Elder Abuse and Fraud

Exploitation of elders is, sadly, becoming a common problem. Scam artists, telemarketers, fraudulent mail schemes, sweepstakes companies, and even family members see elders as an easy mark. One in two elders over the age of 80 has some form of dementia. Dementia is a decline in cognitive ability or defect in short term memory. Persons with dementia may be unable to objectively make good decisions with their money and they are easily convinced to part with money they worked for and saved throughout their lives.

The Tennessee Adult Protection Act (TAPA) provides one remedy for elder abuse and financial exploitation. This act provides for an award of attorney fees and costs to the prevailing party.