Exploitation of elders

Stealing is an awful thing. Stealing money from vulnerable elders seems even worse.
David Spiegel explored the latter subject in an article for Washington Lawyer, a forum for members of the District of Columbia Bar.
He wrote that according to market-based research “elder victims of financial abuse suffer an estimated $2.9 billion annual financial loss.”
It is an impressive figure, but Spiegel contrasted it with data from the Federal Trade Commission that suggest elders are actually quite resistant to scams perpetrated by strangers.
How can we explain this apparent contradiction? Spiegel came to this sad but likely conclusion: most of the financial exploitation of elders comes at the hands of “trusted others.”
These trusted others were defined as relatives, caregivers, attorneys and guardians, to name a few.
There is no reliable way of tracking just how many crimes are committed by these “trusted others.” Mr. Spiegel cited studies that suggest that less than 5 per cent of all forms of abuse against elders (and less than 2.27 per cent of financial exploitation) is reported, or at least recorded as a complaint by civil authorities.
Theories abound as to why this percentage is so abysmally low.
One theory that seems plausible is that when the perpetrator of theft is someone on whom the elder depends, the likelihood of the elder being willing to turn the thief in to law enforcement is small indeed.
It may be frustrating, but an adult, unless clearly cognitively impaired, has the right to determine whether or not to make a complaint. And, without a complaint, civil authorities are not able to act in most cases.
But Spiegel considered another possible explanation: the system for making reports of possible crimes against elders is difficult to negotiate, both for elders and for those who care about them.
This explanation also makes sense.
Since we in the Diocese of Tucson began to focus more on elder abuse, exploitation and neglect about two years ago, we have learned a great deal about how difficult it is to be of help to elders through civil agencies.
How many times have we heard from Adult Protective Services that based on the information we have or the situation we describe an investigation cannot be opened? I know they are just as frustrated by the limitations of resources and authority.
Fortunately, we have also learned that our parishes have other recourse even when civil intervention is not possible.
We can continue to observe, making another report when it seems indicated.
We can continue to visit, giving time and attention.
We can assist with errands and facilitate contact with family.
We can continue to hold our elders in prayer.
These responses are quintessential marks of pastoral presence. They are never exhausted and, with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, neither are we.
Thank you for continuing to care about the well being of our elders. May we all continue to be a source of hope and meaning to them, and they to us.
If you or anyone you know has experienced abuse by a priest, deacon, sister, brother, employee or volunteer for the Roman Catholic Church or for the Diocese of Tucson – no matter when or where the abuse happened – we urge you to report the abuse immediately to law enforcement. Also, we encourage you to call the Victim Assistance Program of the Diocese of Tucson at 1-800-234-0344 in Arizona and the Office of Child, Adolescent and Adult Protection of the Diocese of Tucson at 520-792-3410. More information is available at www.diocesetucson.org/ocaap.html.