Ruth is 87 years old this year and has been living alone since 1997. She is in good health, however
daily chores around home became increasingly difficult. Ruth turned to her church bulletin and found a 'Home Care Company' advertised.Ruth is not unique in fact that she is widowed and lives alone. According to ‘2002 A Profile of Older Americans’ published by Administration on Aging (http://www.aoa.gov/aoa/stats/profile/4.html) 41% of women age 65 and over, are widowed and live alone.
“The ad was in church bulletin, I assumed this was a good company,” her voice cracking from pain and embarrassment this home care service eventually caused her.
Unfortunately, Ruth is also not alone in fact that she became victim to fraud. According to U.S. Senator Larry Craig, past ranking member of U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, ‘Vulnerable elders are being abused, neglected and exploited within their own homes and communities at an a alarming rate.’
“The lady they sent to me was well groomed, she was polite, and I had no reason to distrust her. You could tell she was from a good family …” Ruth went on to justify how quickly she was robbed of $4,200.
Barbara Mascio, founder of Senior Approved Services, states “Ruth’s story was just one of many incidences of abuse that I learned of while employed with a national home care company. The stories of abuse and fraud against this precious generation became driving force behind creation of Senior Approved Services.”
