Preventing Elder Abuse

Older people who suffer financial or physical abuse tend to have one thing in common. They’re usually living alone and are isolated. That gives caregivers and others their opportunities. In this article, a former prosecutor of elder abuse argues that adult children bear a responsibility to stay in touch with their parents frequently to be sure they aren’t being abused or isolated.

Paul Greenwood’s mother is 94 and lives alone in England. As an expert on elder abuse, Greenwood worries about her.

“She is the next perfect victim in waiting,” he says.

So, he does one simple thing daily to help keep her safe from predators. He talks to her.

For the past six years, he’s called to check in and see what’s going on in her life. For the past 2½ years they’ve done it via Facetime on her iPad mini. “This is my way of knowing that, at least today, my mother is not a victim,” he says.