If a crime is involved, it is reported to the law enforcement agency responsible for investigations. She cited a case in which the victim's family reported that the person who had power of attorney was cashing checks for herself, not the elderly woman. The elderly woman's needs were being met, but she didn't know that her bank account was being raided. Once she learned the truth, the Sheriff's Department was contacted. She got an attorney to help.
Safeguards are difficult to guarantee.
Preplanning is recommended, before the older person becomes incapacitated. William Parcell, adult services program consultant for the Piedmont Region, which includes social services agencies in Central Virginia as well as Roanoke and much of southwestern Virginia, said the increase in reports is regional. Parcell said Social Services agencies are doing continual outreach - such as Thursday's program in Lynchburg, to raise public awareness, but that Area Agencies on Aging are also active in protecting the elderly. Recognizing and preventing adult abuse and financial exploitation' is a free program, directed to professionals but open to all. It will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 301 Grove St., the Parks and Recreation Building at Miller Park.