My Aunt Social Security Check is being ABUSED-who do I tell please Helppppppp!!!?

Question

Aunt who is 95 years old, she lives in Sr Apt., She is suppose to be independent she is not

1. As a family member am I doing more harm than good b/c she cant take care of herself. I am not her Power of Attorney. She is my grandmothers sister. I feel sad she dose not remember anything.
2. My cousin who is Power of Attoreny is not doing a good job taking care of her. My Aunt use get her hair washed every week @ the Hair Dresser--it has not been done in 2 Months. My Aunt has no spending money to go to gift shop.
3. They took her check book three months ago. Her cabl e bill arrived it was 3 months behind $ 146.00. The telephone company called her phone was going to be cut off, they rushed and paid the bill---
4. The Social Worker ask my cousins to buy her a Microwave so she does not have to use the stove,they have not.
5. Her clothes look deshelved and not IRONED or PressedI do not know what agency to report the ABUSE--
The bottom line she really need 24-7 attention.

I feel so sad and STRESSED.

I do not live in her Apartment--I live in the same building--I know the complete Circumstances.........

Answer 1

Go to your local Social Security office and apply to become her representative payee. Or go to a local senior citizen apts or services and have one of their workers go into the office so that they can become their representative payee. It does not matter if your cousin has power of attorney, that means nothing to us. Our concern is the health and welfare of our recipients. I've had numerous cases where a relative abused his/her position as representative payee and I recommended that they move her to a licensed board and care facility. Check your local yellow pages under board and care/convalescent hospitals and call them. It may take some footwork but in the end it will all be worthwhile. Where does your aunt live? I just need the city, I'll send you the local Social Security number so that you can call it and get numbers to local licensed facilities.

Situations like this irk the %$# out of me. I can't believe some of the abuse some senior citizens go thru, specially if they worked and someone else is literally stealing their hard earned money hiding behind a piece of paper. That is criminal.

Answer 2

The adult protective agencies can help in this matter - but do consult with a lawyer concerning the situation and possibly having the power of attorney changed to someone who has the best interests of your aunt at heart.

Answer 3

You should be able to go to the manager of the apartments and they will have the number if not they should be able to help you find the agency you can report this too. In most states they do have a agency that helps seniors who are being abused.
Good Luck and it is very nice to see someone who cares about our seniors today.
God Bless

Answer 4

You could call Adult Protective Services. However remember, sometimes looking in on a situation it may not be what it seems. It is not easy taking care of an elderly person. If you don't live with them you may not be able to see both sides of the situation.

Answer 5

Call the Adult Protective Services center at your local government center. (Like CPS or DFS) Tell them what is happening. They should investigate.
Turn your cousin to Social Security for theft.
Good luck Hon!

Answer 6

I'm not sure of her location, so I can't give you a specific group to contact, but this site should have the information that you need to make sure she's recieving good care.

http://www.elderabusecenter.org/default.cfm

Answer 7

Call the social security office in her area and report it. If you fell she is in danger from neglect, call adult protective agency.