The State Bar has developed a series of guides for the California Elderly population and persons who serve this population. The California State Bar has created a pamphlet entitled What Should I Know About Elder Abuse that has 16 pages of information regarding this subject. This pamphlet addresses a number of issues including:
• What are some examples of elder abuse?
• Am I required to report suspected elder abuse?
• Is there anyone who will check on my elderly father’s well-being for me?
• How can I be sure that my mother’s caregiver will provide proper and adequate in-home care?
• Should I be cautious in how I select financial or estate planning services?
• What can I do if someone steals my credit card and runs up the bill?
The State Bar also publishes “Seniors & the Law: A Guide for Maturing Californians” which is available in English and Spanish.
You can obtain a copy of What Should I Know About Elder Abuse in English, Chinese or Spanish by calling the Consumer Education Pamphlet Hot Line at 888-873-LAWS or 888-873-5297; you can print the pamphlet from your computer by going on your computer to http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Public/Pamphlets/ElderAbuse.aspx http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Public/Pamphlets/ElderAbuse.aspx; or filling out the Pamphlet order form on the California State Bar’s web site listed above. A free copy of the elder abuse pamphlet is available by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to The State Bar of California, Attn: Pamphlets, 180 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94105-1639. Non-profit organizations can obtain 100 copies of this pamphlet for $20.
If you suspect Elder Abuse, follow the guide set forth in this pamphlet to alert the proper agencies.
Ms. MacDonald’s practice is limited to Estate Planning, Probate, Elder Law and Trust Administration. Ms. MacDonald maintains her practice in the Santa Clarita Valley at 25115 Avenue Stanford, Suite B-124 in Valencia, California. She can be reached at 661-294-6464.