It seems that every other week or so, I hear someone talking about the challenges of caring for a family member or friend who is suffering from declining ability due to age. Declining ability could mean mental, physical, or both conditions being affected.

As I recently obtained my credentials as a licensed professional fiduciary with the state of California, it broadened my awareness of the deep complications that conflict both the caregiver and care-receiver as well as the emotions of associated family members. In short, to provide care for someone who used to make their own decisions, but now needs ‘some’ help making them, presents a challenge for all involved.

Additionally, predatory acts against the elderly (including elder financial abuse, coercion, verbal, and physical abuse) have increased and very much increased during the pandemic of 2020. Elder financial abuse happens too frequently and, in my opinion, is no different from taking advantage of children’s lack of knowledge and experience for one’s own benefit. Furthermore, many of these instances happen within the family circle…which makes catching and identifying these predatory acts more difficult.

Below, I have provided some of the warning signs of elder abuse. While this is not exhaustive, it should prompt you to act more vigilant and protective of your loved ones who are going to increasingly rely on you to do so.