ABOUT ME
This is a true story. Names have been changed, which seems to protect the guilty as well as the innocent. I am neither a doctor nor an attorney – just an unwilling witness to the atrocity of elder abuse. I thought I had it all. My children were doing well, but did not live nearby. I had lost my husband ten years earlier and did some deep thinking about what I really wanted to do and have for the rest of my life. The decision was that I wanted to find someone to love and care for.
I did find a special man. We had six fine years together before illness slowed him down and I watched as his daughter isolated him, lied to him, and manipulated him into institutions where he soon died.
I am telling his story in order to spread the knowledge about the prevalence and horror of family abuse - about how it was done, why I couldn’t stop it and what others can do to protect themselves and their loved ones. It is not a pretty story and it is difficult to tell. But there are some safeguards to know about. Knowing that it can happen to anyone is the most important defense. Please read and share Rob’s story.
I will rant and lecture and write about this as long as I can. A few years ago, I moved to another state. I had no friends here and Covid pretty much stopped any new connections. I am now working to get people in my town – especially seniors- to get together in friendship “circles” which will help protect against family and other abuse and may alleviate loneliness. As we grow older, many will become incapacitated – physically, mentally, or financially. Do you know who will take care of you if thishappens to you? Do you know how best to prevent abuse – for yourself and your loved ones?
