From The Silver Standard’s Elder Abuse Reform Now Project: In 2020 America Animals Receive More Humane Care Than Our Senior Citizens

By Mary West

Studies show that the care of America’s elderly and infirmed not only fails to meet federal nursing home regulations but federal laws governing the treatment of animals 

Just how badly are some nursing home residents treated? Do they receive better care than animals in a zoo or dogs in a kennel? A recent report issued by the Long Term Care Community Coalition (LTCCC) compared animal care standards to the experiences of individuals in long-term care facilities. The authors concluded that care of the elderly and infirmed often not only fails to meet federal nursing home regulations—it also falls short of requirements for humane animal treatment.

A 2014 study by the OIG found that one third of Medicare 

beneficiaries who enter a nursing home are harmed 

within approximately two weeks. 

 

The LTCCC report was based on research that evaluated several categories such as abuse, nutrition, and medical supervision. Guidelines for animal care mandated by federal law and oversight agencies served as standards on which to base the comparisons of nursing home experiences. Each category assessed revealed cause for alarm. It’s frightening to think that a precious parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle may not receive even the basic treatment due a pet.

Abuse and Neglect

According to the Standards for New World Primates, physical abuse and punishment-based training should never be used in handling non-human primates. While federal standards prohibit the abuse of nursing home residents, state and federal oversight agencies are lax in enforcing them.

Mistreatment and neglect top the list of concerns relating to long-term care because they cause suffering that takes many forms. The harmful effects can be so severe that they culminate in death.

Statistics like a 2019 report issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) underscore how abuse has serious outcomes. It estimated that one in five Medicare claims from nursing home residents visiting the emergency room stemmed from mistreatment.

Furthermore, once someone is admitted to a long-term care facility, the abuse frequently starts quickly. A 2014 study by the OIG found that one third of Medicare beneficiaries who enter a nursing home are harmed within approximately two weeks.

46 percent of older residents in long-term care facilities 

had impending or current dehydration 

 

Nutrition and Hydration

The Animal Welfare Act states that hamsters and guinea pigs should be fed daily and that the chow needs to be palatable, free of contamination, and sufficiently nutritious to meet the animals’ needs. Federal standards for nursing home residents stipulate that meals be appetizing, healthy, and appropriate in size.

Sadly, individuals in long-term care facilities aren’t always treated as well as rodents. It’s not unusual for them to receive insufficient food and water, the fundamental necessities for life.

A 2004 study published in the Journal of Gerontology discovered that 64 to 80 percent of nursing home residents consumed less fluid and food than amounts recommended in federal guidelines. In a 2020 article featured in Age Ageing, the authors estimated that 46 percent of older residents in long-term care facilities had impending or current dehydration.

Dehydration is a condition that can be life threatening if not caught in time. In a 2019 hearing held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, legislators heard the account of an Alzheimer’s resident in an Iowa facility who was denied water for several days. The person died after developing dehydration.

Food and water safety is also an issue. A 2019 report in Fair Warning detailed often-unreported problems in nursing homes such as moldy ice machines and food-borne disease outbreaks.

Freedom from Restraints

Guidelines from the 2016 American Association of Zoo Veterinarians note that physically restraining animals without sedation should be reserved for use only during medical procedures. Federal requirements mandate that nursing homes shouldn’t use physical or chemical restraints on residents for purposes of convenience or discipline.

All of us have felt sympathy for a dog that is chained much of the time and not allowed to run loose within a fenced-in enclosure. Individuals in long-term care facilities are sometimes similarly restrained.

Bedrails, one form of physical restraint, represent a source of preventable harm because residents can climb over and around them. A New York Times review reported that from 1995 to 2012, bedrails were implicated in 550 deaths. These restraints are sometimes necessary, but they shouldn’t be used without supervision.

Nursing homes frequently use drugs to sedate residents for the convenience of caregivers. A 2018 Human Rights Watch report said that in an average week, they administer antipsychotic medications to 179,000 individuals who haven’t been diagnosed with the disorders. The drugs promote docility, but their sedating actions have significant side effects. Use of medications as chemical restraints is unacceptable.

Skin Care

In 2020, standards listed by the Associations of Zoos & Aquariums advise staff to inspect the skin of elephants daily and treat problem areas. Federal nursing home standards specify that residents receive skin care to prevent and treat pressure sores.

Because of mobility limitations, individuals in long-term care are in constant danger of pressure sores, but they aren’t afforded the skin care recommended for elephants. LTCCC reported that more than 93,000 nursing home residents have these maladies. Pressure sores can become infected and take months to heal; if untreated, they result in complications, some of which lead to death.

Medical Supervision

Under the Animal Welfare Act, attending veterinarians should examine each marine animal in their care once a month, which must include an interview with a staff member familiar with the creature. Federal rules for nursing homes call for a doctor to examine every resident once a month for the first three months after admission and once every two months thereafter.

Adequate medical supervision can prevent or reduce many perils of living in a long-term care facility. If problems are caught early, they can often be remedied; but when staff is short, many issues go undetected. Data from Medicare.gov showed that in 2018, oversight agencies issued 3,876 citations for insufficient numbers of nurses and doctors in nursing homes.

The LTCCC report cited several cases of disorders that occurred due to a lack of doctor and nursing care. One involved the failure to monitor an individual getting intravenous therapy, which resulted in electrolyte imbalances and a decline in neurological functions. In another case, the lack of staff compliance to provide doctor-ordered range of motion exercises and splints to a resident’s impaired joints led to the worsening of contractures. Surveyors noted both violations as “no harm.”

Most people have heard of the mistreatment that some nursing home residents endure, but it’s sobering to know the extent and scope of the problem. The reality that individuals often don’t get the quality of care experts advocate for animals is a terrible indictment of America’s health care system. Although we treasure our pets, the value of human life is so much greater. Our country’s seniors, who have given decades of love and service to their families and communities, deserve that the same care be reciprocated to them when they are frail and infirmed.

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In 2020 America Animals Receive More Humane Care Than Our Senior Citizens

From the Elder Abuse Reform Now Project (The EARN Project): Horse Ranch Is Beacon of Light for Veterans with PTSD in Georgia

by Mary West

The horrors of war take a tremendous toll on the mental health of those who serve in the armed forces. When veterans return home from their tour of duty, they’re often haunted by memories of fighting for the life of a soldier or watching a wounded friend bleeding to death.. The untold anguish suffered in combat inevitably leads to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Many of our readers have children who, after bravely traveling far from home to protect our country and way of life, find that, when they return, their need for our help in dealing with the scars of war are greeted with indifference and slow moving bureaucratic red tape. Tragically, sometimes the condition culminates in suicides.

After serving 29 years in the army, including three combat tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sam Rhodes of Fortson, Georgia, was diagnosed with PTSD, reports CNN Health. He was contemplating taking his life, when he received help from an unexpected source ⁠— his stepdaughter’s horse. Cleaning stables and putting up fences calmed his anxieties and made him feel like he had a purpose in life.

The military comes out
in support of Sam Rhodes' project

Consequently, Rhodes wanted to share his source of help with other veterans struggling with PTSD. His aspiration was on the way to becoming a reality when he started building a horse ranch and launched a non-profit called Warrior Outreach in 2008. It provides free access to horses for veterans and their families.

Horses are known for their therapeutic benefits, they have been used to help people with autism and spinal cord injuries, as well as those with depression and PTSD. On Mr. Rhodes’ ranch the wounds of war are soothed through the nonjudgmental empathy and understanding emanating from the animals they are grooming and riding. In addition, the solitude and peace of the ranch trails are undoubtedly a balm for troubled spirits.

Has the horse ranch completely cured Sam Rhodes of PTSD? No, he still struggles with depression, but the horses have made a decided difference for him, his will to live, and interest in life—he has even begun to compose music https://www.facebook.com/100007598259380/posts/2355902714672981?sfns=mo.

Now, Warrior Outreach is more than a horse ranch: It’s expanded into a network where veterans help each other in multiple ways. Fueled by donations and manned by volunteers, the organization does home repairs for veterans in the community. In September they even helped children with disabilities, holding a Camp Dream event. https://youtu.be/py0AtMou7oQ

All of this is offered free of charge to anyone who needs it. The volunteers even give their phone number to those having a hard time, and invite them to call when they need something.
Most importantly, the program is literally saving lives. "Vets come out here and say, 'Hey, you saved my life.' It's well worth it," Rhodes told CNN.

"Vets come out here and say,
'Hey, you saved my life.'"

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans, especially those who are homeless, have a higher risk of suicide than that of the civilian population. Each year, approximately 26 out of every 100,000 Americans die from suicide compared to 35 out of every 100,000 veterans. Among homeless veterans, the rate is 81 out of every 100,000.

Warrior Outreach is a beacon of light for veterans in this corner of Georgia but not all of us can build a horse ranch. However, we can emulate the love and caring Mr. Rhodes has shown our veterans. Talk to local farm and stable owners, see if they would run something similar if you get volunteers to help. If not horses, look into some of the other programs that are being run across the country that might be something you could organize. So much more is needed, and our Veteran have certainly earned the right to find compassion and help when they return home.

"Vets come out here and say, 'Hey, you saved my life.' It's well worth it," Rhodes told CNN. What in anyone’s life could possibly be more important than saving a life?

warrioroutreach@gmail.com

6350 GA-219, Fortson, GA 31808 (706) 505-0708

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Horse Ranch Is Beacon of Light for Veterans with PTSD in Georgia

From the Elder Abuse Reform Now Project (The EARN Project): David Really Can Slay Goliath But First He Must Show Up

by Mary West

Marti Oakley, host of T.S. Radio and author of The PPJ Gazette Blog, has devoted herself for many years to educating the public on the dangers and pitfalls of elderly guardianship. This term refers to the legal relationship formed when a court appoints someone to care for a senior who is ill or infirm. In theory, guardianship meets the needs of people who can no longer care for themselves. However, in reality, it is fraught with perils resulting from the callous devaluation of the elderly and the desire of predators to gain control over their assets. Tragically, many seniors experience abuse, neglect, and, in some cases, premature death caused by a guardian.

Guardianships are a lucrative business, and they’ve become one of the fastest-growing cottage industries. Unfortunately, in some cases, an unholy alliance exists between guardians, nursing homes, the lawyers representing nursing homes and guardians, professional organizations, probate judges, and other stakeholders. In other words, there exists a network of corrupt colluders. Consequently, an elderly person is deprived of any fair representation or evaluation in a court where the judge has the power to put a total stranger in charge of their “care.” According to Oakley, “These relationships and networks are clear racketeering.”

Oakley’s Elder Advocacy Journey

Marti Oakley

How did seniors acquire the valiant spokesperson they have in Oakley? Her journey to elder abuse activism began more than 11 years ago. She had always been involved with various issues affecting public health such as pollution, GMOs, and fluoridated water. After doing numerous radio interviews, a friend in New York City told her that she should seriously consider doing a show that would bring these topics, which often flourish in shadow, into the light of day. She initially resisted the idea, but later, realizing how ill-informed the American people were on these matters, she understood that such a show would create the informed public necessary to create a demand for changes in laws to reduce the number of abused citizens.

Oakley traces her interest in elderly guardianship to an interview with Sara Harvey, a woman whose husband, Gary, had a nightmarish experience. Two years after experiencing a traumatic brain injury, Gary’s guardian asked the court to remove his feeding tube and starve him to death. Sara struggled to get Gary proper care, but the guardian had been given all the power, and he passed away.

Oakley researched guardianships and found that Gary Harvey’s story wasn’t an aberration: instead, it was a relatively common occurrence happening to seniors across the country. The problem haunted her. “I was appalled at what was being done to people whose only crime was aging with assets,” and she took up the cause.

Sara directed Oakley to the National Association to Stop Guardian Abuse (NASGA), and the dam was open—vast numbers of people came out of the woodwork to tell their horror stories on her show. These accounts have a common thread—the victims became prey to predators masquerading as guardians, who rob them of everything, including their dignity.

Aside from giving family members of victims a voice on her show, Oakley has interviewed doctors, lawyers, and whistleblowers to examine factors that have a bearing on this national plague. Her life is now dedicated to making phone calls, writing articles, and speaking with lawmakers.

Cash Incentivization of Federal Programs

In discussing various aspects of the guardianship problem, Oakley reports that federal programs can be cash incentivized, and hospice care, which can be a Godsend to many suffering the excruciating pain of late-stage cancer and other diseases, can also offer an opportunity to an abuser, becoming “nothing but a killing machine…. to amass funds, corrupt doctors misdiagnose patients as terminal to enter them into the hospice program. Since food and water have been redefined as medical treatment, patients are denied these essential elements for life. After three days without them, their organs start to shut down,” she explains.

In addition, some hospices and nursing homes withhold medications that could extend life. To illustrate, under “comfort care only” directives, antibiotics, normally given to treat an infection, may not be prescribed even to a patient who, if given these curative drugs, might live a perfectly good life for many months or years to come. “Comfort care only” is a convenient an often-used tool by guardians and family members who have a financial interest hastening the patient’s death. This is evident in the audio and video recordings of Mercedes Kibbee in the Silver Standard documentary “The Unforgivable Truth”.

Oakley notes that the federal government owes Social Security about $4 trillion, which has been taken from surplus funds to support other causes. “They have no way to pay it back, so they reduce the amount of income that claimants get, as well as try to decrease the number of claimants. Under Obamacare, many hospices morphed from acting as Good Samaritan to assuming the role of Grim Reaper. We estimate hospice is ending the lives of 300,000 to 500,000 people per year,” she adds.

Broadening the Scope of the Problem

Heartbreakingly, the scope of the problem is broadening. Efforts to reduce the population aren’t limited to rushing the deaths of the elderly: the disabled and chronically ill, as in the case of Gary Harvey, are now being targeted as well.

Furthermore, while 10 years ago wealthy seniors were the primary victims, now predators have expanded their targets to include non-wealthy seniors. Social security benefits can provide a hefty income for any guardian who has taken charge of a large volume of seniors and is the designated assigned payee of those payments.

Oakley cites the example of Rebecca Fierle, a professional guardian in Florida who went from being bankrupt to a millionaire within three years after gaining control over the estates of many seniors. Fortunately, Fierle is now under criminal investigation, but in most cases the guardian’s bank account continues to grow as the victim continues to suffer.

Lack of Federal and State Oversight

What can be done? “The federal government absolves itself of any responsibility, claiming that guardianships are under the jurisdiction of the states,” continues Oakley. Due to conflicts of interest affecting state legislators, they fail to assume an oversight role. Why? Nursing home and guardianship associations are among the major contributors to their election campaigns, and to keep money coming in, they’re willing to do whatever it takes to keep their donors happy. Compounding the situation, in recent years, nursing homes, guardianships, and—believe it or not—lawyers are increasingly lobbying lawmakers in a manner that suits their own interests rather than the interests of the elderly.

Consequently, legislators refuse to introduce bills that would stop the abuse, veto those that do come up for vote or, as in Rhode Island, the governor vetoes the Bill just passed (unanimously). Because of the lack of government oversight, it’s not surprising that within Oakley’s 11 years of advocacy, she hasn’t seen any substantial progress.

The Solution

In Oakley’s opinion, the solution to elderly guardianship abuse lies in revamping laws. “The first thing to do is to get rid of probate courts. They are an administrative court based on statues and codes rather than laws. Under this system, people don’t have rights. No evidence is required to back up charges levied, nor is anyone given the opportunity to refute allegations. Due process is not afforded to the persons they’re targeting. It’s the ultimate in identity theft. The person suffers a civil death equal in consequences to a physical death….Conversely, declaring someone incompetent should be handled in state courts. Here, evidence is produced to prove claims, and targets are allowed to speak. I believe that a person’s will and legal directives should stand. Seniors shouldn’t be stripped of their constitutionally endowed protection at any time. We need a guardianship protection bill,” she says.

Opposition and Obstacles

In the course of Oakley’s work, she has encountered indifference from people who don’t care about elderly guardianship abuse because it doesn’t affect them personally. Sometimes the young can’t fathom a time when they will become old and infirmed. Yet aging is a universal experience, and anyone enjoying vibrant health now will someday reach the point where he or she needs care and protection from wrongdoers.

Another obstacle Oakley has met is the failure of people to grasp the magnitude of the problem. Since it has fallen well under the radar of news outlets, the public is largely unaware of it. Most states have passed outreach programs to educate the public, but they are not implemented—most states claim it is because of lack of available funding. This is one reason for the founding of the EARN Project, which provides informative materials, free of charge, to any individual, organization, or government entity willing to conduct a workshop to aid in the education of their local citizens.

In addition, Oakley’s efforts have ignited the ire of predators whose vile deeds she is trying to stop. This has gone so far as to manifesting itself in threats of physical harm and death. Despite the opposition, she is undeterred and perseveres fearlessly “to do something about the human traffickers who are targeting the most vulnerable among us.”

Although Oakley is uninterested in accolades, she has earned the deep gratitude of those whom she is attempting to help. On behalf of people of all ages, The Silver Standard News wishes to express our gratitude to Oakley and others involved in the quest to ensure that Americans enjoy truly golden Golden Years.

Full Article & Source:

David Really Can Slay Goliath But First He Must Show Up

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Shining Efforts to Help Homeless Veterans

by Mary West

Silver Standard News seeks to spotlight any segment of the populace experiencing abuse. This month, the focus is on homeless veterans.

Veterans—men and women who have put their lives on the line to defend our country— represent a disproportionate percentage of the homeless population. More than 40,000 veterans are living on the streets, despite a 46 percent decline in recent years, reports Task & Purpose. In addition, more than 1.4 million veterans are at risk of homelessness, according to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.

The majority of homeless veterans live in urban areas. Nearly half served in the Vietnam War, but some have served in wars ranging from WWII to the most recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Efforts of the Veterans Administration (VA) to help the homeless have emphasized collaborating with community service agencies to provide those in crisis with the help they need. The VA, together with its partnerships, has supplied more than 30,000 permanent beds and nearly 15,000 transitional beds across the nation. Consequently, significant inroads in reducing the number of homeless veterans have been made. Yet more needs to be done.

Veterans’ Unique Needs

Multiple factors underlie homeless veterans’ statistics. Problems that affect the entire homeless population include a shortage of housing, a lack of access to health care, and an unlivable income. Compounding these challenges, many veterans are mentally ill and suffer from substance abuse, and they often have a poor support network of family and friends. Moreover, since military occupations are sometimes nontransferable to civilian life, veterans face challenges in finding employment.

A sizable number of veterans also have lingering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Those with PTSD are less likely to be willing to stay in a homeless shelter. The prospect of sleeping in an open room surrounded by strangers is too anxiety provoking to be a feasible option.

Multifaceted Solutions for Veterans

Complex issues affecting homeless veterans call for multifaceted solutions. Aside from housing, veterans need nutritious meals, substance abuse care, mental health counseling, and general health care. Job training and placement are also important necessities.

Government programs have helped tremendously, but federal funds are limited, and services aren’t adequate to reach the many veterans who need them. Some experts say that the most effective programs for at-risk individuals are nonprofit, community-based groups where veterans help veterans. Beneficial programs involve transitional housing in a substance-free setting with fellow veterans who are bettering themselves. Furthermore, programs with services that are more comprehensive give veterans a better chance of procuring gainful employment and enjoying the life that most Americans take for granted.

Veterans have given us their best while on the battlefield.
We need to give them our best when they return home.

The Veterans Community Project is a shining example of veterans helping veterans. This wonderful program refuses to let anyone who has served our country fall through the cracks. Founded by combat veterans in Kansas City, Missouri, it provides two critical services.

One service is the Veterans Outreach Center, which is a one-stop shop for veterans facing any problems. The staff assists with navigating the VA, provides financial counseling, offers employment help, and makes physical and mental health referrals. Veterans also receive a food pantry and hygiene kit. Everything is free of charge.

The other part of the Veterans Community Project is a village of tiny homes with onsite services. Its goal is to get veterans off the street and ultimately put them in permanent housing. The village, designed to meet the unique needs of veterans, gives them a stable network of support.

U.S. VETS

Los Angeles County has the largest population of homeless veterans in the country, says BlackPressUSA. A great example of a community program is the nonprofit U. S. VETS in Inglewood, California. Located in a Los Angeles suburb, the organization, which started in 1993 with five clients, has grown to serve more than 10,000 veterans. It provides free housing and a full gambit of services, including health- and employment-related programs. U.S. VETS even has outreach workers who go out on the streets and look for veterans to tell them about the program.

The Veterans Community Project and U.S. VETS are game changers for the homeless. Anyone wishing to help those who have selflessly fought for our freedoms may go to their websites and make a donation.

Silver Standard News will continue to follow this story. Whether elderly veterans are homeless or in a long-term care facility, they should be treated with all the dignity and care that is due to anyone who is infirm and in declining health. To fail to care for homeless veterans, regardless of their age, is abuse: it’s nothing less than criminal and the height of ingratitude.

Veterans have given us their best while on the battlefield. We need to give them our best when they return home.


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Shining Efforts to Help Homeless Veterans

You Too Could Become a Victim of an Elder Financial Scam

By Mary West

Financial scams are rampant and have many forms, making it especially hard to avoid them. In a 2012 survey titled Financial Fraud and Fraud Susceptibility in the United States by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, 80 percent of the respondents reported that they had been solicited by a person making a fraudulent offer. Once solicited, older adults were 34 percent more prone to victimization than younger adults in their forties. The losses can be devastating: according to a 2014 study by Allianz Life, on average, victims of elder financial abuse lose $36,000.

Remember the old adage, "If something
sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

Seniors’ heightened vulnerability to fraud is due to an array of causes. Two factors that play a prominent role are the tactics used by scammers along with the inability of older adults to recognize red flags that indicate an offer isn’t legitimate. Since at one time or another you’re likely to encounter one of these schemes, and being familiar with the dirty tricks of the trade can help protect you from losing your money to a fraudster.

Scammers Use Tactics that Incite Strong Emotions

When scammers make their pitches, they say things that generate strong emotions. The older people are, the greater the likelihood that these emotion reactions will lead to their victimization. A study conducted by the Stanford Center on Longevity (SCL) compared the effects of strong emotions in adults between 65 and 85 years old, to those between 30 and 40 years old. The participants underwent tests that elicited strong positive emotions such as excitement, strong negative emotions such as anger, and neutral emotions such as boredom or depression. Each participant was place in a situation intended to provoke, one by one, these three emotions and after each one, presented with fraudulent ads to ascertain their interest.

The results showed that the older adults whose reacting was excitement or anger were more likely to purchase the item promoted in the misleading ads than those experiencing neutral emotions. Conversely, younger adults who felt excitement or anger weren’t more likely to have an interest in the fraudulent offers than those with neutral emotions. Regardless of their feelings, unlike the older participants, the younger adults’ interest depended upon how they perceived the ads’ credibility: the more credible they rated the offers, the more likely they wanted to purchase the products advertised. In a study done by UCLA in 2012, it was discovered that the area of the brain which warns us that something is not quite right, begins to diminish as early as our mid-forties. Additionally, we begin to lose our ability to absorb information, simultaneously analyzing it based on multiple logical criteria (so called “Fluid Intelligence”), and reach a well-considered decision. This makes financial decision-making problematic.

Authors of the SCL study concluded that the elderly are more susceptible to scams that generate emotions like excitement or anger. It was clear that “high-arousal” emotions such as excitement lead to risky decision-making compared to “low-arousal” emotions such as boredom. Strangely, even when older adults suspected that an add was misleading, their frustration or excitement would never-the-less cause them to want to purchase the fraudulent products. Unsurprisingly, an appeal to these feelings is a major persuasion tactic used by scammers who target the elderly.

The authors recommended sharing the findings with older adults so they can recognize the tactics used by scammers. Fraudsters tend to create excitement about an offer by the following means:

• They make promises of inflated financial gains.
• They pressure targets to make a decision quickly.
• They falsely claim that trusted sources are a part of the endeavor.

It’s always best to postpone any decision until the company’s background can be researched to verify its legitimacy.

Be Alert to Red Flags of Guaranteed or Unrealistic Gains

In the survey on fraud susceptibility, a main takeaway was that many Americans are unable to identify red flags associated with scams, especially older Americans and older women make up a larger proportion of those... They aren’t knowledgeable about what constitutes reasonable returns on investments, which makes them prone to believe fraudulent pitches with promises of “guaranteed” or inflated gains. In reality, all investments carry some risk, but mentions of unrealistic returns are a commonly used means of ensnaring the scam prey.

When the survey presented the respondents with two pitches that were full of red flags, a significant percentage of the participants found the fraudulent claims appealing rather than suspicious. Below are some examples of statements that 48 to 59 percent of the respondents rated appealing:

• “It guarantees the safety of the invested amount and even pays a 5% referral commission.”
• “The program pays from 2% to 3.4% daily depending on the investment plan you choose.”
• “We guarantee you will not lose your principle investment with our company.”

Further questions to gauge the participants’ ability to identify red flags showed the following promises were the most appealing:

• “This stock has outperformed the Dow Jones Industrial Average each year for the last 5 years.”
• “The lowest return you could possibly get on this investment is 50% annually, but most investors have made upwards of 110% a year.”

You can see how the excitement generated by such claims might override an elderly person’s normal good judgement and induce him or her to take a risk. Widowed women in their late seventies and older are particularly susceptible because so often it was only their husbands who dealt with the family finances.

Elder Financial Scams are Vastly Underreported

The fraud susceptibility survey cited underreporting as a problem that prevents policy makers from having accurate data reflecting the scope of financial scams among the elderly. It estimated 60 percent of fraud cases are unreported because of various factors such as embarrassment or a belief that it won’t make a difference.

To get a true picture of the incidence of financial scams, the survey respondents were asked about their experiences in two ways. As in past studies, they were asked directly if they had been the victim of a fraud. They were also questioned indirectly by inquiring about their experiences with financial offers that are rife with fraud such as email scams, lottery scams, free lunch seminars, boiler room sales, penny stock sales, and pyramid schemes. This research method that involved both direct and indirect questioning yielded a fuller view of fraud susceptibility. The inescapable finding was that elder financial scams are more pervasive than earlier research indicates.

The bottom line is to avoid talking to strangers on the phone as well as to refrain from responding to unsolicited mail invitations or emails. Moreover, don’t give out personal information to a stranger or allow someone to rush you into a decision. Talk to your elderly parents about scammers. Put a pad and pencil next to their telephone and suggest that they jot down all the details and go over them with you or a trusted friend before making a purchase. Above all, remember the old adage, “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

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You Too Could Become a Victim of an Elder Financial Scam

FIDO and FELIX May Be The Best Medicine

By Mary West

Programs Allow Seniors to Enjoy the Benefits of Pet Ownership Longer

The lavish love and unconditional acceptance that pets bestow on their owners is a gift of great worth to people of any age. However, for the elderly, who often are lonely, the value of canine or feline companionship is incalculable. Studies show that pets enhance physical, emotional, and social health, so pet ownership remains an advantage even after seniors develop conditions that make caring for a dog or cat challenging. Fortunately, programs are available that enable the elderly to keep their cherished pets in their homes longer.

Part 1: Benefits of Pet Ownership

Physical Health

Since dogs need to be walked, dog owners are more likely to meet the recommended daily exercise requirement, which is critically important in slowing the aging process. A 2014 study featured in Preventive Medicine concluded that dog owners were 12 percent more active than those who do not have a dog.

Aside from increasing activity, pets improve physical health in other ways. According to the American Heart Association, research suggests a link between pet ownership and better fitness, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Moreover, a study in the Journal of Community Health Nursing found that pet therapy sessions lead to a lower heart rate.

Emotional Health

The emotional health of seniors is often taxed to the limit because they have more than their fair share of problems. These hardships may include losing a spouse, undergoing chemotherapy, or coping with a disability. The comfort derived from all the manifestations of the kind heart of a dog can make a huge difference in weathering life’s hard knocks. In addition, nothing is more relaxing than the sound of a cat’s contented purring.

Pets offer a tremendous emotional benefit through their effect on hormones. Studies show that petting a dog reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol and releases the anti-stress hormone oxytocin. Spending time with animals also promotes heightened feelings of security and lessens anxiety, depression, and loneliness, reports the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Social Health

Caring for a pet fosters increased socialization and involvement with life. Walking a dog in the neighborhood puts seniors in the path of other dog owners who could become friends. Driving to the pet store, vet office, and dog groomer provide opportunities to get out of the house.

Loneliness is a common malady for seniors, as they often have a declining circle of family and friends. The affectionate nature of pets, especially dogs, can be a solace to those who have no one to hug them, and the companionship they afford can diminish feelings of isolation. Furthermore, when seniors come home after being out, instead of facing an empty house, they are greeted with joyous abandon by a canine that is delighted to see them.

Protection

A barking dog can be a deterrent to break-ins even if the dog is small. Once the barking starts, any would-be burglars know that the homeowner has been alerted and has likely called the police. If a senior is nervous about staying home alone, having a dog can make them feel safer.

Part 2: Programs that Help Seniors with Pet Care

The debility and reduced income that often accompany aging make it harder for seniors to care for pets. When this happens, instead of giving up a dog or cat that is like a member of the family, the elderly can take advantage of programs that offer an array of assistance. Below are some examples.

Pets Forever

Reporter Herald Neighbors reports on Pets Forever, a community program housed in Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. It helps local low-income seniors maintain pet ownership by providing financial support for animal supplies and vet care. The program also sends people to the homes of the elderly to walk dogs, deliver pet food, clean litter boxes, and give rides to the vet. Volunteers who staff the program, consisting of students and community members, make it possible to preserve the human–animal bond. Funding for Pets Forever comes from grants and donations.

Share a Dog

Borrowing a dog is an option for the elderly who adore canine company but can’t afford the upkeep or prefer not to have sole responsibility for a pet. Dog-sharing arrangements permit a senior to walk or care for a dog that belongs to someone who travels or whose schedule affords little time for pet care. The schemes are a win-win situation for all concerned. Instead of a dog languishing home alone while its owner works, it goes to a free version of doggy daycare—the home of a loving senior.

Examples of programs that facilitate dog sharing include Share a Dog and the Canadian company Dogtime Community. Borrow my Doggy, a website that connects local dog owners with borrowers, is currently only in the UK, but it might eventually expand to America. Seniors who don’t live in a community that has such a program could perhaps ask around and find someone who needs help in caring for their pet.

Pet-Friendly Senior Living Communities

Some assisted living and senior living communities allow residents to have pets because they recognize the multifaceted benefits the animals provide. This is a godsend for the elderly who face the heartbreak of having to give up their dog or cat when moving from their home to a facility. Pets of individual owners often become like community pets because they’re enjoyed by all the residents. Other assisted living facilities have official community pets that live on the premises. Some communities that don’t allow resident pets may offer pet therapy, where volunteers bring trained therapy dogs to visit.

Organizations That Assist Seniors with Pets

A few non-profit groups help seniors with pet ownership in various ways. The elderly may adopt a pet from PAWS at a discounted rate, and the staff will help select a pet that matches their lifestyle. Pets for Seniors helps pay vet bills, and the Pets for the Elderly Foundation pays part of pet adoption fees.

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From The Silver Standard’s Elder Abuse Reform Now Project: An Alternative to Nursing Home Care

By Mary West

Nursing Home Alternatives to Consider 

As people age and require more care, they start contemplating a move to an assisted living facility or nursing home. Places that offer assisted living are often pleasant abodes, but they are pricey, with most costing around $3,000 per month. The nursing home option can be undesirable, as low staffing sometimes results in neglect and abuse of residents.

Are any other alternatives available? The answer is a resounding yes. Below are some wonderful choices to consider that provide a higher quality of life than what is found in most facilities.

Village Network

The village concept permits seniors to live at home longer than would otherwise be feasible. It started in 1999 with the founding of Beacon Hill Village, a network of elderly residents in a Boston neighborhood. Since that time, more than 150 villages have been formed around the world, and more than 100 are in development, reports The Atlantic.

Villages have several benefits. Members vet service providers such as home care workers, drivers, and plumbers, so everyone has access to a list of trustworthy people they can call should any need arise. Seniors belonging to the village also go to museums together and socialize. Staff or volunteers serve in many ways, such as taking members to the doctor or grocery store.

The cost of belonging to the networks varies. While the Beacon Hill Village members have a yearly fee of $675, which pays for full-time staff, other villages are operated by volunteers and have much lower fees or no fees at all.

Do villages have drawbacks? One concern is the safety issue associated with being alone 24/7. A senior could fall, and some time could elapse before the person is found. However, this problem should be weighed against the alternative of spending years in a dreary but safe existence.

Staying at Home (Non-Village)

Because the village network concept is relatively new, many seniors may not live in an area where they have access to one. Nonetheless, making modifications in the home and arranging for an array of services may enable the elderly to stay out of a long-term care facility longer, according to U.S. News & World Report. Although this choice doesn’t come with the social benefits of villages, it gives seniors the profound comfort and pleasure of more years in their own home.

Home modifications can significantly promote independent living. These changes would include building an outdoor ramp and widening doorways to permit easy maneuverability of a walker or wheelchair. The bathroom is a critical area, but installing a floor-level shower and grab bars as well as using a raised toilet seat and shower bench can make a big difference. Removing area rugs and other potential obstacles can reduce the risk of falling.

When seniors are no longer able to cook, various organizations can help. Meals on Wheels delivers frozen meals that accommodate special dietary restrictions. This need may also be met by churches or senior homes that offer meals in a community dining setting.

A geriatric care manager can assist seniors in finding local resources for other services. When housekeeping becomes difficult, a cleaning crew can be hired to come every other week. If vision and health problems make driving unsafe, groceries can be ordered online and delivered; Mobile Markets is a grocery delivery service for seniors. Some communities have volunteers that provide rides to doctors’ appointments and other places.

Hiring a Caregiver

Some seniors need more than modifications and services to be able to stay in their home. If they have the income to cover the expense, they can have a caregiver 24/7. If this isn’t necessary, they can hire a caregiver for four to six hours per day for an average cost of $21 per hour. A home health agency nurse could also visit daily to check on vital signs and medications.

Moving in with Children

One in six American households is multigenerational, reports Safewise. Moving in with children presents the advantage of maximal personal involvement, but it can pose challenges when everyone is accustomed to having their own space. Some homes have an attic, basement, or area over the garage that can be transformed into separate living quarters for a senior. Another option is to purchase a MEDCottage or “Granny pod,” which is a freestanding unit with all the amenities of home that can be installed on the property.

If a senior is alone at home all day, an adult daycare center could be of value. The staff monitors medications and provides crafts, games, and other amusements. On average, these centers cost $76 per day.

Joining a Retirement Community

Moving to a home or apartment in an age-restricted community can come with several perks such as meals, transportation, cleaning, and on-call medical care. This is a choice to consider for seniors who are relatively independent and only need the availability of services.

Adult Foster Care

Regulated by states and counties, adult foster care is less expensive than assisted living and nursing home facilities, with nationwide costs ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 per month, reports Paying for Senior Care. In this scenario, one to three seniors are cared for in a home. They receive personal care, meals, and supervision, along with assistance with toileting, bathing, and medications.

Group Living

Group living was discussed in more detail previously in the Silver Standard News. It involves several friends moving in together, which is similar to the village network but on a smaller scale. This concept offers an economic advantage because the friends can share expenses. It also means the seniors always have someone with whom to share activities and engage in conversation. In addition, group living affords safety because the friends can get help if a senior falls or needs medical attention.

A one-size-fits-all choice doesn’t exist, as preferences and needs will vary. Notwithstanding, the elderly can take heart that a move to a facility isn’t necessarily an inevitability. In many cases, they may select among alternatives that permit them either to stay in their own home or to move to a family member’s or friend’s home. All of the options have multiple positives.

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From The Silver Standard’s Elder Abuse Reform Now Project: An Alternative to Nursing Home Care

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