Isn't That Rich Podcast

Elder fraud and abuse are pressing concerns that affect many in our community. At Farmers State Bank, we encounter instances of elder fraud regularly, and it's crucial to spread awareness and understanding of this issue. One of the key figures in combating elder fraud in our region is Kimberly O’Daniel, Program Director for Adult Protective Services at Shawnee Health. Kimberly oversees a team that investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults, as well as frauds and scams targeting them.

What is Adult Protective Services (APS)?

Adult Protective Services (APS) is a critical resource for protecting vulnerable adults. APS investigates a wide range of issues, including physical abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and other forms of maltreatment. They focus on adults aged 18 to 59 with disabilities and those 60 and over who are part of the Aging Waiver. The goal of APS is not to remove individuals from their homes but to mitigate risks and provide support in line with the client’s wishes.

At Shawnee Health, APS also works under a grant from the Attorney General’s office, which enables them to investigate scams and frauds that target older adults, such as home improvement scams, telemarketing fraud, and online scams involving money mules.

Recognizing Elder Fraud and Abuse

Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and even abandonment. It’s important to be aware of the signs that someone might be a victim:

• Financial Exploitation: Unusual bank transactions, such as large withdrawals, the addition of new names to accounts, or purchases that don’t align with the person’s usual spending habits, can be red flags. APS often relies on banks to notice and report these suspicious activities.
• Physical Abuse or Neglect: Signs can include unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, or sudden changes in behavior. Neglect may involve a caregiver not providing necessary care, while willful deprivation refers to intentionally withholding care or necessities.
• Emotional Abuse and Isolation: If a person suddenly seems isolated, withdrawn, or fearful, it could indicate emotional abuse. Some perpetrators may also restrict access to communication, such as phone calls or visits, to control the victim.
• Scams and Fraud: Common scams include the "grandparent scam," where fraudsters impersonate a grandchild in distress to trick the elder into sending money, and various telemarketing scams, including fake lottery wins or fraudulent home repairs.

How to Protect and Support Elderly Individuals

If you suspect that an elder is being abused or defrauded, it’s important to act. Anyone can report suspected abuse to APS. The key steps include:

1. Making a Report: You don’t need to have all the details or proof of abuse—just reasonable suspicion. Reports can be made anonymously to ensure the safety and privacy of the reporter.

2. Engaging with APS: Once a report is made, APS can assess the situation and offer the necessary support. They work closely with law enforcement, banks, and other agencies to ensure the elder’s safety and well-being.

3. Education and Awareness: Educating yourself and others about the types of fraud and abuse that elders are vulnerable to is crucial. Kimberly and her team provide training and educational sessions to various organizations, including banks, hospitals, and home care agencies, to help them recognize and prevent elder abuse.

Resources Available for Victims

Shawnee Health offers a variety of services for victims of elder fraud and abuse. These include direct support from APS, as well as connections to local resources like the Southern Illinois Triad, which works to educate the community and protect seniors from scams and fraud. For those caring for individuals with dementia, specialized programs are also available to offer additional support.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, you can contact Shawnee Health’s Adult Protective Services at 618-985-8322 (option 1). Alternatively, you can reach out to the state’s helpline at 1-866-800-1409.

Awareness is Key

Elder fraud and abuse are issues that require community awareness and action. By recognizing the signs and knowing where to turn for help, we can all play a part in protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. If you suspect that someone you know is a victim of elder fraud or abuse, don’t hesitate to reach out to Shawnee Health’s APS team for guidance and support.