Caregiving Connections is an evolving dimension of our community. This week from “Hot on the Forums” comes a story for caregivers about the rising trend of medical and elderly identity theft.

An AGIS community member writes, “I have a friend that just gave me some disturbing news. Her cousin, in her 50’s, had a minor stroke. When she went to the hospital, she was asked if when her last insulin treatment was. She informed the nurse that she had not had a treatment because she was not diabetic. Her medical records reported something different, however. The nurse assumed that she was just disillusioned because of the trauma that she had just gone through. Soon after that she was given an insulin treatment, which killed her. Later, the hospital found out that she was a victim of medical identity theft. My friend is concerned and she feels that people should know about this silent killer. She said, ‘It amazes me that people think that the only identity theft if credit card identity theft.’ She also told me that elderly people are top target for identity thieves. I would like to know what I can do so that this does not happen to me or my loved ones?”

For more information about medical and elderly identity left, check out:

Orlando Sentinel - “Elder Affairs group brings in speakers on senior safety”

Pensacola News Journal - “Woman faces court, accused of trying to swindle elderly”

Filed under: AGIS, Community, Elder Issues, Eldercare