World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - What You Can Do to Help!

The significance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day this year cannot be understated. In nursing and long-term care facilities across the country, our nation’s most vulnerable are isolated from their loved ones, who are still unable to visit or ensure that they are receiving the proper care due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Yet, whether people believe the coronavirus is a danger or a conspiracy, there is no denying the fact that the elderly are dying in these facilities, sometimes without the knowledge of their families, at horrific rates (46,000 nationwide according to a USA Today study).

The industry’s lobbyists have used the crisis to successfully garner liability protections in 20 states including New York, Illinois, Michigan, Connecticut and Kentucky. According to the Washington Post, this is part of an “agenda to use immunity to evade long-standing liabilities.”

Even with a federal law that now mandates long term care facilities must disclose the number of cases and deaths due to COVID-`19, there are still states that are refusing to release data or have divulged unreliable numbers.

In New York and Michigan, both governors came under fire came under fire for mandating that nursing homes accept COVID-19 patients.

We know that, during the lockdowns, probate and family courts nationwide still heard guardianship/conservatorship cases by phone or Zoom meetings. This was a huge concern for the vulnerable who may not have had access to the technology to attend. Without the proper monitoring of these cases, we do not have a clear idea as to whether guardians and conservators were continuing the practice of moving the elderly out of their homes and into a facility, despite the dangers of doing so.

Today, NASGA reaches out to people across the country to ask for their help while offering some help of our own:

Please take our COVID-19 guardianship survey by clicking: HERE. This six-minute survey is designed only to help us gather data on how guardianships have been dispensed over the past four months and what has happened to wards. Answers will be used for no other purpose than to formulate a study to distribute to the media and lawmakers while assisting where possible on individual cases.

Our full guardianship survey is available HERE. In just 20 minutes, you can help us accomplish the kind of nationwide data collection the lack of which has muddied the waters in terms of understanding the level of guardianship abuse that has and continues to victimize our most vulnerable.

Today, NASGA announces that it has made available documentation gathered by investigative journalist Gretchen Rachel Hammond and her team for the Lisagor Award-nominated series on a massive alleged guardianship abuse ring operating out of Oakland County, Michigan.

These case files offer an insight into the practices employed by four guardians including allegedly fraudulent petitions for guardianship, billing and real estate practices, questionable ward progress and Guardian at Litem reports and heartbreaking letters to the court from the wards themselves. Each folder comes with a brief, explanatory paragraph and each file is highlighted to show questionable behavior.

You can access the files by clicking these links:

*Guardian Accounts:

*Guardian Annual Reports:

*Ward Letters to the Court

*Guardian Petitions:

*Guardian Real Estate:

*Unlicensed Group Homes:

People nationwide are invited to add to this wealth of information by sharing their own documents and video stories.

Click HERE for details as to how

On this elder abuse day, it is more important than ever to come together, share information and build a movement that neither media nor lawmakers can continue to ignore. Together, we will end the abuse and exploitation of our most vulnerable once and for all!

(Note: Surveys are a joint project of NASGA and ProbateWatch)

The Elder Abuse Reform Project (The EARN Project): Margaret Meade

"NEVER DOUBT
THAT A SMALL GROUP OF THOUGHTFUL, COMMITTED CITIZENS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD;
INDEED, IT'S THE ONLY THING THAT EVER HAS."

Now, almost 100 years after Margaret Meade spoke those words, they are every bit as true. But now, though the organization may be small, it needs to be joined by many voices to be heard.

It can be very discouraging to be greeted by indifference when we try to enlist people's help in our campaign to end elder abuse in America. We just received a letter from a state first lady, who we had asked to speak up about this problem—she said she was too busy. Many simply do not believe it is that big of a problem or that, though it may happen to other people, it won’t happen to them. In fact, one out of every five of those people will have it happen to them and then they ask why this is allowed to happen. I can answer that question. It happens because you, and many like you, did nothing to help stop it - because you were indifferent to the suffering until it was your suffering.

Happily, there are others who care very much and jump right in to do what they can.

The EARN Project made a little poster for Elder Abuse Awareness Month and our wonderful volunteers, all over the country, printed them up and took them to local businesses. We even got a few pictures from two of those wonderful volunteers Angela Biggs and Kathy Dunn.

PHOTOS CREDITS:

Top Left: John Witte the owner of Sit n Sip Books in Mineral Wells Texas put our poster in his shop;
Top Center: Gerry Lamphier at the National Vietnam War Museum in Weatherford Texas holds up our poster that they put up in the museum;
Top Right: Holding the poster they put in the window of the Copper pot Restaurant downtown Clarksville Georgia;
Middle Left: The Attic restaurant in downtown Clarksville Georgia put the poster in their restaurant
Middle Center: Regions Bank in Clarksville GA;
Middle Right: Christine holding the poster and the sign in the window of Tinder's restaurant in downtown Clarkesville Georgia;
Bottom Left: Coz Whitten Skaife did a fund raiser for NASGA at her bakery Rosie's Coffee Bar and Bakery in Madison WI And she put up the EARN poster and gave away DVDs of our documentary;
Bottom Right: Owner of Garrett Jewelry and Loan in Mineral Wells Texas, Lisa Garrett and friends holding The EARN Elder Abuse Day poster she put up in her shop;
Also in Clarksville GA, though not pictured, the Midtown grill and Ingles grocery

Source:The Silver Standard News
The Unforgivable Truth
The EARN Project

Tonight on Marti Oakley's T. S. Radio: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, #3

5:00 pm PST … 6:00 pm MST … 7:00 pm CST … 8:00 pm EST

Debbie Dahmer and I will host our third annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day show. The elderly are being abused, neglected and robbed all across the country. While there are multiple incidents of family and community members committing the abuse, by far the greatest threat to seniors today is the probate tribunal system where their lives are essentially brought to an end....but not before the predators help themselves to the estate.

Isolation, chemical restraint and abuse are common in these situations. While the government and MSM continually refuse to acknowledge who the real predators are, and, that these predators are interested in nothing more than availing themselves of the estate, our elderly languish and die while being isolated from family, friends and even religious associations. Chemical restraints are used to prevent the elderly from complaining or crying out.

This and more while our legislators both state and federal refuse to truthfully address the wholesale culling of the elderly at the hands of a corrupted probate system that operates outside of Constitutional restraints. The elderly, now viewed as a "waste population" are targeted for disposal. Families across the country are demanding a stop to this mercenary system of abuse, exploitation and theft that ends with the eventual misery laden death of an elderly person who committed no other crime than aging with assets.

To contact us: ppj1@hush.com

LISTEN to the show LIVE or listen to the archive later

New law extends statute of limitations in financial exploitation cases involving elderly, disabled

BENTON —Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill into law this week that extends the time period that charges can be brought against individuals accused of financially exploiting older adults or people with disabilities.

The law extends the statute of limitations for such crimes from three years to seven years, according to a news release from Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, a co-sponsor of the legislation.

The measure was signed into law by Rauner on Monday and is effective immediately.

“Unfortunately, the financial abuse of seniors and the disabled is on the rise,” Forby said in a statement. “It can force these vulnerable populations into dire financial situations, robbing them of their savings, their financial security and even their homes.

“It’s important that we continue to make necessary changes to our current safeguards to help prevent this type of abuse from occurring.”

Reported rates of elder abuse in Southern Illinois are higher than state and national averages. David Mitchell, the adult protective services unit director at Shawnee Alliance, a nonprofit that serves area seniors, recently told the newspaper that the rate of abuse of seniors and people with disabilities in Shawnee alliance’s 13-county catchment area is about 15 per 1,000 people. The statewide and nationwide rate is about 3.5 per 1,000 people, Mitchell said.

While recognizing elder abuse as a serious problem across the country, Mitchell also noted that this area may experience higher rates, in part, because of the awareness that has been created by Shawnee Alliance. The agency’s extensive outreach and education efforts on the issue of elder abuse are a positive for the region, he said.

Abuse can take many forms, including abuse that is physical, emotional or financial abuse or exploitation. It can rise to the level of a criminal offense, in which case that must be reported to the authorities, though Mitchell noted that often times the abuse is more subtle and involves exploitation by a family member that uses sob stories that may or may not be true, or threats not to visit an older person that is lonely, to convince her to fork over funds, sometimes funds she doesn’t have to give.

In a June interview, on the eve of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Mitchell said in an interview that by far the most common form of abuse cases reported to Shawnee Alliance involve financial exploitation. The most likely abuser is a family member or other trusted caregiver, he said.

Shawnee Alliance’s protective service unit investigates reports of abuse to adults age 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities, broadly defined, ages 18 to 59.

The measure was House Bill 5805. It was co-sponsored by Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, in the House. The vote to change the statute of limitations was unanimous in the House and Senate.

Full Article & Source:
New law extends statute of limitations in financial exploitation cases involving elderly, disabled

Elder Abuse Day Exposed at Healthy Exchange

Portia Williams | Daily Times Chief of Police Rob Ware

Wednesday, June 15 was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Southern Ohio Medical Center ( SOMC) worked in conjunction with Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce to host a Healthy Exchange session with Dr. Ron Miller of SOMC and Portsmouth Police Chief Rob Ware as guest speakers.

As cases of elder abuse continue to increase, Miller, Emergency Medical Program director of SOMC, and Portsmouth Chief of Police Rob Ware, dispensed a wealth of knowledge and information use to combat the growing problem in the local community at the Welcome Center. Miller said the basis of his presentation was the level of impact elder abuse has upon the local community.

“We discussed the issue of elder abuse, and its level of impact upon our community, and the impact that it will have as our population ages,” Miller said. “We talked about the different types of elder abuse that are prevalent in our community, and how we can help them. Mostly, it is to shine a light on the problem, most people know that it is there, and that it is a problem, but then as a group we can start formulating a plan on how to fix it.

Ware spoke extensively about avoiding financial exploitation. He said the sooner the signs of elder abuse are detected, the better elders are in the long run.

“I think that it is critically important that we educate the public on the signs of elder abuse,” Ware said. “As I stated before, things fly under the radar and are so subtle, that if you don’t have the professional community looking out for elders, is of the utmost important. The sooner we notice and know how to detect the signs, the sooner we are able to catch the culprits, before the life savings of an elder is wiped out.”

At the conclusion of the presentations Ware recognized and presented award the winning students of a local essay contest that was held by the Scioto County Elder Abuse Task Force. The students were asked to write about an elderly adult who has made a difference in their life, what they were able to learn from that particular adult and what they do for them to show appreciation.

The first place winner of the essay contest was Jonas Cooper who wrote about his grandfather. Cooper received a $100 gift car. Second place was Abigail Puckett, who wrote about her grandmother. Puckett received a $50 gift card. Both Cooper and Puckett are junior high school students at East Portsmouth Elementary School, and their teacher is Kristen Wawro.

Wawro, said both Cooper and Puckett are talented students who she is proud of.

“They are both very good writers, and it is really nice for them to write about people that are extremely important to them, and I am very proud of their accomplishments,”Wawro said.

Hope Blizzard, medical staff liaison of SOMC, said discussing elder abuse is critical.

“I think that it is very important to bring to light the issue of elder abuse and financial abuse and the different types of elder abuse in the world,” Blizzard said. “I also admire how this younger generation is coming up, and all of the positive things that they are learning from their elders so I think it was a happy end

Full Article & Source:
Elder Abuse Day exposed at Healthy Exchange

In Minnesota, crimes against the elderly are 'doubling year-over-year'

Some 400 social workers, law enforcers, lawyers, nursing home workers and others who work with vulnerable adults gathered Wednesday at the University of Minnesota to discuss what could be the next big crime wave: Elder abuse.

The conference, hosted by the nonprofit Minnesota Elder Justice Center, was one of many nationwide marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which began in 2006 to shine a light on financial crimes and other abuse targeting older people.

A statewide Elder Abuse reporting hot line launched last year consolidated 169 different county phone numbers into a single toll-free number — (844) 880-1574 — and mandated reporters have a dedicated website for filing reports. Together, they are bringing in about 1,000 tips a week, said Emily Johnson Piper, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services. She attended the conference along with Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman.

Debra Hilstrom, an Anoka County prosecutor and state representative from Brooklyn Center, said more and more tips are coming from financial institutions and nursing homes covering a wide variety of concerns, including possible financial exploitation and medication thefts. The victims themselves are frequently reluctant to report the crimes because they are embarrassed and don’t want to be seen as vulnerable adults, Hilstrom said.

Erica Yarlagadda, an assistant Hennepin County prosecutor, said crimes against the elderly are “doubling year-over-year.”

She’s one of two attorneys Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman assigned to work full-time on crimes against the elderly. She said the most common crimes involve financial exploitation by family members who seem to think they’re entitled to their loved ones’ wealth. She said abuse by professionals, including investment advisers and insurance agents, probably ranks second.

Thomas R. Hatch joined the Ramsey County attorney’s office two years ago after working 20 years in civil litigation.

“All I do is financial fraud [prosecutions], which would include financial exploitation of vulnerable adults,” Hatch said.

He described a recent case in which an Arizona man stole $154,000 from his mother, who lives in Minnesota, in less than a year. She was torn about whether she wanted her son to spend 180 days in jail, Hatch said. She eventually signed off on the plea bargain, yet continued to drive him to and from the airport when he flew into town for court hearings. Hatch said he questioned why she would do that.

“ ‘Well, he is my son,’ ” Hatch recalled her saying.

She’s one of two attorneys Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman assigned to work full-time on crimes against the elderly. She said the most common crimes involve financial exploitation by family members who seem to think they’re entitled to their loved ones’ wealth. She said abuse by professionals, including investment advisers and insurance agents, probably ranks second.

Thomas R. Hatch joined the Ramsey County attorney’s office two years ago after working 20 years in civil litigation.

“All I do is financial fraud [prosecutions], which would include financial exploitation of vulnerable adults,” Hatch said.

He described a recent case in which an Arizona man stole $154,000 from his mother, who lives in Minnesota, in less than a year. She was torn about whether she wanted her son to spend 180 days in jail, Hatch said. She eventually signed off on the plea bargain, yet continued to drive him to and from the airport when he flew into town for court hearings. Hatch said he questioned why she would do that.

“ ‘Well, he is my son,’ ” Hatch recalled her saying.

“These are family,” he said. “What are we going to do about it?”

Thomas Haines, an assistant Carver County attorney, said his office is preparing for “a tsunami of financial exploitation” crimes that prey on older people. Haines said prosecutions can be avoided sometimes by summoning a suspected abuser in for a meeting with adult protection maltreatment investigators to spell out the penalties for wrongdoing.

Ashton Applewhite, an author and activist, set the tone for the conference in her keynote speech.

“We aspire to grow old, and yet we dread the prospect,” she said. “We are all old people in training.”

Full Article & Source:
In Minnesota, crimes against the elderly are 'doubling year-over-year'

Elder Abuse Awareness Day shines spotlight on hidden scourge; 137 cases this year in Columbia County

A year ago, Becky Mulhern got an irate phone call.

It was a Columbia County resident, who expressed indignation about a demonstration in front of the Columbia County Courthouse to foster awareness of elder abuse.

The caller said she simply could not believe that vulnerable older adults ever experienced physical, psychological or financial abuse in Columbia County, even though, at that time, 108 cases had been reported in the county in the preceding year.

On Wednesday, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the purple balloons and purple pinwheels were returned to the front entrance of the courthouse — 137 of each, to represent the 137 cases of elder abuse reported in Columbia County over the last year.

Mulhern, director of Columbia County’s Aging and Disability Resource Center, said she doesn’t know why the number of reported cases has increased.

“It could be that people are becoming more aware, or it could be because times are hard,” she said. “We just don’t know.”

On Wednesday morning — for a relatively brief time, because of the heat and humidity — purple-clad people gathered at the courthouse. They included not only older adults, but also representatives of law enforcement, human services and other agencies charged with the safety of vulnerable seniors.

The term “elder abuse” applies, in general, to people age 65 or older, though it can happen to any vulnerable adult.

Elder abuse is not just physical attacks — hitting, slapping, bruising, burning with cigarettes — although all that happens.

It could entail emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, abandonment and self-neglect.

It was self-neglect, according to Mulhern, that resulted in Columbia County’s one death in the last year that was traceable to elder abuse. Self-neglect happens when seniors stop taking care of themselves — stop eating, bathing or tending to their medical needs — sometimes because they no longer can do those things for themselves and do not ask for help.

For the two adult protective services workers in Columbia County, Sue Weaver and Marcy DeSomer, the nature of elder abuse reports varies.

DeSomer, who has a background in child protective services, said she often sees elder abuse cases that are similar to child abuse cases, in that unhealthy family dynamics are hurting someone who’s vulnerable.

According to Weaver, more and more reports deal with financial exploitation of older people. Many of these reports, she said, come from employees of financial institutions, who may notice large or frequent withdrawals from a senior citizen’s account, or suspicious behavior on the part of a relative who may be taking unfair or unlawful advantage of his or her access to a vulnerable older person’s account.

What all forms of elder abuse have in common, according to Weaver, is that they often are, to the victim, astonishing and puzzling.

“You don’t want to believe that your own children would do this to you,” she said. (The abuser of an older adult isn’t always his or her child. It could be anybody, including another senior citizen.)

When people see what they suspect to be elder abuse, Weaver said, they often don’t tell anybody, out of embarrassment, fear or a misguided sense of family loyalty.

Many, however, don’t know what to do.

That’s why Weaver and DeSomer are here to help.

Anyone in Columbia County who suspects elder abuse should call the ADRC at 608-742-9233 or 888-742-9233.

Mulhern said people who are committed to safety for vulnerable older adults may also participate in the I-team — an interdisciplinary group, overseen by the ADRC, consisting of public safety workers, administrators of nursing homes or assisted living facilities and individuals from all walks of life. The I-team, according to Mulhern, brings in speakers and taps other resources for improving safety for seniors.

Full Article & Source:
Elder Abuse Awareness Day shines spotlight on hidden scourge; 137 cases this year in Columbia County

Author highlights personal story on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

WEDNESDAY (June 15) is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and an author who is aiming to highlight the problem is selling copies of her book which tells of a lengthy family feud.

Adrienne Nairn, who now lives in New Zealand will be selling copies of her book My Brother My Enemy at WH Smiths in Exeter tomorrow (Thursday).

The book details a protracted legal dispute involving Adrienne and her brother over the care of her stepmother.

She explains: "I was motivated to write a book to highlight what can happen and if it helps warn others of the dangers that is great."

Mrs Nairn moved to New Zealand in 2002 and published the book with the aid of a ghost writer three years ago. 

Elder abuse can take a variety of different forms, not just physical, but also emotional and financial and Mrs Nairn says it is more widespread than many people realise.

Government recognition is also increasing with ministers using the global day of awareness to call on people to commit to understanding signs that an older person could be vulnerable to abuse.

The Minister of State for Community and Social Care, Alistair Burt, said: "Every older person deserves to live out their life in health and security. Yet, every year, thousands of older people are denied that most basic right because of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, focuses attention to this global public health issue.

"Victims of elder abuse are parents and grandparents, neighbours and friends. Elder abuse cuts across race, gender, culture, and circumstance, and whether physical, emotional, or financial, it takes an unacceptable toll on individuals and families across our country.

"Seniors who experience abuse or neglect face a heightened risk of health complications and premature death, while financial exploitation can rob men and women of the security they have built over a lifetime. Tragically, many older people suffer in silence, burdened by fear, shame, or impairments that prevent them from speaking out about abuse.

"We owe it to older people to expose elder abuse wherever we find it and take action to bring it to an end. Together, all of us can play a role in addressing this crisis. Today, let us speak out against elder abuse.

Full Article & Source:

Author highlights personal story on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Ban Calls For End To Elder Abuse As Pathway For Global Goals

New York, NY– Marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today emphasized that ending neglect, abuse and violence against older people is crucial as the international community continues to work together towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and fulfil their underlying pledge to leave no one behind.

An old woman at her window in a Nepalese village. UN
Photo/John Isaac. 

    
“Abuse and violence directed at older people take many forms, including partner and stranger violence, psychological and emotional abuse and financial exploitation,” Mr. Ban said in his message to mark the Day.

“On this Day, I call upon Member States and civil society to strengthen their resolve and redouble their efforts to eliminate all forms of violence and abuse against older people,” he added, highlighting that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to end poverty and build a more sustainable world for all.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – observed annually on 15 June since it was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2011 – aims to spotlight the global social issues affecting elderly people. The commemoration also brings the attention of the international community on the safeguarding of older human beings from mistreatment and suffering.

Elder abuse can be defined as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.” Such abuse can take various forms, including physical, psychological or emotional, sexual and financial abuse, and can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect.

Noting that older women suffer from age and gender discrimination and are more vulnerable than men, Mr. Ban pointed out that World Health Organization (WHO) estimates show that up to 10 per cent of older people may be affected in some countries.

“Abuse of older women often follows a lifetime of discrimination, violence and oppression. I am particularly alarmed by growing reports of older women who are accused of witchcraft, making them targets of abuse from their own families and communities,” Mr. Ban said.

Along those lines, the UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, Rosa Kornfeld-Matte, warned that insufficient action is being taken to stop elder abuse around the world, and called on anyone who suspects such a case to immediately report it.

“One in ten older persons experience abuse every month. So, tomorrow it may well be you,” Ms. Kornfeld-Matte said in a statement released by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The Independent Expert noted that elder abuse occurs anywhere in institutional settings, but often also at home, and it affects older persons across all socio-economic groups. Manifestations include physical violence, sexual or emotional abuse, abandonment, and neglect, as well as financial or material exploitation.

“One of the reasons for lack of action is that most people would rather not think of themselves as frail and dependent and, therefore, do not feel concerned. For others, it may be inconceivable that those who are closest to them today – their beloved ones – may be the perpetrators of tomorrow,” she said.

“Those concerned – the older persons who are physically restrained, left in soiled clothes,

overmedicated or emotionally neglected – may not speak up for fear of reprisals or to protect relatives from criminal prosecution,” she added.

Ms. Kornfeld-Matte emphasized that most cases of elder abuse go undetected and prevalence rates are likely to be underestimated. It is therefore essential to continue to raise awareness to help prevent some abuse cases and to ensure that those that take place are immediately reported, she said.

Warning signs can include unexplained bruises, lack of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration, unexplained changes of alertness and sudden changes in finances and accounts.

“On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, I urge everyone who suspects a case of elder abuse: report your concerns,” the Independent Expert said.

Full Article & Source:
Ban Calls For End To Elder Abuse As Pathway For Global Goals

Opening Our Eyes to Elder Abuse

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and Next Avenue joins in the effort to shine a light on this pervasive problem. 

An estimated 5 million older Americans are abused, neglected or exploited every year, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. That’s a conservative number, the organization says: for every one case that’s reported, as many as 23 are not.

“Elder mistreatment is a serious public health issue, and merits the same level of response as child abuse or domestic abuse,” says Terry Fulmer, Ph.D., president of  The John A. Hartford Foundation and a researcher and authority on elder mistreatment and abuse, in a statement last week.

She urged all of us to increase our vigilance.

“In particular, health care, emergency services, social service, and law enforcement professionals, who are on the front lines, should use every interaction with an older person to screen for possible mistreatment,” she says. “One simple yet powerful way to do this is by asking the question: ‘Are you safe at home?’

That’s especially important with older adults who may be cognitively impaired or rarely outside of the presence of a potential abuser, Fulmer says.

Manifestations of Abuse

Elder abuse comes in many forms, including physical, psychological, financial and sexual abuse.

Last month, Next Avenue published a series on abuse in the guardianship and conservatorship systems, finding that, despite decades of efforts, pernicious patterns have endured.

As the boomer population ages, the numbers of people affected by guardianship and conservatorship will rise tremendously, experts predict. With the stroke of a judge’s pen, an older adult can see his or her most basic rights stripped away. A family member or even a stranger appointed by the court will decide where they will live, how their money will be spent, what health care they will get, when they will go out and whom they are allowed to see.

Educating Ourselves

We urge everyone to learn about elder abuse and know the signs that someone may be being abused. 

We also urge the presidential candidates to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and offer their ideas on how to address the disturbing reality many older adults live with every day.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is organized by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.

Full Article & Source:
Opening Our Eyes to Elder Abuse

Pennsylvania Stands United Against Elder Abuse

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack joined Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne, and Deputy Secretary of Banking and Securities Brian LaForme in a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event in the Capitol calling on all Pennsylvanians to stand united with communities around the globe to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

They were joined by Representative Hennessey, Majority Chair of the House Aging and Older Adults Services Committee; Karen Buck, Executive Director of the SeniorLAW Center; and Liana Walters, Executive Director of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee on behalf of Senator Art Haywood; along with protective service investigators from counties throughout the commonwealth who were recognized for the critical role they play in protecting older Pennsylvanians in their local community from all types of abuse.

"Elder abuse is a global societal issue which impacts the health and human rights of millions of older adults around the world," said Lieutenant Governor Stack. "Preventing elder abuse must not only be a part of the national conversation about how we care for older Americans, but it must also be a part of the commonwealth's plan to support and protect older Pennsylvanians." 

"Older Pennsylvanians have worked hard to raise their families, build our communities and defend our country in times of crisis," said Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne.  "For their many contributions, they deserve to have access to a protective service system that is equipped with the tools needed to keep them safe from harm and neglect."

Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, abandonment, and self-neglect. Signs of abuse can include unexplained bruises, burns or broken bones, lack of basic hygiene, access to adequate food, clean or appropriate clothing, unexplained weight loss, social isolation, changes in banking habits, or giving away assets without an apparent reason.

Anyone can report elder abuse by calling the 24-hour statewide elder abuse hotline at 1-800-490-8505, or by contacting their local Area Agency on Aging. Pennsylvania law protects those who report suspected abuse from retaliation and civil or criminal liability; all calls are free and confidential.

Last year, over 22,000 cases of suspected abuse and neglect were reported to the Department of Aging's protective services program, which works with investigators from the state's 52 Area Agencies on Aging to protect older Pennsylvanians. Protective services are mandated by the Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA), which safeguards the rights of older adults.

For more information on how to prevent and report elder abuse, visit www.aging.pa.gov

Full Article & Source:
Pennsylvania Stands United Against Elder Abuse

NCEA: 12 Things That Anyone Can Do to Prevent Elder Abuse

DHR educates citizens on Elder Abuse Awareness Day

On June 15 many businesses and individuals will don their purple ribbons in support of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

This is a day set aside to bring about greater visibility related to adults in need of protective services.

According to director of the Crenshaw County Department of Human Resources (DHR) Kristi Maddox, elder abuse, neglect or exploitation pertains to an adult 18 years or older who is physically or mentally unable to care for themselves.

“A lot of people don’t think as much about elder abuse, neglect or exploitation, especially when they are thinking about DHR,” Maddox said.

“We also have a unit that is a supervisor to workers and it handles elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.”

Maddox also noted that many citizens are surprised to learn that most cases of elder abuse and neglect are performed by the family members of the elderly individual.

On this day, DHR asks businesses and individuals to wear their purple ribbons for recognition and community-wide awareness. In the weeks leading up to June 15, purple ribbons for business doors and individuals were distributed, t-shirts were sold and information packets were given to doctor’s offices and other establishments.

It is the hope of DHR that by educating the community of these occurrences will not only help the victims receive the help they need, but also potentially cut down on abuse cases.

Maddox also stated that at a recent elder abuse and neglect training workshop she attended, she heard that the state of Alabama is currently in the process of creating more adult foster home facilities.
“There are probably less than 20 in the entire state, but those homes are needed,” Maddox said.

“There’s a great need for that population of people to have somewhere to go when they don’t have family members to take care of them and they can’t take care of themselves.”

Last year, there were 8,078 reported cases of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation received in the state of Alabama. Sixteen percent of the cases reported involved abuse, 67 percent involved neglect and 17 percent involved exploitation. Maddox says that the numbers for Crenshaw County can reach about three or four reports a month.

Maddox said that the Crenshaw County DHR currently has about 45 adult protective services clients in the county. DHR assists them with needs they may have and also receives regular reports on their situations.

Some of those clients are currently enrolled in an adult daycare center, located in Rutledge and Troy, according to Maddox.

These facilities allow working individuals to maintain their everyday jobs while still providing the needed care for their family members.

Maddox hopes that more facilities like this can come to fruition in the future. DHR will be giving educational presentations at the Luverne Kiwanis Club meeting, local churches and at other local establishments up until June 15. For information on these presentations, contact Maddox at DHR at (334) 335-7000.

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DHR educates citizens on Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Oklahoma: Adult Protective Services Offers Training

Adult Protective Services in Pontotoc County will commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 22 with a local effort to raise awareness about elder abuse and neglect in our community.

Adult Protective Services in Pontotoc County will host Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults: The Growing Epidemic. This training for local financial institutions regarding the financial exploitation of vulnerable adults will be held on Wednesday, June 22, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Department of Human Services, 2320 Arlington Suite B, Ada. Representatives from all local financial institutions are invited to attend this discussion on identifying indicators of financial exploitation and strategies that can be used to respond to possible financial exploitation situations. Please RSVP to Cathy Wood at (580) 310-7050 or cathyb.wood@okdhs.org before Tuesday, June 21.

Did you know that every day 10,000 people turn 65 in the US alone? That trend is going to continue for nearly the next 20 years. Our demographics are shifting, and we will soon have more elder people in the US than ever before. At the same time that the population is growing, we know that a startling number of elders face abusive conditions. Every year an estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that’s only part of the picture: Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23.5 cases go unreported.

WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elders. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations (UN) launched the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, 2006 in an effort to unite communities around the world in raising awareness about elder abuse. WEAAD is in support of the UN’s International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. 

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Adult Protective Services offers training

Gina's Story of Alleged Abuse in a Skilled Nursing Facility

On June 15, 2015, Gina called into TS Radio, Host Marti Oakley & Debbie Dahmer on World Elder Abuse Awareness day. Gina is in a skilled nursing facility. Gina alleges neglect, verbal abuse ,threats, intimidation and she alleges she also has witness a rape, suicide, neglect, resident choking, within this skilled nursing Facility. On June 16, 2015, Investigators Gilgan and Falk interview Gina in East Los Angles, CA. Investigation ongoing. Special Thanks to Elder Advocate Marisa Conover, Carole Herman, Foundation Aiding the Elderly, and TS Radio, Marti Oakley, Debbie Dahmer.

 Source:
Gina's Story of Alleged Abuse in a Skilled Nursing Facility

See Also:
Tonight on a Special T.S. Radio:  World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Tonight on a special T.S. Radio: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

4:00 pm PST … 5:00 pm MST … 6:00 pm CST … 7:00 pm EST

Our guests:

Joseph Roubicek – Elderly Criminal Exploitation

Gianna Nicoletti– Elder Abuse Resident

Patrice Gilgan – Gerald’s Story- Father was a victim of Elder Abuse 

Don Janke – Elder Abuse Resident

Marisa Conover -Mother was a victim of Felony Elder Abuse

Marian Hollingsworth – Father was a victim of elder abuse.

Carole Herman – Founder and President of FATE – Foundation Aiding the Elderly

Deirdre Gilbert– Dickson, National Director of National Medical Malpractice Advocacy

LISTEN LIVE or listen to the archive later

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day!

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FB: Ageless Alliance

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is Tomorrow!

First Global Summit and 10th Anniversary of  World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at the Securities and Exchange Commission Building, Washington, DC

Marti Oakley - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Show Tomorrow

We will post more details as soon as they are available!

Learn about elder financial abuse at seminar

Perhaps not surprisingly, financial exploitation is the fastest-growing form of elder abuse. June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and the Senior Law Center will host a "financial wellness" fair from 10 a.m. to noon Monday at First Corinthian Baptist Church, 5101 Pine St. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m.

At the seminar "Healthy Mind, Healthy Wallet," seniors will be able to ask questions about how to keep their money and assets safe, learn about the latest financial scams and how to make good financial decisions as they age, and find out which resources might be available.

The Senior Law Center's Dana Goldberg will be one of the featured speakers.

If you can't attend, call the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging for more information. PCA also operates a website devoted to senior-scam prevention, www.stopseniorscams.org.

An estimated 19,000 Philadelphians age 60 and older are financially exploited each year. For every case reported, an estimated 44 go unreported, said Joseph Snyder, director of PCA's Older Adult Protective Services.

Signs of elder financial abuse include changes in typical checking and banking patterns, uncharacteristic attempts to wire large sums of money, and sudden insufficient funds. Often, adult children or spouses are the perpetrators.

Confidential calls to report elder abuse may be made by anyone, including the older adult in need. In Philadelphia, all forms of elder abuse can be reported to PCA's Older Adult Protective Services 24/7 by calling the PCA help line at 215-765-9040.

You can also call the Senior Law Helpline (877- 727-7529 or 215-988-1242) or visit the center's offices at Two Penn Center, 1500 JFK Blvd., Center City.

The financial-wellness fair is presented by the Philadelphia Financial Exploitation Prevention Task Force, a group of local agencies that aims to prevent, detect, investigate, recover assets, and prosecute financial elder abuse; train law enforcement, social workers, banks and community agencies about elder financial abuse; and raise awareness of elder financial abuse.

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Learn about elder financial abuse at seminar