(FLORIDA) - According to SeniorLiving.org, around 10% of Americans 60 or older living at home will experience some form of abuse. Abuse can be physical, emotional, verbal, in the form of neglect whether intentional or not, or even financial and happens more often than you think. Let’s break down what the different forms of abuse can look like and how reaching out to Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS) can help.

Examples of common types of abuse:

• Financial: A relative convinces a senior to sign over money or property or uses their credit card without permission.
• Emotional: A caregiver makes a senior feel worthless by constantly yelling at them, with the intention to control or intimidate them.
• Physical: A family member roughly grabs or pushes an older adult or leaves visible bruises from other forms of rough handling.
• Neglect: An elderly person is left alone for long periods without food, clean clothes, or help taking their medication.
  Isolation: A senior is blocked from using their phone to make or answer calls or having loved ones visit, so they can’t ask for help or support.

What to do if you suspect abuse:

Older adults have legal rights just like everyone else and can set up legal protections to safeguard their futures, even if they don’t have kids. That’s where FRLS elder law services come in.

FRLS, our non-profit law firm, provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. We work to protect elders and their families against abuse and can help qualified seniors at no cost.

We can help set up simple wills, which delegates where your property and assets go when you’re gone, and other legal documents like living wills, advance directives, and a designation of a healthcare surrogate let everyone know your medical choices in the case that you aren’t able to make your own decisions.
It’s important to set these documents up well before you need them, making them even more effective. If you or someone you know needs legal protection, contact FRLS at 1-888-582-3410 or visit FRLS.org/intake to apply online.

About Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS):

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in
housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and Pro Bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.