Ruth is 87 years old this year and has been living alone since
1997. She is in good health, however the daily chores around the
home became increasingly difficult. Ruth turned to her church
bulletin and found a 'Home Care Company' advertised.
Ruth is not unique in the fact that she is widowed and lives
alone. According to the ‘2002 A Profile of Older Americans’
published by the Administration on Aging
(
http://www.aoa.gov/aoa/stats/profile/4.html ) 41% of women age
65 and over, are widowed and live alone.
“The ad was in the church bulletin, I assumed this was a good
company,” her voice cracking from the pain and embarrassment
this home care service eventually caused her.
Unfortunately, Ruth is also not alone in the fact that she
became victim to fraud. According to U.S. Senator Larry Craig,
past ranking member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on
Aging, ‘Vulnerable elders are being abused, neglected and
exploited within their own homes and communities at an a
alarming rate.’
“The lady they sent to me was well groomed, she was polite, and
I had no reason to distrust her. You could tell she was from a
good family …” Ruth went on to justify how quickly she was
robbed of $4,200.
Barbara Mascio, founder of Senior Approved Services, states
“Ruth’s story was just one of many incidences of abuse that I
learned of while employed with a national home care company. The
stories of abuse and fraud against this precious generation
became the driving force behind the creation of Senior Approved
Services.”
Senior Approved Services actively assists in protecting seniors
by helping to connect them with businesses that have a verified
history of providing excellent care. “We remain actively
involved, a link between the senior receiving care and the
business providing the care.”
“We are building a nationwide network of services, resources and
products that seniors and their family caregivers can feel safe
in contracting with. We are inviting all those concerned with
the right of all seniors to receive excellent and safe care to
help.”
See
http://www.seniorsapprove.com for current listings of
Certified Senior Approved Services or phone the Cleveland Ohio
office at 216-883-3163 during normal business hours.
Help promote awareness and help senior citizens avoid a business
that may pose a threat to this vulnerable population, see
http://www.qualityeldercare.com/advocate.html and also
http://www.qualityeldercare.com/employ
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