When legal problems arise, knowing where to turn is essential. For seniors, that means learning about local resources that can advise and empower you.
Below, we’ll cover common risks that seniors face, and how to find help.
Domestic Violence and Harassment
While typically thought of as physical abuse between romantic partners, domestic violence is a much more complicated and broader issue that can affect people across all demographics, and can be perpetrated by family, friends, or other relationships. In addition, domestic violence isn’t always physical—some cases involve emotional or financial abuse, which can be harder for victims to recognize.
As mobility decreases with age, seniors often find themselves spending more time at home, which can make them more susceptible to abuse. Financial elder abuse, in particular, is increasingly common and is typically perpetrated by family members.
Leveraging legal services can help seniors navigate these incredibly difficult and emotionally taxing situations. For cases of financial abuse, seniors should have Durable Power of Attorney, a document that enables a trusted family member or friend to make financial decisions on your behalf. Durable Power of Attorney can help prevent exploitation by adding a barrier between you and a potential abuser.
A legal advisor can also connect domestic violence survivors with support services, help them understand their legal rights, and provide guidance on obtaining restraining orders.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests
When it comes to housing, a reasonable accommodation is a change or adjustment to building rules, policies, or services that a person with a disability can request to make their living space more accessible. When submitting a reasonable accommodation request, a tenant must state their disability and explain how the accommodation is connected to that disability. Sometimes, this process requires supporting documentation.
Landlords must respond appropriately and can’t impose extra costs, ask unnecessary medical questions, or deny the request without a valid reason. If they unlawfully refuse, tenants can file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department or pursue legal action for discrimination based on disability.
Scam Prevention
Unfortunately, scams are becoming more advanced, utilizing technology to trick people into sending money or revealing valuable personal information. Because seniors are susceptible, it’s important to learn how to spot a scam.
Some recent scam examples include cryptocurrency, AI deepfakes and impersonations, student loan forgiveness, fake online stores, and employment scams. Voiceprint scams are also becoming more prevalent, using recordings of victims’ voices to access their accounts.
Always stay alert and report scams promptly to your bank, local law enforcement, and agencies like the FTC or FBI. If you are a victim of a scam, a legal advisor can help you figure out next steps and how to prevent future scams.
Identity Theft
In addition to online scams, identity theft is a growing threat to seniors and other vulnerable communities. Hackers use methods like credit-card fraud and synthetic identity fraud to gain access to victims’ information.
Checking your credit report regularly can help you spot suspicious activity and ensure entries on your report are accurate. Federal law allows for one free credit report per year, which you can review for mistakes and request corrections.
If you fall victim to identity theft, immediately freeze your credit and put a fraud alert in place through the three major credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. This will add an extra layer of security by requiring lenders to verify your identity before issuing new credit.
Legal representatives can help guide you through this reporting process and aid in communication with banks or law enforcement, ensuring your rights are protected and help you recover your financial stability.
Help Is Here
Navigating legal services doesn’t have to be complicated. Contra Costa Senior Legal Services (CCSLS) is a nonprofit organization that provides free legal assistance to older adults, helping seniors maintain independence, security, and dignity by addressing civic legal issues that affect their well-being. For more information on how CCSLS can help, visit CCLS.org or call (925) 609-7900.
Legal Assistance for Seniors (LAS) provides free legal services, Medicare counseling, and community education to older adults in Alameda County. For more information on how LAS can help, visit lashicap.org or call (510) 832-3040.
