Dade and Broward County Injury News

South Florida Elder Abuse Rising


Posted on Oct 15, 2011

Unfortunately elder abuse in South Florida is going up.  The Department of Children and Families are asking the community to step in and deal with this problem.

Interesting enough according to state statistics, from July 2010 through June 2011, Broward County had 5,193 cases of reported elder abuse that was up 525 cases from the previous year.  Palm Beach County reported there were 3,957 cases from 2010 to 2011 which was an increase of 441 cases the year before. 

Many times there are outward signs that people can notice if there is elder abuse or neglect.  Officials said that just by noticing an elderly neighbor’s unkempt home or lawn can be signs of neglect and abuse.

Care givers for the elderly can be a problem with cases of exploitation.  Greenacres police said an elderly couple’s caregiver used their checkbook to steal $141,228 in August 2010.

Family and friends as well as the community need to take notice of anything that does not appear normal in the life of a senior.  It is important to make sure the senior is not missing money, have items missing or shows any physical signs of abuse.

Last year, DCF introduced a program utilizing 12 court-appointed “elderly guardians” for Palm Beach and Broward counties.  The guardians are responsible for looking after the elderly who do not have family available.

The Law Offices of David Benenfeld would like to extend its concern for the elder’s who have found themselves in any abusive situation.

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