| Contact information: | Please tell us who you are and give us a way to contact you. We will not share your information. |
|---|---|
| Date Created | June 9, 2023 |
| First Name | Virginia |
| Email OR Phone Number | mexicoginnyk@yahoo.com |
| Zip Code (we want to match where you live with your members of Congress) | 24523 |
| Tell us a little about yourself or your loved one: | |
| Q1: What was your situation when you or your loved one first started experiencing elder abuse, neglect, and/or fraud? (What was your/their living situation like, were you/they struggling with any health issues, etc.?) | My late husband and I moved to a 'senior' community in Virginia (Runk & Pratt, Hardy VA) at age 83. We relied on the information we were provided, both in print and 'on line' and purchased an 'independent cottage' only to learn that their advertising was false and misleading. We learned that our 'likeness' was (and still is) being used in their advertisements, without our knowledge or permission, which I understand is a violation of both federal and Commonwealth of Virginia laws. We subsequently moved back to Florida, where my husband died in April 2021. Plrior to selling our cottage in Virginia, I spent many months researching their fraud and after informing the other cottage owners, they were for the most part reluctant to address the issue, mostly out of fear of 'causing trouble' and/or the fact that they were not physically, or in some cases, mentally able to deal with it and/or move elsewhere. |
| Q2: What would you like to share about your story? | I would like to share the fact that 'seniors' need to be very diligent when researching senior living communities and if and when they detect fraud they need to be brave enough to address the issue and not just become silent victims. |
| Q3: What do you wish people knew about elder abuse, neglect, and fraud? | I wish more people knew about elder abuse, neglect and fraud, but most of all I wish more people actually cared and were willing to speak up. Until they do, it will continue. |
| Q4: What are your hopes for the future? | I moved back to Virginia after my husband's death, in order to live near one of my sons. I am currently living in a senior community and own my own condo. Once again, I am experiencing the lack of courage on the part of the residents to address issues with our current HOA. Until seniors are willing to speak up they will continue to be victims - it's just tht simple. |
| Can our staff follow up with you about your story? | Yes |
| Are you interested in sharing your story further? (We can contact you about speaking with local media, elected officials, or recording your story for a video or podcast) | Yes |
| Can we use your name in telling your story? | Yes |
| Is there anything else you would like to add? | I would like to add the fact that I spent most of my life serving others, including serving as a Peace Corops volunteer (S. Pacific 1984-1986), serving as a court advocate for battered women, guardian ad litem for abused and abandoned children, and in various other capacities. I'm ready, willing and able, to speak on behalf of seniors to help bring awareness to this ongoing abuse. The challenge appears to be finding people who care. I'm a retired Federal Public Affairs Specialist (Peace Corps, U.S. Air Force & E.P.A). I am experienced in dealing with media and more than willing to take the message where it will do the most good. Thanks for all you are doing! |