Elder Abuse and Neglect

Elder abuse and neglect is a significant issue in Nevada, occurring in forms such as physical and emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation, and self-neglect. Despite protective laws like Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 200 and the Vulnerable Persons Act, under-reporting and enforcement inadequacies persist.

Physical and neglect abuses are often identified medically, while emotional abuse and financial exploitation, which includes misuse of an elder’s assets and scamming, are harder to detect. Resources for reporting these instances include the Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) and local organizations like Nevada Senior Services.

To address the issue, Nevada has initiated public awareness campaigns, professional training programs, and cross-sector collaboration among social service, law enforcement, and healthcare sectors. Nonetheless, the rising senior population and the complexity of elder abuse necessitate ongoing preventive and responsive efforts.

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Financial Exploitation of Older Adults

Financial exploitation of older adults in Nevada is a pressing issue that involves the misuse or misappropriation of an elderly person’s financial resources, often without their informed consent. This form of elder abuse takes many forms, such as theft, scams, real estate exploitation, and neglect of fiduciary duty. It impacts seniors’ financial stability and emotional wellbeing, leading to substantial hardship. Nevada has enacted laws and established resources like the Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) to combat this issue. However, this complex problem requires ongoing community vigilance, education, and legal enforcement to ensure the safety and security of Nevada’s senior citizens.

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