Elder fraud is one of the most prevalent problems seniors deal with
By Staff Report
Senior citizens often face difficult legal issues that can cause stress and worry in their lives with the uncertainty of how to deal with them. Many times, they can not afford expensive attorney advice. That’s why the Centennial Senior Center provides free legal assistance on a monthly basis.
“Many older adults today live on a limited income and when legal matters arise, may not be able to afford a private attorney,” said Denise Melroy, program coordinator at the senior center. “This service provides consultation and assistance for seniors with no income eligibility qualifications.”
The Senior Adults Legal Assistance program is open to seniors age 60 or older who reside in Santa Clara County, she said. SALA is a nonprofit elder law office with professional attorneys who handle cases that private attorneys typically don’t handle. The staff assists older adults with the goal to live independently and safely.
One of the most prevalent problems that older adults often require assistance to deal with through SALA is elder fraud, Melroy said.
Elder fraud is the financial exploitation of senior citizens and includes many issues. It may occur when guardians or conservators misuse their authority over senior citizen wards and their estates. It might also occur when undue influence is used to gain control over a senior’s real and personal property and financial resources.
Another example of financial exploitation is when a senior consumer is victimized by consumer scams such as telemarketing fraud, sweepstakes fraud, and predatory lending.
Other issues that SALA specializes in include: Social Security, Supplemental Security Income benefits, Medicare, Medi-Cal, in-home supportive services, elder abuse, domestic violence restraining orders, housing, mobile homes, nursing homes and alternatives, advance health care directives, statutory powers of attorney, simple wills, and probate alternatives.
“Elder abuse is the intentional or negligent act by a person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult,” Melroy said. “Elder abuse can take the form of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, neglect or self-neglect, exploitation or abandonment. SALA is a free resource that older adults can use to potentially prevent elder abuse. In addition, the attorneys who assist the seniors are mandated (by law) to report suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services.”
Appointments for the SALA program can made by calling the Senior Center’s front desk at (408) 782-1284.
Bilingual attorneys are available upon request.
