Keeping the Elderly Safe in the 21 st Century

1. Keeping the Elderly Safein the 21st Century National Crime Prevention Council 2006

2. Workshop Goal and Objectives • Attendees will be better equipped to assist their aging parents or other friends and loved ones from becoming victims of crime by • Understanding the Processes of Aging • Identifying Threats and Challenges • Recognizing Signs and Potential Dangers • Developing Prevention/Intervention Strategies National Crime Prevention Council 2006

3. Introduction • Senior citizens (age 65 and older) currently make up 13% of the population. • Baby boomers are entering that age group. • The number of seniors will continue to grow over the coming years. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

4. Introduction • As the senior citizen population grows, they will need more care and attention. • More adults will find themselves caring for and assisting their elderly parents and loved ones. • The elderly often turn to their adult children in times of need. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

5. Introduction • The elderly are sometimes ignored, even by loved ones. • They can be victims of crime like the rest of us, and especially of • Physical abuse • Financial exploitation • Fraud • Self neglect National Crime Prevention Council 2006

6. Why it’s Important As the population of seniors grows • Adult children will be called upon more often to resolve problems. • Public safety officials will get more calls for service concerning the elderly. • Perpetrators will more readily target seniors. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

7. Senior Citizens Older Americans deal with issues like the rest of us, including • Loneliness or aloneness • Depression But also age-specific issues, including • Retirement • Diminished health • Reduced independence • Dementia and Alzheimer's disease National Crime Prevention Council 2006

8. Senior Citizens Some senior citizens are in great health and are fully capable of caring for themselves. Many of them volunteer some of their free time to help others by • Mentoring • Teaching • Joining Neighborhood Watch groups • Organizing community events National Crime Prevention Council 2006

9. Seniors Volunteering • On average, senior citizens volunteer less than other age groups, but when they do, they tend to become very involved and volunteer more hours than other age groups. • It is predicted that the “boomer” generation will be more active in volunteer activities. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

10. Seniors in the News National Crime Prevention Council 2006

11. Seniors in the News National Crime Prevention Council 2006

12. Senior Volunteer Opportunities • Senior Corps • USA Freedom Corps • Senior Citizens Bureau • Older Americans Act Programs • Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) • AARP National Crime Prevention Council 2006

13. Elder Care Issues Many senior citizens are unable to care for themselves, and require special attention. In these situations, loved ones should watch for • Elder abuse • Financial exploitation • Neglect and self-neglect • Seclusion However, there is also plenty of help available to caregivers. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

14. Doctor Marion National Crime Prevention Council 2006

15. Elder Care • Make sure the health agency is insured, bonded, and that criminal background checks have been completed. • The Eldercare Locator can help you find appropriate care. Visit this resource at www.eldercare.gov or call 800-677-1116. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

16. Eldercare Locator National Crime Prevention Council 2006

17. Things to Watch For • There are several ways that elder abuse is committed: • Physical • Emotional • Sexual • Neglect • Abandonment In addition, seniors may neglect their own welfare. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

18. Signs of Physical Abuse • Bruises, black eyes, broken bones • Open wounds, punctures, untreated injuries • Sprains, dislocations • Broken eyeglasses/frames, signs of being restrained • Over- or underutilization of medication • Caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors to see an elder alone • The senior’s verbal report of being mistreated National Crime Prevention Council 2006

19. Signs of Emotional Abuse • Elder is emotionally upset or agitated • Senior is withdrawn and noncommunicative or nonresponsive • Unusual behavior, such as sucking, biting, or rocking • An elder’s report of being verbally or emotionally mistreated National Crime Prevention Council 2006

20. Signs of Sexual Abuse • Bruises or bleeding around vaginal or genital area • Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections • Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing • An elder’s report of being sexually assaulted or raped National Crime Prevention Council 2006

21. Signs of Neglect • Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores, poor personal hygiene • Unsanitary, unclean, or unsafe living quarters • Lack of clothing or inadequate clothing • Inadequate housing or homelessness • An elder’s report of being mistreated National Crime Prevention Council 2006

22. Signs of Abandonment • Desertion of an elder at a hospital, nursing facility, or similar institution • Senior’s disorientation • Desertion of an elder at a shopping center, park, or other public area • An elder’s report of being abandoned National Crime Prevention Council 2006

23. Eldercare Locator If you recognize any of these signs of abuse, contact the Eldercare Locator help line as soon as possible. • 800-677-1116, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET • Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone you know is in serious or life-threatening danger National Crime Prevention Council 2006

24. Elder Care On the Internet, there are more resources available to assist caregivers. • CareGuide@Home, www.eldercare.com • Doctor Marion, www.doctormarion.com National Crime Prevention Council 2006

25. Financial Exploitation • The unique issues that senior citizens face can leave them more at risk of becoming victims of fraud or identity theft than other age groups. • Caregivers should watch for signs of financial exploitation in their older parents and realize that these crimes could be committed by anyone – even the elder’s family members or other caregivers. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

26. Financial Exploitation Many criminals consider senior citizens easy targets for scams because they • May have a “nest egg” to spend or invest • Might be lonely and more willing to talk to strangers • Are less likely to report fraud than other age groups • No longer have their partner and confidant to talk to National Crime Prevention Council 2006

27. PreventingFinancial Exploitation • Minimize isolation • Family and friends can help with early detection. • Formal credit checks of senior’s finances • Background checks on caregivers or people close to possible victim National Crime Prevention Council 2006

28. Financial ExploitationWarning Signs • Overdrawn bank accounts • Junk mail piling up at home • Numerous phone calls from numbers child/caregiver doesn’t recognize • “Gimme” gifts—cheap, useless items like whistles, hats, rulers, or bumper stickers National Crime Prevention Council 2006

29. Financial ExploitationIntervention If you suspect that an elder has been exploited financially • Contact the local adult protective services agency. • Contact your state’s attorney general’s office. • File a report with the local police. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

30. Telemarketing Fraud Criminals use high-pressure sales tactics and psychology to exploit the trust of victims. Remind older loved ones that • Offers that seem too good to be true usually are. • You do not have to be polite to salespeople. • When on the phone, always feel free to say “No,” and hang up. It’s not rude – it’s shrewd. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

31. Telemarketing FraudWarning Signs Beware of the classic lines below, which are often used by scam artists • “You must act now, or the offer will expire.” • “You have won a free gift, but you must pay for postage” (or another charge). • “Don’t miss this ‘high-profit, no-risk’ offer.” National Crime Prevention Council 2006

32. Telemarketing Tip #1 Make sure seniors are familiar with the tips below and on the following slides to make sure they aren’t victims of fraud. • Never give out personal information over the phone unless they initiated the call and trust the person or agency receiving the call. Legitimate callers will not ask for this information. “I don’t give out personal information over the phone. I’ll contact the company directly and provide them with the necessary information.” National Crime Prevention Council 2006

33. Telemarketing Tip #2 • If the caller says something is free, then they shouldn’t have to pay to receive it. • They should not need to pay handling charges or taxes. “I shouldn’t have to send money for something that’s free.” National Crime Prevention Council 2006

34. Telemarketing Tip #3 • “Limited time offers” should not require an immediate decision. • Legitimate callers will not rush them. • They should sleep on it for a day or two. “I’d like some time to think about this. Tell me how I can get in touch with you. If I’m interested, I’ll call you back.” National Crime Prevention Council 2006

35. Telemarketing Tip #4 • Be wary of any caller that tries to convince them not to speak with anyone about the call. “I’d like to take some time to discuss this with my family and friends, and I’ll get back to you if I’m still interested.” National Crime Prevention Council 2006

36. Telemarketing Tip #5 • It can be hard to understand the verbal details of an offer. • Request to receive details in the mail. • All legitimate business offers and investments should be able to comply. “If you can’t mail me the information, then I can’t talk to you.” National Crime Prevention Council 2006

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38. Fraud The Federal Trade Commission received a total of 99,135 fraud-related complaints from consumers age 50 and over in 2005 • Foreign money offers (10%) • Prizes/sweepstakes and lotteries (9%) • Internet auctions (9%) • Internet services and computer complaints (6%) • Shop-at-home/catalog sales (6%) • Telephone services (3%) National Crime Prevention Council 2006

39. Identity Theft Seniors have the smallest rate of identity theft fraud victims; however, the Federal Trade Commission received a total of 56,584 identity-theft related complaints from consumers age 50 and over in 2005. • Credit card fraud (34%) • Bank fraud (18%) • Phone or utilities fraud (15%) • 63% of identity theft is committed by someone the victim knows. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

40. PreventingIdentity Theft Make sure seniors are aware of these prevention tips: • Shred all discarded mail with personal information. • Routinely monitor financial accounts and billing statements. • Make a copy of everything in their wallet in case it is lost or stolen. • Keep records of conversations and copies of all correspondence. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

41. Identity TheftWarning Signs • Failing to receive bills or other mail • Receiving credit cards for which they did not apply • Being denied credit, or offered less favorable credit terms, for no apparent reason • Getting calls or letters from debt collectors or businesses about items or services they did not buy National Crime Prevention Council 2006

42. Identity TheftIntervention If you suspect your identity or an elder’s has been stolen • Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and review them with the major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion • Close accounts you believe are fraudulent or may have been subject to tampering • File a report with local police where the ID theft took place • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission • www.ftc.gov National Crime Prevention Council 2006

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44. General Safety Tips Make sure seniors follow these tips at home: • Use sturdy metal or solid wood doors, and install and use deadbolt locks (1 ½ inch throw or greater). • Use wide-angle viewers in doors at different heights if necessary. • Light up entry doors; use motion detectors or floodlights. • Trim shrubbery around doors and windows and make sure the address is displayed for emergency personnel. • Give an extra key to a trusted neighbor. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

45. General Safety Tips At home • Ask for photo identification from service, delivery or utility workers before letting them in. • Ask law enforcement for a free home security survey. • Consider installing an alarm. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

46. General Safety Tips Out and About • Go out with friends and family, not alone. • Walk purposely and know where they are. • Walk down the middle of the sidewalk rather than along doorways or the curb. • Keep purses close to their bodies and wallets in front pants or jacket pocket. • Carry only cash, credit cards, and ID that will be needed. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

47. General Safety Tips Out and About • Use busier, better-lighted stops on public transit. • Sit near the bus driver or, in subway cars, with several other passengers. • If someone seems to be following them, turn in the opposite direction or cross the street. If they persist, approach the nearest group of people and ask for help. • If someone or something makes them uneasy, trust their instincts and leave. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

48. General Safety Tips In the Neighborhood • Know your neighbors. • Report crime and suspicious activities to police. • Start or strengthen a Neighborhood Watch group. • Find out if their area has community policing, and get to know the officers assigned to their neighborhood. National Crime Prevention Council 2006

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50. Emergency Preparedness No one expects to deal with disaster, but everyone can prepare for them. Senior citizens should be ready to deal with emergencies like • Hurricanes • Earthquakes • Power outages • Flooding • Fires • Toxic spills National Crime Prevention Council 2006