How can I ensure my elderly parent is not being taken advantage of?
Ensuring that an elderly parent is not being taken advantage of can be a difficult task. The first step is to become familiar with the laws and regulations related to Elder Law in West Virginia. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Elder Law Division website is a great resource for understanding relevant state laws. In addition to becoming familiar with the basics, it is important to know the signs of exploitation. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, some signs of exploitation may include unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, sudden change in wills, power of attorney, or other financial documents, abrupt changes in financial situation, and the unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions. It is also important to be aware of changes in a person’s appearance or living conditions, or changes in relationships with family, friends, or financial professionals. Once the individual is educated on the signs of exploitation, it is important to create a system to monitor the elderly parent’s finances and health. Keeping a list of all financial accounts and other important documents in a secure place can help ensure that any changes or transactions are noticed. Regularly checking in with the elderly parent is also important, and can help ensure that exploitation or other problems can be caught early. Finally, it is important to get help if there are signs of exploitation. Reach out to a lawyer who specializes in Elder Law in West Virginia to discuss any potential exploitation. They can provide advice on the best course of action to ensure that the elderly parent is not taken advantage of.
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