| Ruth is 87 years old this year and has been living alone | | | | was polite, and I had no reason to distrust her. You |
| since 1997. She is in good health, however the daily | | | | could tell she was from a good family ..." Ruth went on |
| chores around the home became increasingly difficult. | | | | to justify how quickly she was robbed of $4,200. |
| Ruth turned to her church bulletin and found a 'Home | | | | Barbara Mascio, founder of Senior Approved Services, |
| Care Company' advertised. | | | | states "Ruth's story was just one of many incidences |
| Ruth is not unique in the fact that she is widowed and | | | | of abuse that I learned of while employed with a |
| lives alone. According to the '2002 A Profile of Older | | | | national home care company. The stories of abuse |
| Americans' published by the Administration on Aging ( | | | | and fraud against this precious generation became the |
| 41% of women age 65 and over, are widowed and | | | | driving force behind the creation of Senior Approved |
| live alone. | | | | Services." |
| "The ad was in the church bulletin, I assumed this was | | | | Senior Approved Services actively assists in |
| a good company," her voice cracking from the pain | | | | protecting seniors by helping to connect them with |
| and embarrassment this home care service eventually | | | | businesses that have a verified history of providing |
| caused her. | | | | excellent care. "We remain actively involved, a link |
| Unfortunately, Ruth is also not alone in the fact that | | | | between the senior receiving care and the business |
| she became victim to fraud. According to U.S. Senator | | | | providing the care." |
| Larry Craig, past ranking member of the U.S. Senate | | | | "We are building a nationwide network of services, |
| Special Committee on Aging, 'Vulnerable elders are | | | | resources and products that seniors and their family |
| being abused, neglected and exploited within their own | | | | caregivers can feel safe in contracting with. We are |
| homes and communities at an a alarming rate.' | | | | inviting all those concerned with the right of all seniors |
| "The lady they sent to me was well groomed, she | | | | to receive excellent and safe care to help. |