Elder Abuse

Our elders are at risk for physical, psychological, and financial abuse and neglect. The Family Shalom Elder Abuse Committee of the National Council of Jewish Women, Sacramento Section, is presenting a series of free public forums to raise awareness of elder abuse and about how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

The first panel discussion, on Financial Scams, Fraud, and Abuse, held in November 2010, featured representatives from the State of California departments - Insurance, Corporations, and Justice - responsible for regulating insurance and investments and prosecuting fraud. They provided information about the various types of financial scams and fraud; the sale of annuities and other investment and insurance products to people for whom they are not appropriate; telephone scams; and the resources available to help people avoid being victimized.

A second panel on Financial Scams, Fraud, and Abuse, held in February 2011, included a financial consultant, an estate attorney, an attorney from Sacramento Senior Legal Services, and a victim of a long-term Ponzi scheme. Speakers identified and described the red flags that can warn people of Ponzi and other schemes and the common scams currently targeting the elderly. They spoke about the importance of protecting against identity theft, how to choose a financial advisor, what types of investments to avoid, and the importance of understanding your investments. They discussed the three legal documents necessary to enable trusted people to act on your behalf.

In March 2011 the Elder Abuse Committee also sponsored a program on Financial Scams, Fraud, and Abuse for the residents of the Albert Einstein Residence Center and their friends and family. A representative of the California Department of Corporations spoke about how to protect against scams and abuse and where to get help.

The next event will address The Aging Brain and other aspects of aging that may make us more vulnerable to abuse and provide information about healthy aging. Future events will address psychological and physical abuse and other topics.

The Elder Abuse Committee is also developing a brochure that will describe the types and symptoms of abuse and the resources that are available to help victims of abuse.

Consult the Jewish Federation calendar, the weekly eVoice, and Voice or visit www.ncjwsac.org for updates on the time and place of these Elder Abuse Education Program events.

If you wish to participate in the work of the Elder Abuse Committee, please contact Irene Jenkins, Chairperson, at NCJW_ELDERABUSE@comcast.net.

NCJW’s Elder Abuse Education Program is supported by a grant from the Jewish Federation.