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Elder
Abuse, Rights, Discrimination, and
Fraud Against Elders- Questions & Answers
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down to questions & answers on:
Annuities |
Consumer Fraud | Elder
Abuse | Employment & Volunteer Opportunities
Annuities
Q: How
can I get answers to my questions about my annuity or file a complaint
about annuity fraud?
A: Contact
the Insurance Division help desk at (515) 281-5705. You may also
visit the Insurance Division's website at http://www.iid.state.ia.us
for more information.
Consumer
Fraud
Q: I
need to know where to call to report someone who may have cheated
me on a repair, bill, or telemarketing scheme, etc.
A: Contact
the Iowa Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division by going
to the Attorney General's web site: www.iowaattorneygeneral.org/consumer/index.html
or please call 515-281-5926. They may also be reached by e-mail
at: consumer@ag.state.ia.us.
You may also contact your local law enforcement agency.
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Dependent
Adult Abuse/ Elder Abuse
Q: What
is elder abuse?
A: Elder
abuse is the abuse, neglect or exploitation of individuals age 60
or older.
Q: What
is dependent adult abuse?
A: Dependent
Adult Abuse is the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of any individual
age 18 or older who is "unable to protect their own interest or
unable to adequately perform or obtain services necessary to meet
essential human needs, as a result of a physical or mental condition
which requires the assistance of another." The perpetrator must
be the individual's caretaker and there must be an allegation of
abuse as recognized under Chapter
235B of the Iowa Code.
- Abuse:
In
Iowa, the following types of abuse are recognized under Chapter
235B of the Iowa Code: Physical Abuse (including unreasonable
confinement and assault), Sexual Abuse, Financial Exploitation,
Sexual Exploitation, Denial of Critical Care and Self Denial of
Critical Care.
- Neglect:
The deprivation of the minimum food, shelter, clothing, supervision,
physical or mental health care, or other care necessary to maintain
a dependent adult's life or health. Within this definition is
"self neglect".
- Exploitation:
The act or process of taking unfair advantage of an individual
or taking assets or resources for your own profit or gain. This
includes the use of undue influence, harassment, duress, deception
or false representation.
Q: If
I suspect a case of abuse, whom do I call? ·
A: For
abuse in the community, contact the Iowa Department of Human Services
at 800-362-2178 AND your local law enforcement. For abuse in a facility,
contact the Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals at 1-877-686-0027
AND your local law enforcement.
Q: How
do I get a training manual on Elder Abuse?
A: The
Department of Elder Affairs provides training modules for mandatory
reporters, law enforcement, general public, and financial institutions.
For more information, visit the Elder
Abuse page.
For more
information on Elder Abuse and DEA's efforts in preventing elder
abuse, visit the Elder
Abuse page.
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Employment
& Volunteer Opportunities
Q: I
am retired but I need to earn more money. What can I do?
A: The
Department of Elder Affairs and the area agencies on aging have
programs for people aged 55 years and older that help people retrain
for part-time employment. For more information, visit our Employment
& Volunteer Programs Page.
Q: I
think that I have suffered discrimination because of my age. What
can I do?
A: Iowa
law does not allow discrimination based on race, color, national
origin, age, religion, creed, political affiliation, or mental or
physical disability except where allowed by law. If you believe
you have suffered discrimination due to one of these situations,
please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Graphics Building,
211 East Maple, Second Floor, Des Moines, IA 50309 or telephone
515-281-4182.
Q: I
am interested in volunteering in my community. What opportunities
are available locally through DEA and the aging network?
A: The
Department of Elder Affairs has numerous volunteer opportunities.
For more information, visit our Employment
and Volunteer Programs Page.
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