The abstract for the workshop explains:
Social isolation and loneliness increase adverse health outcomes, including depression, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Social isolation is also a risk factor for elder maltreatment.
However, some long-term care facilities prohibit visitors, phone calls, and mail. Residents have been isolated from loved ones for years. Law enforcement rarely intervenes. Isolated residents have no access to legal representation. Heirs lack legal standing until the death of the victim. Families of victims may find no remedy at law when a loved one is isolated in a facility.The presenters will discuss case studies and their investigations of unlawful isolation in long-term care facilities.
Case studies indicate California long-term care facilities often ignore residents’ personal rights. False imprisonment and forced isolation are common. Law enforcement rarely assists elder abuse victims.
In a San Bernardino County survey, most assisted living facilities stated they will isolate residents. One resident was unlawfully isolated for fifteen months. The investigating deputy and Deputy District Attorney determined the situation was a civil matter.
In Santa Clara County, an assisted living resident was unlawfully isolated for over two years. San Jose Police and a Deputy District Attorney determined the situation was a civil matter. California’s Director of Social Services stated the extended isolation was not a violation of the resident’s right to visitation.
The research demonstrated a need for education across all levels of law enforcement and social services agencies. Important points include (1) false imprisonment is a crime, (2) isolation is a crime, (3) mental abuse is a crime. Knowledge gained in this session can be applied by all professions that address ling-term care and elder rights.
Full Article & Source:
American Society on Aging workshop on elder abuse in long-term care
Thank you, Linda, for all you do to spread awareness.
ReplyDeleteThis issue blows my mind!!! What are people thinking? - A CIVIL matter?!!! If only it was their loved one being held captive and isolated, and they were not permittied to visit or call... The guardian and care home owner are doing this to my fiance. They will stop at NOTHING to maintain this posture. They told the police I called and said I will "come and shoot everyone and myself" as a way to to keep me away. (I'm the nicest guy on the planet). Of course there was no proof, because it was a total LIE and the officer believed me. I think he's seen this ploy before, yet his only help was to advise me to get a lawyer. The owner told me she had to medicate my fiance for being so "upset" when I called to speak with her one time, (as if she was angry that I called and left my number). When I did secretly get through one day, she BEGGED ME to get her out somehow. She told me she loves me deeply. She said she never received any of the letters or cards I sent. SHE ALSO TOLD ME SHE HADN'T SEEN HER SON IN OVER A YEAR!!! There is so much more to this story, and believe me I'm working hard each day to connect the dots. The sub-human scumbags who do this to innocent people are the ones who should be isolated.- Removed from society. Together, we must all spread awareness to others everyday, in everyway of these lawless atrocities. They steal, cheat, lie, abuse, exploit, kidnap, torture, and even murder decent people all for profit and power. They are the monsters of our race. As cunning and evil as it gets. They hide behind suits, robes and badges. They hold high positions and eat their young. They fight dirty; without conscience. They are sadistic, hateful, and ugly inside and out. Psychopaths; hiding behind suits and smiles, tying up our valuable parking spaces while cannibalizing society. Please be part of the solution in this battle of ending corruption and saving lives. WE CAN STOP THIS IF WE ALL PULL TOGETHER AS A TEAM.
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