While it may have passed without notice for many people, yesterday was World Elder Abuse Awareness day. Elder abuse can take on a variety of ugly forms. It can include financial scams from outside sources who may contact a loved one by mail or over the phone, or financial exploitation from someone who is entrusted with managing the affairs of an adult who is no longer capable of managing every one of their financial affairs on their own.

The Southern Arizona Better Business Bureau notes that Arizona may be an area that is specifically targeted for those seeking to financially exploit senior citizens because of its status as a an attractive retirement destination. It can be difficult to detect financial abuse of an elder loved one because often the victim may not even realize what has happened. In other cases even when they find out they may be too embarrassed to seek help.

There a number of things to watch out for to help identify financial abuse of a loved one. These includes when a parent or grandparent can suddenly not afford normal expenses that they have been able to pay for in the past. Sudden unnecessary purchases or unusual bank account activity may also indicate that someone is manipulating them. You may also want to investigate if a senior citizen tells you that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes.

Fortunately there are options to help protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation. Guardianships and conservatorships are designed to help seniors who may no longer be able to manage their financial affairs. It is important to work with an experienced professional that you can trust to ensure that any actions taken on a loved one's behalf are truly in their best interest.

Source: Tucson Citizen "June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day" June 13, 2011