As people age, their needs change. Some older adults require the support of a trustworthy individual to manage their daily lives or their finances. Others need protection from abuse, as family members and professional caregivers sometimes mistreat vulnerable older adults. That abuse can be physical, emotional or financial.
Elder law concerns range from the pursuit of guardianship to planning to afford nursing home support later in life. Elder law issues change with every generation. Technology can have a major impact on the elder law needs of aging individuals.
What role does technology play in modern elder law matters?
Technology can contribute to elder abuse
Whenever there is a significant advancement in technology, it seems there are always people immediately ready to start misusing that new technology. The rise of digital communications has made it easier than ever before for people to engage in fraud schemes targeting older adults. Bad actors might use artificial intelligence and digital communications to trick and manipulate older adults.
Digital financial systems have made it so that people can potentially transfer their life savings in a few clicks without ever directly interacting with a banker who might be able to warn them about the questionable intentions of the other party. Modern technology makes it easy for those with bad intentions to victimize vulnerable adults.
Technology can protect older adults
While there are people who abuse technological advances, cutting-edge technology can also help protect vulnerable adults. The use of home security systems and digital assistants can help older adults reach out to loved ones or emergency responders if they fall or require support.
Family members can also potentially track the behavior of loved ones using smart camera systems or shared financial logins. They can identify when their loved one is vulnerable or when others have begun manipulating them.
Technology can theoretically help keep older adults connected to their family members and can help people recognize when intervention might be necessary for the protection of a vulnerable family member. Access to digital records can also help people address elder law concerns, such as the need to pursue guardianship.
Identifying the early warning signs of financial elder abuse, possibly facilitated by digital technology, can help families act to protect a loved one. Pursuing legal authority to support vulnerable people and holding others accountable for financially abusive practices are both ways for people to help protect vulnerable older adults at risk of financial abuse.