How is Georgia Planning to Better Protect its Elders?

Protecting elderly citizens has become a primary objective for the state government.

The elderly tend to be an at-risk population already.

They are targeted by scams, abusers and opportunities.

Georgia officials have been focusing new legislation on this issue.

According to a recent U.S. News article titled “Georgia Must Do More to Track, Prevent Elder Abuse, Some Say,” even more needs to be done.

Why is this issue of particular concern?

The number of elderly residents in Georgia is increasing.

In the Atlanta area alone, the number of seniors over 60 increased four times between 1970 and 2015.

In fact, some 20 percent of the Georgia population is disabled or elderly.

Of this population, 10 percent have victimized physically or financially.

What are the proposed plans?

The Georgia legislature is hoping to create a new registry for known elder abusers.

This would functions similar to child and sexual abuse registries.

They are planning to introduce a bill in the next legislative session.

Stay tuned.

Remember: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When making your financial, tax and estate plans, do not go it alone. Be sure to engage competent professional counsel.

For more information about estate planning in Overland Park, KS (and throughout the rest of Kansas and Missouri), visit our estate planning website and be sure to subscribe to our complimentary estate planning e-newsletter while you are there.

Reference: US News (July 9, 2017) “Georgia Must Do More to Track, Prevent Elder Abuse, Some Say”