Community advocate Todd Stein shared why he believes long-term care is often avoided by seniors, saying they’re afraid of losing their independence.

Stein explained the importance of long-term planning and said it puts elderly people at risk for financial, mental and even physical abuse.

He talked about his own parents’ experience in senior care, where they were victims of abuse, and shared some warning signs to look out for.

Stein also discussed the dangers of guardianship and said it can strip away an individual’s identity, take advantage of their financial standing, or isolate them from friends and family.