Elder Abuse & Exploitation
It is against the law to abuse, neglect, or exploit a disabled or older adult. Elder abuse includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, and the deprivation of services by a caretaker. Elder exploitation includes the taking of government funds that have been paid to a disabled or older adult.
Tennessee law requires any person who suspects abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a disabled or older adult to make a report to the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS). Contact the DHS Adult Protective Services at 1-888-277-8366.
Although DHS is specifically responsible for the investigation of the taking of government funds, there are many other types of elder exploitation, such as the taking of other types of money or property, obtaining your signature on documents that you do not understand, or using a power of attorney to misappropriate funds or property. While it is important to sign a power of attorney document, you should make sure you appoint someone you can trust to be your attorney-in-fact.
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