripting out your signature. Your signature
is used to endorse checks, enter into contracts, enter
into living wills and sign over your home and personal
property, along with a host of other transactions often
related to consumer purchases and the redistribution
of money or property. Unfortunately, many people
find themselves victims when entering into these
contracts or business dealings.
Consumer Beware
Bob Temme
Statistics show that financial/material exploitation accounts for 30 percent
of all cases of reported abuse of seniors. Sadly, this type of abuse is most often
perpetrated by family members. In a recent study, adult children of older financial
fraud victims were responsible for 47 percent of these types of crimes. Second in
this category were the spouses of the victim, reported to be 19 percent followed by
grandchildren at nine percent. This does not exclude the fact that there is a vast pool
of perpetrators looking to make a quick and illegal buck at your expense. Victims of
elder abuse often know and trust their abuser. Most victims depend on the people
who hurt them, sometimes for food, shelter, personal care or companionship.
There are some telling signs that you, or someone you know, could be
experiencing that are indicative of being set up for exploitation. These include
confusion about his/her own finances, a general lack of financial choices/decisions,
failure to meet financial obligations, checks returned due to insufficient funds,
unusual banking withdrawals or ATM activity, a noticeable discrepancy between
income and the standard of living, out of character and unexplained difficulty in
paying bills, and a general sense of secrecy (not to be confused with privacy).
To prevent abuse, seniors should have a strong group of friends in which they can
confide and stay as active as possible with. Getting regular medical attention may
also aid in preventing this type of victimization. Often individuals whose thought
processes are hindered can be assisted by their medical provider. Stay organized,
having organization in your finances and record keeping will allow you to quickly
identify if something is amiss.
You should not live with anyone with a background of violent behavior, or
unresolved issues with alcohol or substance abuse. Nor should you allow anyone to
pressure you into making a decision that “must be made today.” Most importantly,
never sign any documents unless someone you trust has reviewed them first.
If someone you know, or are dealing with, takes offense to you taking these
precautions, look even closer at your finances and rethink your decision to sign your
name to any piece of paper.
Meal preparation
Light housekeeping
Transportation Services
For additional information on this, or any other crime prevention topic, contact the
Community Services Unit of the Southern Pines Police Dept. at 910-692-2732, ext. 2852.
(910)246-8000
2296-D NC Hwy 5
Aberdeen, NC
Bonded, licensed and insured.
Comprehensive background checks.
www.OutreachNC.com