The War to Protect the Elderly, Elder Law Attorney, Woodstock, GA

As the overall population in the U.S. continues to get older, more people are becoming victims of elder financial abuse. The federal government and many state governments are trying to stop it.

The epidemic of financial abuse against older people has gone mostly unnoticed by policymakers for a long time. It has always been a problem and it has grown much worse in recent years.

It is of particular concern because, while younger people who have been victims of scams and theft have time to earn more money, elderly retired people often cannot just go back to work and make more money. Once the money is stolen from them, it is often gone for good.

Despite this situation, only limited action has been taken to strengthen laws against elder financial abuse. Many courts and prosecutors have preferred to treat it as a private, family matter.

That is starting to change, as The New York Times reports in “Declaring War on Financial Abuse of Older People.”

Thanks to the efforts of activists and elder law attorneys, lawmakers are taking more notice of the issue. Last year, it was addressed in 33 state legislatures and proposals are currently pending in the Congress to toughen the law.

Some of these efforts are meant to help prevent the abuse from happening and to see that it is reported when it does. Other efforts are focused on making sure that elder financial abuse is treated appropriately as a criminal matter.

This war on elder abuse is only getting started and has a long way to go. However, it is good that it is picking up momentum.

Reference: New York Times (April 14, 2017) “Declaring War on Financial Abuse of Older People.”

Hear From Our Clients

“On the threshold of retirement, we finally decided to quit thinking we could self-prepare the requisite documents. We had previously had only a very simple will. We needed the necessary legal (including updated will) & health care docs but didn’t want to deal with the time & complication of legalese. Cindy made the process relatively painless. She took the time to explain and answer questions without trying to upsell services. We were done in 2 meetings plus the reading of emailed drafts. In addition to preparing the documents, Nelson Eldercare will be there when our adult children need advice on executing the plans we’ve put in place.So glad it’s behind us and would recommend Cindy and her helpful staff.”

- Bonnie

Cindy and her company treat their clients like family. Nelson’s offers clear, direct, and honest guidance in planning for your families security and future. No one wants to actively sit down and make these decisions, but Nelson’s makes this process seamless. I was so impressed with their willingness to answer all questions big or small. So glad I made the decision have them help my mom and dad and now me. You can’t go wrong with Nelson’s Elder Care Law.

- Hope

The very best elder law attorney and staff anyone could ever ask for! I have referred a number of clients to Cindy and she never disappoints. She is kind, caring, and extremely thorough in making sure everything is completed as it should be. I highly recommend Cindy for anyone needing lawyer services; she truly goes above and beyond for every client she helps and has had a huge impact in so many peoples’ lives. Thank you, Cindy and staff, for everything that you do- I’m so glad to know you!

- Kerri

I heard Cindy’s presentation at a Senior Luncheon at my church, and was very impressed. She helped my daughter and me understand many aspects of elder law. Josh has also been very helpful in my planning to enter an independent living situation . I have told many friends about them.

- Charlotte

Cindy and the Nelson Elder Care Law team are trustworthy and helpful. They are the experts in elder care law. At Leaf Cremation, we entrust our families to the care of the Nelson team when their services are needed.

- Pierce