What counts as elder abuse?
Elder abuse takes many forms, including physical or emotional harm, neglect, and financial exploitation. Financial exploitation, where someone misuses an older person's money or property, is especially common and often hidden.
Signs of financial exploitation
Warning signs that a family may want to look into include:
- Unexplained withdrawals or transfers
- Sudden changes to a will, deed, or power of attorney
- A new person who isolates the older adult
- Missing valuables or unpaid bills despite adequate funds
What can you do?
Families have options, from reporting to the authorities to pursuing legal remedies that stop the conduct and protect the person. In some cases, that may include a guardianship or other court action.
Recovering misused assets
Where money or property has been taken, it may be possible to pursue recovery through a legal action and an accounting. Suzanne can explain what is realistic in your situation.
Call 302.661.0400 to talk.
Common questions
How do I report elder abuse in Delaware?
Contact Delaware's Adult Protective Services, and call 911 in an emergency. An attorney can also help you take protective legal steps.
Can money taken from an older adult be recovered?
Sometimes. Depending on the facts, it may be possible to recover misused funds or property through legal action.