Advice on Adult Abuse (Lancashire, UK)

Advice on adult abuse

Concerns about elder abuse can now be reported to a confidential hotline in Lancashire.
Anyone with worries about an adult being mistreated by carers or other individuals can get advice from a website.

Dilys Macdonald, safeguarding adults' co-ordinator at Lancashire County Council, said: "Adult abuse can include neglect, such as withholding food, drink or medication, harassment or failing to ensure adequate supervision."
Call 0845 0530028 or log on to http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/safeguardingadults 

SOURCE:   Lancashire Evening Post

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Witnessed Elder Abuse At Work (USA)

by pink2blue1

I am an LVN and I work in an acute care facility on a Surgical floor. We get patients who had had surgery or who are going to surgery for wahtever reason. We see a lot of elderly people with hip fractures. I was taking care of an 89 year old patient who lives with her daughter and she fell at home. She's a small petite lady about 99 lbs. When I had gotten report from the Night shift nurse, she had told me that the daughter was not very nice. That she "scrutinized" everything that the nurse had done.

First thing in the morning I had to obtain a phone consent for an IVC filter placement before this patient could go for her hip replacement in the afternoon. So I called the daughter. She was very pleasant. The patient was also pleasant and although confused she knew where she was, her name and b-day and why she was in the hospital. She went for her filter, and when she returned the daughter was at bedside.

I found the daughter to be pleasant with me and not scrutinizing as the night nurse had said.

About 12:30 in the afternoon the daughter called me to the room and said her mother needed a bed pan for a BM. The patient wanted to get out of bed, and I explained that she couldn't get up, as she was in traction and had a broken hip. She said she knew she had a hurt leg but that she couldn't turn to get on the pan. Anyways, in going back over this with her a second time, the daughter started shouting for her to shut up and let the nurse do her job. She shouted "mom you have a broken hip" then the patient said "My leg is broken because you shook it too hard" (saying this to her daughter)

I was like....Whoa, ok, so she's a bit confused. I reminded her that she had fallen at home and the daughter chimes in yelling that "You fell because youa re too stubborn to use your walker!" I excused myself and told the patient if she indeed needed the bed pan to please call me back.At 2:30 they were going to come get her for the OR. She had a Vanco on call to the OR, so I brought an RN in with me to hang that while I got her vitals. All the while the daughter was telling me that her mother needed her lexapro because she was "getting crazy" Even begged me to call the Dr. She had lexapro scheduled for 9PM and had gotten a dose the night before. While attempting to get her vitals, the patient became resistant and tried to pull the cuff off her arm. I just held her hand and then the daughter stood up and kept saying STOP IT MOM and actually Yelling very loudly. I just kept about my business, and then tried for a temp.

The patient, who I had done an oral temp on in the morning, pulled the thermometer out of her mouth, and again the daughter is shouting. By now I am ready to ask her to step out. I put the probe under the patients arm and the daughter took BOTH of the patients arems and forced them into the bed, holding on so tightly. Then before I could say a word the patient began yelling "HELP HELP HELP GET AWAY FROM ME" and what I saw next floored me.....the patients daughter took her hand and placed it over the patients mouth very harshly and pressed it into the patients face so hard. I finally said Please, this isn't necessary, it's ok. They can get the vitals down stairs in pre-op. I began shaking with anger, but kept calm.

I looked at the RN and she had this look like, what the heck! So then we looked and the patients mouth was bleeding and her lip was fat and the patient was obviously shaken. She kept saying over and over "I'm your mother why do you treat me this way" Then the daughter said "Mother you have been picking at your lips again, I can tell because you are bleeding!" OMG, OMG, OMG!!!! I am SOOOOOO Thankful that another nurses withness this with me. I have never ever in my whole 6 years in nursing seen someone so frustrated. Imagine if she does this in front of 2 nurses who are mandated reporters....what the heck.
We all began to think that maybe her hip did break because of how the patient had said. I immediately told the Charge RN, and then called the Dept manager and we had to call in social services. Thankfully both the RN who was hanging my Vanco for me and myself saw this. Even the cardiologist who went in just after we left said " man that is a family member who looks like she has just had enough" THEN we told him what happened. He had no idea of the events that just took place.
Has anyone ever seen this? I can't get the images out of my head. I was literally shaking and had the chills after this, it made

SOURCE: All Nurses
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Thank you for mentioning this case. Hopefully, the lady is now given protection from her daughter.
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Visalia Man Arrested on False Imprisonment, Abuse Charges (Ca. USA)

Jan. 02, 2009
By Chris Collins
The Fresno Bee

Visalia Police on Thursday arrested a man for false imprisonment and elder abuse of a 62-year-old Visalia woman.
Police said that the woman, whose name was not released, said she was struck by 29-year-old Fabian Molina of Visalia on Christmas Day and was held against her will at her residence.
Police said that Molina, who has a history of mental illness, told the victim that he would attack any police officers with a knife if they tried to arrest him.

Police arrested Molina at the Vons shopping center at South Chinowth Street and Noble Avenue in Visalia. They found a large knife in Molina’s house. He was arrested for elder abuse, false imprisonment, a parole violation, and an unrelated warrant.

SOURCE: The Fresno Bee
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Elder Abuse: Carers Stole from 92 year-old (Ca. USA)

Caregiver Suspected of Theft & Elder Abuse

12/31/2008

SAN DIEGO - A caregiver is suspected of stealing thousands of dollars from an elderly victim.

"Raymond George Wilkins stole $13,000 in cash and Krugerrand gold coins from a 92-year-old victim," according to San Diego County Crime Stoppers.

Investigators think the theft happened in the first half of October. The 34-year-old Wilkins "was living with the victim and acting as a temporary caregiver at the time of the theft," according to police.
They say Wilkins is an avid surfer who is known to hang out in Pacific Beach. But investigators also say they think Wilkins purchased a one-way ticket to Oahu, Hawaii.

SOURCE: San Diego06
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An Appeal for Concerted Effort to Prevent Elder Abuse (USA)

Justice for older and vulnerable adults can't wait

The Republican Eagle
January 01, 2009

In the past few weeks, allegations of nursing home residents' abuse have surfaced in two Minnesota communities. As a result, some families and seniors have begun to question their trust in nursing home care.

The allegations as described in the complaints are appalling, yet they serve as a reminder about the responsibility we all must take in caring for our spouses, parents and grandparents.
Let's be clear: even one incident of elder abuse in any setting is one incident too many.

Compassion requires us to protect the aging and vulnerable. While the Vulnerable Adult Justice Project has a diverse membership, we share one common goal: to protect those who cannot protect themselves. We urge others to join us in our campaign to end elder abuse at all levels and settings.

Abridged
SOURCE: The Republican Eagle

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Please go to source for full-text. A concerted effort is needed if we were to seek more actions to prevent Elder Abuse.

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Financial Elder Abuse "Despicable" (CA, USA)

December 28, 2008.
By Heidi Turner

Apple Valley, CA:

Linda F suspected for a while that her father was a victim of financial elder abuse. Unfortunately, she couldn't get her father to see what was going on. Like so many parents who are victims of financial abuse at the hands of a child, Linda's father did not want to believe his daughter, Linda's sister, could treat him so poorly. But she did, and now he is not even allowed in his own home.

"This is just devastating. It [financial elder abuse] is out there, but it's hushed. It's despicable that a child could do this to a parent. She can't get her act together, so she abuses him. He wants to be home. He doesn't want to live like this. He told me once that he is supposed to get a blue pill in the morning. But my sister sometimes gave him 1 in the morning, sometimes 2 in the morning, sometimes 1 in the afternoon, sometimes she didn't give him any pill. She messed with his medication.

Abridged
SOURCE: Lawyers and Settlements
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An interesting case. Please go to source for full-text.

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Three Charged in Elder Abuse (New York)

Staff Report

 December 29, 2008

RICHFIELD SPRINGS _ The wife and two sons of a Richfield Springs man were charged with a felony on Friday after an investigation into a report of elder abuse, Otsego deputies said.

Margaret I. Seamon, 74; Jefford D. Seamon, 47; and Martin T. Seamon, 41, were charged with endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person, a class E felony, deputies said.

The name of the man was not available on Friday night, but the three were family members who were caregivers, deputies said. The sheriff's office was contacted after the man was admitted to a local hospital for serious injuries. The county Department of Social Services was also involved in the investigation, deputies said.

The three are scheduled to appear in Richfield Town Court on Jan. 7, deputies said.

SOURCE:     The Daily Star, New York

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Elder Scams and Fraud: Realtors Urged to Help Prevent (USA)

District attorney talks to realtors about crimes against the elderly
By Rose Meily
for the Los Gatos Weekly-Times
12/23/2008

Deputy District Attorney Kim Connors, a guest speaker at a recent Realtor tour meeting, told members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors that financial crimes against the elderly are becoming more widespread, and the only way to prevent these scams from happening is to always keep informed and warn everybody you know about them.

Examples of financial crimes include forgery, lying to get your money (e.g., "My child is dying of cancer and needs surgery"); deceiving you into signing any document (e.g., quit claim, grant deed, will); improper use of conservatorship, guardianship or power of attorney; and cold calls.

"Scam artists try to get you when you are in your safe zone — at home or at work," Connors said. "Always be on guard. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is."
Connors urged Realtors to share their knowledge and expertise about all the different scams they hear about or read about in the newspaper with their parents, grandparents and elderly clients.

"Prevention is still the best medicine," she said. "Prosecution seldom makes the victim whole."Other prevention tips she gave include: lock mailboxes; scrutinize credit reports; screen calls; always get a second opinion when someone presents a financial proposal; only return calls to known numbers; and watch the news.

Abridged
SOURCE: The Mercury News

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Elder Abuse and Neglect: Granny Dumping (Melb. Australia)

Christmas shame as families abandon elderly relatives in Victoria
By Carly Crawford
Herald Sun
December 08, 2008

ELDERLY Victorians are being dumped in hospital emergency departments as their relatives go on holidays.

Frontline hospital staff have lifted the lid on the shocking practice of "granny dumping", saying it is on the increase and peaks over the Christmas period. There are calls for an urgent inquiry as worried emergency department workers warn the practice is robbing genuine patients of vital beds. Last Monday, a woman in her 70s was delivered by ambulance to the Northern Hospital's emergency department, where her relatives requested she stay for three weeks. The Australasian College of Emergency Medicine's Dr David Eddey said the ageing population was fuelling a rise in granny dumping.

"When people go away on holidays, it happens," he said. "The number of elderly patients being dumped at emergency departments because their relatives just don't know what else to do would be significant."

One emergency department employee said December signalled the start of the "granny dumping season".

Abridged
SOURCE: The Herald Sun
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Elder Abuse: Son Arraigned for the Death of Mother (CA. USA)

Victorville man arraigned in mother’s death

December 22, 2008

BEATRIZ E. VALENZUELA Staff Writer

A Victorville man was scheduled to be arraigned Monday for the death of his 87-year-old mother who died after he placed her outdoors in a wheelchair for an extended amount of time, officials said.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s High Desert Crime Impact Team arrested John Simons, 64, Thursday for elder abuse leading to the death of his adopted mother, officials said.
Investigators discovered that Jacqueline Marie Fox had been left out in the backyard of her home in the 14000 block of Chamberlain Way in August, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials said.

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SOURCE: VV Daily Press
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Elder Abuse: Carer Branded 'Sadistic' (Scotland)

Convicted carer branded 'sadistic' by victim's relatives
19 December, 2008

A CRUEL nursing home assistant who taunted elderly men in her care has been described as "sadistic" by relatives of a woman who stayed in the same home.

Sisters Barbara MacAskill and Lorna Payne want nursing homes in Inverness to scrutinise who they employ more closely, after an employee who cared for their aunt at the Southside Nursing Home in Inverness admitted a series of degrading offences.

Janet Cameron was ordered at Inverness Sheriff Court this week to carry out 100 hours of community service after she pleaded guilty to dripping water on the face of a confused 87-year-old and placing oversized dentures in the mouth of a 65-year-old stroke victim.

Cameron's behaviour towards residents in her care only came to light when a colleague reported her to management.

But Conservative health spokeswoman Mary Scanlon thinks the Care Commission, which inspects homes, should be coming down harder on under-performing care homes.
"I don't feel the commission is vigorously applying the standards that families and elderly people expect," she said.

Abridged
SOURCE: Inverness Courier



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Nursing Homes Rated on New Website (USA)

Nursing Homes Rated on New Government Website
December 22nd, 2008

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched a Website ranking nearly 16,000 nursing homes. Reuters Health reports that this is the first-ever federally-managed Website that ranks nursing home facilities for quality.

“Around three million Americans depend on nursing homes at some point during each year to provide life-saving care,” CMS administrator Kerry Weems said in a statement announcing the website launch. “Most of those individuals are enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare and we all bear a special responsibility to protect their health and welfare.”


The CMS oversees the Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs, explained Reuters Health. The 15,800 nursing homes rated by CMS participate in the public insurance system. According to CMS, in the first round of ratings, about 12 percent of the nation’s nursing homes received a full five-star rating while 22 percent scored at the low end with one star. The remaining 66 percent of facilities were distributed fairly evenly among the two, three, and four star rankings, Reuters said.


In spite of the law, nursing home abuse continues to be a serious problem. The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates at least one in 20 nursing home patients has been the victim of negligence and or abuse, noting the number is likely higher. According to the National Center’s study, 57% of nurses’ aides in long-term care facilities admitted to having witnessed, and even participating in, acts of negligence and abuse.Earlier this month, Business First of Buffalo reported that New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced the arrests of nursing home employees over charges of resident neglect and abuse.


According to Business First, three employees were arrested and charged and a fourth was convicted for “abusing elderly and ill patients.” The arrests followed a New York state-wide investigation into institutional care abuse and neglect said Buffalo First. A prepared release stated that the acts involved “physically attacking and using racial slurs against an 86-year-old Alzheimer’s patient, slapping a 100-year-old patient in the face, and tying an elderly patient with dementia to a chair for two consecutive nights.”


Abridged

SOURCE: Your Lawyer
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Aged Care Must Be More Sensitive to the Needs of the Seniors (Australia)

Elderly migrants 'going hungry in homes'

JeBy Jewel Topsfield

DeDecember 19, 2008

ELDERLY migrants are going hungry in nursing homes and shunning meals on wheels because they cannot stomach Anglo dishes such as sausages and peas.

Despite growing numbers of non-English speakers in nursing homes, interpreters are not being used to convey critical health information to staff. With migrants expected to make up 23 per cent of all people aged over 65 by 2011, experts are pointing to an emerging crisis.

They say there is a desperate need for more bilingual workers and for the Federal Government to fund ethnic welfare groups to provide aged-care services such as meals on wheels.

Irene Bouzo, aged-care policy officer for the Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria, said the first thing elderly migrants said to her was often: "I can't eat Vegemite on toast, I can't eat sausages and peas."

She said the problem was not limited to migrants in nursing homes but included those in the community, who often eschewed meals on wheels services that did not offer ethnic dishes.

Abridged

SOURCE: The Age

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Aged Care: Unannounced Visits to Nursing Homes and Hostels (Australia)

22 December 2008

The Australian Government today released a report card on the unannounced visits conducted by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency for the last six months.

The Government is undertaking a record 7,000 visits – including 3,000 unannounced visits -- by the Accreditation Agency to ensure proper care, including nutrition and hydration.

These protections complement the extension of police checks to all nursing home staff - that comes into effect on January 1, 2009.

Last financial year, the Accreditation Agency found 199 nursing homes or hostels which did not comply with at least one of the 44 standards quality outcomes. There are currently 15 nursing homes – out of a total of nearly 3,000 aged care homes around Australia under sanction. Nine of those nursing homes were identified through direct or indirect result of unannounced visits.

“Staff working in our nation’s nursing homes are dedicated, hard working and the backbone of the sector. They are on the front-line providing quality care; these visits support their important work.

“For the past 12 years, the previous government neglected nursing homes and neglected our older Australians; we plan to change that,” Mrs Elliot said.

Anyone with concerns about the care or welfare of residents should immediately contact the Department of Health and Ageing’s Complaints Investigation Scheme – 1 800-550- 552.
For more information, contact Mrs Elliot's office on (02) 6277 7280

Abridged
SOURCE: Minister for Ageing Web site
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Let me echo the Minister's acknowledgement of the wonderful work of dedicated carers. Whilst we should highlight abuses in nursing homes; we must remember that rogue carers are the minority.
It is very pleasing to hear about increased fundings for Aged Care.

However, when will we get some actions on protecting elderly in the general community. Those who are able to stay in their own homes, but are in danger of being abused by family members, paid carers, scammers etc?
OR, Publicity campaigns to inform the populace that elder abuse is NOT acceptable.

Elder Abuse is a criminal offence in America.

Many in the general public are not even familiar with the term 'elder abuse'. One would think that elder abuse does not exist in Australia. I must hasten to add that this seems to be the case in many countries.

Elder Abuse: The 'hot potato' that politicians do not want to acknowledge or handle !
................................. Andrew C

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Scams Targetting Seniors: Home Reno Scam (Canada)

Home reno scam targets seniors
News
Dec 19, 2008

Hamilton Police are warning the public about an increase in the number of reported incidents of home renovation and roofing scams in the area.

Over the past two years, the Service Crimes Against Seniors Unit and the Seniors Support Officers have been experiencing a higher than normal volume of home renovation and roofing scams reports.

Consumers need to do some research before signing a contract, police say, including consulting with trusted individuals such as family or neighbours who have had work done at their homes. They also urge residents to learn what makes a contract legal and to know their rights. Information relating to these types of scams can be obtained at www.hamiltonpolice.on.ca or by contacting the Better Business Bureau, 905-526-1111 or www.bbbhamilton.ca .

Abridged
SOURCE: Flamborough Review
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Crimes Against Elderly: Man Charged in Lodge Pole Slayings (MT. USA)

BY KIM SKORNOGOSKI
TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
DECEMBER 19, 2008

The Fort Belknap man charged with killing a couple in their home early Wednesday morning is a registered violent offender with a history of seriously assaulting people.

Elwyn "Jay" Has The Eagle, 25, is being held without bond at the Chouteau County jail on a slew of tribal charges, including two counts each of murder, aggravated assault and elder abuse.


The victims, identified Thursday by the Blaine County coroner as Calvin Snell, 69, and Doreen K. Manzanares, 62, of near Lodge Pole, were found dead in their beds, stabbed multiple times in the upper torso and neck.



Abridged

SOURCE: Great Falls Tribune

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Elder Abuse: Shanghai Man Jailed for Abandoning Mother (China)

Shanghai man jailed for abandoning mother
By ELAINE KURTENBACH
December 20, 2008

SHANGHAI, China
(AP) — A Shanghai man who refused to care for his ailing 83-year-old mother and abandoned her in a public city square has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, a newspaper and court official said Friday.

Zhabei District People's Court sentenced 54-year-old Wang Kouma on Thursday after finding him guilty of leaving his mother at the People's Square in Shanghai in October 2007, said an official at the Zhabei District People's Court.

Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.


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SOURCE: AP News
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Casting a Wider Beam: Spotlight on Elder Abuse (International)

Spotlight on Elder Abuse: Casting a Wider Beam

By Andrew Chadwick

It has been just over 2 years since I started this blog.  

The case that prompted this blog – the Frank Punito Case; was the catalyst for this blog. In an attempt to get help for the victim, I learnt that the case has a name; Elder Abuse.What added to the shock was the discovery  that elder abuse is a global phenomenon. And, that there are important issues that must be looked at in any attempt to prevent elder abuse.

There must be Social services such as:

·        assistance for carers who may be experiencing emotional or physical problems in caring for a spouse, parent, aunty etc. A respite period given to these carers can make a great difference to preventing abuses.

·        Proper background checks of employees in nursing homes;

·        Better Aged Care;

·        Social services to properly investigate reported abuses; and speedy actions that can be put in place to remove the victim(s) from an abusive situation.

·        Better awareness campaigns to publicise the fact that elder abuse is NOT acceptable in any shape or form.

·        There must be elder laws to better protect the vulnerable elderly. Legal instruments, such as Power of Attorney  can often be used to abuse the donor. Attorneys must do a better job in advising their clients, regarding the giving of power of attorney.

·        Guardianship abuses – there are so many cases reported in the USA in the past decade; and yet, the changes that elder advocates demanded, have not materialized.

·        Ageism must not be tolerated.

 It is a fact, according to numerous reports from several countries, Elder Abuse is under-reported.  What we see in the media is only the tip of the iceberg.

 

As I get to know about the “side issues” of elder abuse, I started posting on those issues.

It is a huge task and I often rely on articles in the media or from items sent to me.

 I thank all, who have written about elder abuse and its side issues; and who have been generous in allowing me to post part of their articles.

 Hopefully, this blog will continue to promote awareness; and to direct people to the proper authorities for assistance.

 (Various links in the side-bar of this blog provide further resources for those who wish to do their own research.)

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Man Says Sentence for Murdering Mother 'Inadequate'. (NSW, Australia)

Man says sentence for murdering mother 'inadequate'

BeBy Bellinda Kontominas

DeDecember 19, 2008

 A man who has been jailed for 23 years for the stabbing murder of his mother on the NSW south coast has dismissed the sentence as "manifestly inadequate".

- Mum's murder: guilty plea
- Would 'do the same again'
- Own sentence 'inadequate'

Adam Patrick Owens, 35, of Cremorne, had pleaded guilty to the murder of Doris Owens, 69, and earlier this month admitted to the court he would "do the same again".

For over two years the former political advisor strenuously denied stabbing his mother in the chest at her south coast holiday home in September 2006, despite being publicly accused of the crime by his half brother.

During sentencing submissions in the Supreme Court earlier this month, Owens told the court he was aware of his actions while stabbing his mother seven times after she told him he was "useless" and had missed out on a job offer because he was "doing it all wrong".

"I knew exactly what I was doing. My intention was to kill her and anything else is incorrect," Owens told the court.

Mental notes suggested that Owens had a "narcissistic personality disorder" and suffered depression, but justice McCallum found these were not mitigating factors in the crime.

After Justice McCallum had sentenced him to a maximum of 23 years in jail with a non-parole period of 17 years, Owens stood and shouted "manifestly inadequate" before being taken away by court security. He will be eligible for parole in March 2024.

Abridged

SOURCE:   The Age

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Protecting Our Elders (Illinois, USA)

Protecting our elders
By  Kathleen Quinn

December 18, 2008

But what if it's your grandmother, or the developmentally disabled adult who lives down the street, who is being physically abused, mentally tortured, sexually assaulted, financially ripped off, and/or cruelly neglected almost to the point of death? Whom do they call then? Would they know?

But what if it's your grandmother, or the developmentally disabled adult who lives down the street, who is being physically abused, mentally tortured, sexually assaulted, financially ripped off, and/or cruelly neglected almost to the point of death? Whom do they call then? Would they know?

They should call Adult Protective Services, which operates under state law in every state to respond to the abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults with disabilities and older persons.

Congress has held hearings for 30 years on the tragedy of elder abuse, but it has yet to enact a single comprehensive law addressing it or the abuse of adults with disabilities

If the White House asks the new Congress to enact the long overdue Elder Justice Act as one of its first orders of business in 2009, it would signal caring "change we can believe in," change that will save thousands of lives of "our greatest generation," and will allow many tens of thousands of others to live safely and with dignity, instead of in degradation, suffering and fear.

Abridged

SOURCE:    Chicago Tribune, Ill US

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Amazing!  Congress has held hearings for 30 years??!!

ps.  I've not done justice to the author of this article. Please go to source to read full-text.

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Elder Abuse: Carer Escapes Jail Term (Scotland)

Care worker escapes jail for Red Rum taunt
18 December, 2008

A CARE assistant who forced a set of false teeth into a stroke victim's mouth and likened him to the champion racehorse Red Rum was ordered to carry out community service by a sheriff this week.

Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen heard the incidents were witnessed by members of staff and were reported to management, who contacted the police.

The solicitor said Cameron, who was a first offender and was now working as a cleaner, had been a care assistant for 14 years and would never work in the care sector again.

As a punishment and a deterrent he ordered her to carry out 100 hours of community service. He said this would be seen as a direct alternative to custody.

Abridged
SOURCE: Highland News - Inverness,Scotland,UK
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Suspect Held in Beating Woman,78

Suspect held in beating of Daly City woman, 78
Henry K. Lee, Chronicle Staff Writer
December 18, 2008

A man has been arrested for allegedly beating and blinding a 78-year-old widow inside her Daly City home after she surprised him during a robbery attempt, police said Wednesday.

Police found the victim semi-conscious and near death after responding to a silent burglar alarm. She now lives in a rest home. Her name has not been released.

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SOURCE: San Francisco Chronicle
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Elder Abuse: Another Carer Charged (OR. USA)

Bend caregiver arrested on elder abuse charges
Dec 18, 2008

Many such cases go unreported, officials say
By Tony Fuller, KTVZ.COM

A Bend woman has been charged with fourth-degree assault and other charges after she allegedly abused the 85-year old woman she was take care of.

Janet Brashers, 54, of Bend was the in-home care giver for Grayce Morris of Bend, and allegedly caused physical injury to the elderly woman.

If you suspect an elderly person you know of is being abuse you are asked to call the Department of Human Services hotline at (541) 693-2707 or contact the Bend Police Department.

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SOURCE: KTVZ - Bend,OR,USA
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Elder Abuse: Often a Hidden Problem (KY. USA)

Elder abuse often hidden but a Shocking societal problem
Merlene Davis - Herald-Leader columnist

Three reported cases of elder abuse have come to light in recent weeks, in which a grandchild allegedly was involved in severely beating, poisoning or killing a grandparent with whom he or she was living.

..."we often see this as a familial problem," he continued. "A live-in adult child or grandchild exploiting or abusing an elderly parent or grandparent. It's a hidden problem."

Call 1-800-752-6200 to report abuse anonymously, or call your local police or sheriff's department if the danger is immediate. Legally, you are required to do that.

For more signs of abuse or neglect, go to http://chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dpp/eaa/signsOfAbuse.htm.

Abridged
SOURCE: Kentucky.com - Lexington,KY,USA
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Elder Abuse: Abuse Fear for 25,000 Old Folks in Wales

18/12/2008

As many as 25,000 older people in Wales could be suffering abuse, a seminar at Cardiff University Law school has heard.Ana Palazón, Director of Help the Aged in Wales, said: “We estimate that as many as 25,000 older people in Wales could be suffering elder abuse, but the very nature of this problem – where people can often be too afraid to report that they are being abused - makes it difficult to know for certain how widespread the problem actually is.”

Organised by Help the Aged in Wales and Age Concern Cymru, the seminar, also attended by Ruth Marks, the Commissioner for Older People in Wales, involved workshops and presentations on issues such as the effectiveness of current legislation in protecting older people.

Abridged
SOURCE: News Wales - Knighton,UK

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Elder Abuse: Grandmother Regrets Reporting Violent Grandson (Melb. Australia)

Grandmother Patricia Inglis sorry for reporting violent grandson
December 18, 2008
By Shelley Hadfield

A LOVING grandmother has told a court she regrets calling police after her heroin addict grandson bashed and tried to strangle her for $60.

Patricia Mary Inglis, 79, who thought she was going to die in the attack, fears she may never see her grandson again if he is sent to jail. Brett Andrew Dolan, 36, savagely attacked his granny while she lay in bed at her Braybrook home because she refused to give him money to buy heroin. Days later, he rang threatening to kill her.

He was arrested on March 27 and charged with attempted murder. The charge was withdrawn and he pleaded guilty to robbery, recklessly causing injury, making a threat to kill and possessing a drug of dependence.

Justice Curtain will sentence Dolan tomorrow.

Abridged
SOURCE: The Herald Sun (Australia)
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Crimes Against Elderly: 75 Year Old Tells Tale of Survival (Ca. USA)

75-Year-Old Tells Harrowing Tale of Survival
Reported by: Jeff Powers
Contributor: Antonio Castelan
12/13/2008

75-year-old Sandy Vinge underwent a 26 hour nigfhtmare when she was kidnapped, beaten and thrown in the trunk of her car.

Three teenagers accused of kidnapping and beating a 75-year old La Mesa woman stood in court Friday.
The nightmare began Monday night, when one of the suspects went to Vinge's La Mesa house and asked to use the phone. She had purchased a vacuum cleaner from him earlier that same day.Before she knew it, she

After a brief chase, the teens were caught in El Cajon and Vinge was discovered in the trunk, a shovel right next to her.

Abridged
SOURCE: San Diego 6
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Elder Abuse and Fraud: Whistle-blower Settlement Approved (LA. USA)

Whistle-blower settlement OK'd
By Troy Anderson, Staff Writer
12/17/2008

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a $148,000 settlement for an employee of the Department of Public Social Services who blew the whistle on in-home-care fraud and elder abuse.

The case involved Sandra Siedenburg of Palmdale, who worked as an In-Home Supportive Services social worker for more than six years at the Lancaster office of the DPSS.

Siedenburg reported the fraud and abuse to her superiors, but the county failed to conduct investigations, Terrell wrote.

In the process of working on files, Siedenburg noticed many instances of elder abuse, theft of government funds and fraud committed by IHSS providers and clients, wrote Beverly Hills attorney Leo James Terrell in the lawsuit.

Later, officials retaliated against Siedenburg by threatening to investigate her, transferring her and removing her as a backup supervisor.

Abridged
SOURCE: Los Angeles Daily News
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This is not the way to encourage people to report elder abuse. I've a few anecdotal reports (from 3 different countries) regarding the unfair treatment of whistle-blowers of Elder Abuse.
The reporters in those cases, got investigated or treated with suspicion and one falsely accused of "hidden agenda"!

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Elder Abuse: Neglect An Insidious Form of EA

Neglect an insidious form of elder abuse

The State Journal has brought to our attention the plight of older persons who suffer, many silently, from abuse. Statistics tell less than half the story. We can count events, financial abuse, physical abuse and cases of neglect when the consequences include serious losses or even death.

We should applaud efforts by advocates to increase government resources and raise public awareness of abuse, and the extent to which our governments -- local, state and federal -- are responsive.

Journal reporter Dean Mosiman's excellent articles on Sunday provided disheartening information about not only the reported frequency of abuse, but also the fact that resources needed to combat this social disease are inadequate.

However, readers should be aware of an insidious fact: Neglect is abuse. Adult children, neighbors and concerned citizens can act to relieve neglect.

For the elder living alone, neglect is often more abusive to the soul and spirit of the forgotten person than overt acts of abuse. Feeling neglected is a chronic condition, but one that can be overcome by frequent visits, phone calls or a ride to one without the means to get about.

As winter arrives, it is important for children and neighbors to invest their concern and be the solution to a vulnerable person's neglect.

-- James T. Sykes, former chairman, Wisconsin Board on Aging and Dane County Board of Public Welfare; senior adviser, aging policy department, UW-Madison Population Health Sciences

SOURCE: Wisconsin State Journal

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Elder Abuse: Woman Sentenced (MI. USA)

Woman sentenced forkilling mother
Diane Diamante will spend 12 to 30years in prison
Monday, 15 Dec 2008

KALAMAZOO, Mich.
(WOOD)

A woman who pleaded guilty but mentally ill for killing her mother is going to prison.
Diane Diamante was arrested in September 2007 after abusing her mother, Margaret, in the Woodbridge Hills retirement home in Portage that they shared.

When medical personnel arrived, they found Margaret Diamante, 87, semi-conscious and lying on the floor. They discovered she had been struck in the back of the head and had several bruises on her body. Doctors later found she had bleeding on the brain.
Margaret Diamate, 87, died a week later from her injuries.

Diane Diamante was arrested in Platte County, Wyoming after checking herself into a hospital. She was later charged and entered a plea.

She was sentenced Monday to 12 to 30 years.

SOURCE: Wood TV
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This is one of few cases of elder abuse, in private homes, that attracted media attention.
The media highlight the abuses in nursing homes and that of financial abuses. Financial elder abuse is now a growing business for lawyers.

Who cares about the elder abuse in private homes?

Without down-grading abuses in nursing homes; we must not forget those who are abused in the privacy of their own homes. It is undoubtedly more difficult to investigate this kind of elder abuse. But, even with ample documentary/video evidence (ie. the Frank Punito Case) little can be done for the victim(s).

More importantly, unless there are blood and gore, those cases do not make good headlines.

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Elder Abuse: Nursing Home Workers Accused of Abuse Face No Charges (Delaware, USA)

Bissell workers accused of abuse face no charges
Three fired, two on suspension
BY TERRI SANGINITI
THE NEWS JOURNAL
DECEMBER 13, 2008

No criminal charges will be filed against several caregivers whose abuse of an elderly patient at the state-run Emily P. Bissell Hospital was captured on a surveillance camera, according to the Delaware Attorney General's Office.

The agency is declining to prosecute even though investigations by the hospital and the state's Division of Long Term Care Resident Protection substantiated the allegations, said Jason Miller, an attorney general spokesman.

He did not elaborate on the reasons for not prosecuting.

The case is one of the 14,255 complaints handled by the Division of Long Term Care this year already, said Jay Lynch, spokesman for the state Department of Health and Social Services.
Of that number, 3,327 were investigated for abuse, neglect, mistreatment and financial exploitation, and 1,707 cases were substantiated.

Abridged
SOURCE: The News Journal
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Something is amissed. The figures are there for all to see; elder abuse is on the increase.
This case is puzzling and disturbing' in that no reasons were given for the decision not to charge the alleged abusers.
The fact that recorded or documented evidence did not seem to make any difference to getting justice. This is NOT very encouraging for potential reporters of elder abuse!

For more on this case go to Delaware Online
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Elder Care: Budget Cuts Affecting Services to Elderly (CA. USA)

Supervisors asked to protest cuts to ombudsman program
The board will discuss writing state representatives to get funds restored for elder abuse investigations
By Bob Cuddy
December 14, 2008

To the growing list of people who are affected by the state budget crisis, add the elderly in nursing and residential care facilities.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has taken his blue pencil and vetoed the state’s share of the ombudsman program, leaving only the federal half of the funding.

The cuts already have cost one staff position and moved the local program out of its role as lead agency in elder abuse investigations. Those duties will add to the workload of local law enforcement and result in fewer prosecutions, Stenson wrote.

Abridged
SOURCE: San Luis Obispo Tribune


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Elder Care: More Men Take Lead Role in Caring for Elderly Parents (USA)

More Men Take the Lead Role in Caring for Elderly Parents
By JOHN LELAND
Published: November 28,

When Peter Nicholson’s mother suffered a series of strokes last winter, he did something women have done for generations: he quit his job and moved into her West Hollywood home to care for her full time.

Since then, he has lost 45 pounds and developed anemia, in part because of the stress, and he is running out of money. But the hardest adjustment, Mr. Nicholson said, has been the emotional toll.

Mr. Nicholson, 53, is part of a growing number of men who are providing primary care for their aging parents, usually their mothers.
........ an assistant research professor of gerontology at the University of Southern California and director of the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Network. Men are less likely to have friends going through similar experiences, and depend more on their jobs for daily human contact.

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I have often posted about giving recognition and support for hardworking, dedicated carers. The above article highlights the difficulties, stress and emotional toll on family carers. Women have traditionally seen as the "given" carer for their elderly parents. This article is a wake-up call for many men who may have to confront this issue in the near future.


Abridged
SOURCE: New York Times
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Elder Care: Elderly Will Need More Care For Longer (Australia)

Ageing parents will need more care for longer – nurses

By Michael Madigan
December 14, 2008

AUSTRALIANS will soon have to care for elderly parents for longer as aged care homes refuse to accept them, the Royal College of Nursing warns.Nurses have told a Senate inquiry aged-care homes were reluctant to assess a person as having dementia until they were so bad they couldn't take care of their personal needs.

"The general public will become increasingly aware when they are personally involved in having their confused relatives denied access because funding subsidies are not viable," the submission says. Nurses say there are decreased options for putting seniors in low-care homes, because these homes are ceasing to exist.

Meanwhile, the number of people with a severe or profound disability will also increase, placing greater demands on a diminishing resource.Presbyterian Aged Care says there are are several cost pressures changing the face of aged care.The impact of the global financial crisis had already forced the collapse of major private aged care corporations, the PAC submission said.

Meals on Wheels has also told the inquiry it is struggling to meet the needs of a growing client base.

Abridged
SOURCE: Courier Mail - Australia


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Elder Abuse Rose to All-time Highs (

The Wisconsin State Journal
By Dean Mosiman
December 13, 2008

(McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex)

Reports of elder abuse rose to all-time highs in Dane County and the state last year, a new state report says.
Advocates and officials said the rise is likely due to a growing elder population, increasing public awareness and improvements in the law in 2006.
"I'm heartened by the fact that more cases are being reported," said attorney Betsy Abramson, a leading advocate on elder issues in the state, because a major problem has been that the abuse has been largely unrecognized.

But in tight budget times, government isn't adding services or more resources to address the issue of elder abuse or to deliver followup.
The majority of elder abuse cases go unreported, advocates say.

Later studies have estimated that perhaps one in 14 cases in domestic settings are reported and that one in 25 victims of financial exploitation come forward.

Abridged
SOURCE: AARP Bulletin
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It is encouraging to note that more elder abuse cases have been reported. However, every studies on elder abuse confirm the fact that elder abuse is still UNDER-REPORTED. Reporters of elder abuse must be assisted; not looked at with suspicion. Many reporters of elder abuse get into all kinds of strife; ranging from been treated with suspicion, to been accused of "having a hidden agenda". Every report of elder abuse should be looked at objectively and investigated thoroughly.

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Elder Abuse in Nursing Home: What is Amiss? (MN. USA)

Nursing home abuses: Why?
Unsettling reports inspire broad look for what is amiss
By Jeremy Olson
12/13/2008

Following shocking reports of physical and sexual abuse at Minnesota nursing homes, elder advocates and nursing home providers met Friday with one question on their minds.
What are we missing here?

While the abuse incidents don't reflect the compassion of most caregivers, they have state leaders re-evaluating everything from the "moral compass" of nursing assistants to the training they receive and the laws that regulate them.

Nursing homes must at least comply with a 2003 law to train caregivers on the challenges of caring for dementia patients, said Mark Wandersee, executive director of the Elder Care Rights Alliance. Some are going further by conforming their schedules to residents' quirky habits to make them more comfortable and less likely to lash out.

"Elder abuse is where child abuse or domestic abuse was 30 to 40 years ago," Wandersee said. "Nobody wanted to talk about it."

Abridged
SOURCE: Pioneer Press - St. Paul,MN,USA
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Ministry Emphasize Older Person and Families (Jordan)

Jordan: The Ministry of Social Affairs Emphasizes Older Persons and Families
(October 22, 2008)
(Article in Arabic)

The Institution for Older Persons in Ajman celebrated the International Day for Older Persons by launching an awareness campaign. The campaign promoted the slogan "together for their happiness" in support of older persons. The campaign focused on proper care, instilling values and respect for elderly persons among the new generation, and understanding the health, social and psychological challenges of older persons.

SOURCE: Global Aging
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Elder Abuse: Allegations of Abuse at Good Samaritan Facility (MN. USA)

Albert Lea area residents meet with elder abuse watchdog group founder
By SARAH STULTZ,
Albert Lea Tribune,
Special to The Globe Gazette
December, 12 2008

ALBERT LEA

About 50 area residents voiced their opinions of frustration, confusion and anger Thursday night over allegations of abuse at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea.The meeting was with Wes Bledsoe, founder and president of a nationally-known watchdog group for nursing homes called “A Perfect Cause.”

On Dec. 1, Albert Lea High School graduates Brianna Broitzman, 19, and Ashton Larson, 18, were charged in Freeborn County District Court with criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult and assault in the fifth degree, stemming from alleged instances earlier this year. Four juveniles also were charged with mandatory failure to report suspected abuse.

Abridged
SOURCE: Globe Gazette



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Elder Abuse: Caregiver Alleged EA in Civil Case (Bermuda)

"Aunti Em" was a keen and alert women
December 12. 2008
By Sam Strangeways

Alleged elder abuse victim "Auntie Em" was a "very keen and alert woman" who was vocal with complaints and would have spoken up if she was given roach-infested food to eat, her son-in-law told a court yesterday.

Patrick Hayward Sr., of Cox's Hill, Pembroke, was giving evidence for the second day in a civil case brought by caregiver Yvonne Dawson against his wife Rosamund, the adopted daughter of 96-year-old Wilhelmina Liburd.

Environmental health officers found that the filthy, cluttered, roach and rodent infested Upland Street home was unfit for human habitation and a social worker deemed Mrs. Liburd at risk of elder abuse.

Abridged
SOURCE: Royal Gazette - Hamilton,Bermuda
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Crimes Against Elderly: Man to Answer Charges (Ca. USA)

Man held to answer on murder charge
By Tiffany Revelle -- Staff reporter
12/10/2008

LAKEPORT

Enough evidence was found Wednesday to hold Ivan Garcia Oliver, 30, to answer on charges of murder and attached special allegations, including elder abuse, using a knife and using information found on the Megan's Law Web site to commit a crime.

Oliver is due back in court Dec. 22 for a second arraignment. Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff said it is unknown whether a trial date will be set at that time.

Abridged
SOURCE: Lake County Record-Bee
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Elder Abuse: Awareness and Prevention Training (GA. USA)

Training available on identifying elder abuse

Submitted by the Georgia Department of Human Resources

December 11, 2008

ATLANTA — The Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services (DAS) forensic specialist is promoting training/education to first-responders and mandated reporters on identifying and reporting elder abuse. Many professionals who work with older and disabled adults are considered mandated reporters and are required by Georgia law to report when they suspect abuse, neglect or exploitation.

“This project is designed to increase awareness of elder and disabled adult abuse, neglect and exploitation in Georgia and to educate mandatory reporters on misconceptions and barriers in reporting abuse,” said Maria Greene, director of the Division of Aging Services. “It is also a crime in Georgia to abuse, neglect or exploit a disabled adult or elder person.”

Reports of alleged abuse in nursing homes or personal care homes should be directed to the Office of Regulatory Services Intake toll-free at 1-800-878-6442 or 404-657-5728 in Metro Atlanta, or to the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman toll-free at 1-888-454-5826.
In emergency situations, call law enforcement at 911.

Abridged
SOURCE: Daily Citizen - Dalton,GA,USA
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Elder Abuse: Police Warn of Scams Targetting Seniors (ME. USA)

Police: Scams target seniors
BY AMY CALDER
Staff Writer
12/11/2008

WATERVILLE -- Police are investigating scams against elderly women in which people posing as the women's grandchildren call and convince them to send money.
In two recent cases, an 89-year-old Winslow woman sent $1,600 to someone she thought was her granddaughter, and a Waterville woman, 86, wired her supposed grandson $5,740, according to police.

The women are out the money and police say identifying the culprits will be difficult.

"It's extremely unfortunate when elderly members of the community are targeted to be the victims of these types of crimes," Deputy Police Chief Charles Rumsey said Wednesday.

Abridged
SOURCE: Kennebec Journal
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Elder Abuse: Woman Convicted of Financial EA. and Neglect (CA. USA)

Jury convicts woman of financial elder abuse, neglect
by Lake County News Reports
11 December 2008

LAKEPORT

Following a five-week trial a local woman has been convicted of felony financial elder abuse and neglect.

On Wednesday, a jury convicted Glenhaven resident Shauna Michelle Brewster, 53, of one count of felony financial elder abuse and one felony count of elder abuse/neglect, according to Senior District Attorney Rachel Abelson, who prosecuted the case and is assigned to all elder abuse cases in the Lake County District Attorney's Office.

Brewster, as Russell's conservator, had the authority and responsibility to control his finances for his benefit, said Abelson.

Thanks to the attention and care of Meadowood Skilled Nursing Facility Staff and other individuals involved with the conservatorship proceedings, the Lake County District Attorney’s office got involved in the investigation of abuse and filed charges, Abelson reported.

Sentencing in the case is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2009, Abelson said.
Brewster, who was defended by attorney Don Anderson, faces five years in prison, Abelson said.

Abridged
SOURCE: Lake County News (CA.)
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Elder Abuse Prevention: AG Tips for Seniors (Pen. USA)

Attorney General Corbett believes that each of us has a role to play in preventing elder abuse and recommends the following tips for family member or caregivers to identify elderly abuse:

• Be attentive to an elderly person's physical well-being. Look for any abrasions, bruises, fractures, burns or any other injury - these may be signs of physical abuse.
• Look for signs of psychological abuse such as threats, intimidation or humiliation. Signs may include low self-esteem, withdrawal, extreme changes in mood, suicidal behavior, confusion or disorientation.
• Be watchful of signs of neglect, such as poor hygiene, malnutrition, improper medication, or soiled clothing.
• Look for an unusual or large bank account withdrawal. This may be a sign that someone is exploiting the elderly person's financial resources.
• Keep an eye out for the common signs that thy may be falling prey to a scam, such as frequent calls from telemarketers, shoddy home improvement work, numerous product purchases or ongoing charitable or religious donations. The loss of what may seem a minimal amount of money to someone with an average income may result in an elderly person having to go without food, medication or possibly his or her home.
• Talk about their daily activities and contacts to ensure that nothing unusual is occurring or being concealed.

If you have any reason to suspect that an elderly person may be victimized in any way, call our Pennsylvania toll free, Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-866-623-2137,email us at elderabuse@attorneygeneral.gov or fill out an Elderly Abuse Complaint Form.

SOURCE: AG Corbett Website
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Elder Abuse: Partnerships with Law Enforcement to Protect Seniors (MN. USA)

Scam artists, telemarketers top list of fears for Otter Tail seniors
Perham Enterprise Bulletin
December 10, 2008

Otter Tail County Triad was formed in 2008 and is a partnership of law enforcement, senior citizens and community groups dedicated to promote senior safety and to reduce the fear of crime that seniors often experience.
Triad conducted a survey of the seniors in the county through local nutrition sites to see what their real safety concerns were.

Highest on the list were telemarketers and scam artists who fraudulently use the telephone to “steal” important information from them, such as social security numbers, bank account numbers and credit card numbers.

Get to meet and know your local law enforcement when they make presentations on safety in your community or area. Get to know who the senior agencies and other businesses are who are concerned about your safety and can provide you with information. But mostly be in the know about the schemes and scams that uncaring, selfish people will use to take advantage of your kindness or vulnerabilities.

Abridged
SOURCE: Perham Enterprise Bulletin
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Elder Abuse: Cellphone Blocker Stops Swindles at ATM (Japan)

Cellphone Blocker Stops Swindles at ATM

December 11th, 2008
by MW

Mobile phone signal-blocking at cash dispensers is the newest effort to fight fraud in Japan. In October Japan police made a major nationwide effort to prevent citizens – especially the elderly – from becoming victims of various telephone scams. In many of the frauds, senior citizens were instructed by phone to go to banks and withdraw money. The con artists told the victims to bring a phone in order to receive continuous instructions. Police eventually were stationed at most ATM cash dispensers, and questioned folks using cell phones.

Chiba Bank installed phone signal-jamming devices at 4 unmanned ATMs at bank branches in the Tokyo metropolitan area Dec. 10. It is the first use of the device in a financial institution in Japan.

The ceiling-mounted electric wave control unit blocks cellular signals inside a sphere of 1-2 meters. Phones of customers waiting in line a few steps from the ATMs are not affected by the frequency blocker. The bank will phase-in the cell phone signal-blocking device at all its ATM locations.
Electric wave control devices that block mobile phone signals are currently installed in some concert venues and medical facilities in Japan.
A cell phone blocking license issued by The Japan Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications is required in order to legally install and operate the phone frequency blocker.

SOURCE: Lets Japan
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Financial Elder Abuse: Insurance Agent Charged (Pen. USA)

AG Announces Charges Against Lancaster County Man Accused of Defrauding Elderly Clients Out of $284,000

December 08, 2008

HARRISBURG -A Lancaster County insurance agent was arrested by agents from the Attorney General's Elder Abuse Unit and Insurance Fraud Section for allegedly defrauding his elderly clients out of approximately $284,000.

Additionally, Brubaker never provided the elderly woman with copies of anything she signed or certificates for her investments. Other elderly consumers were allegedly provided official looking "certificates of investment", which Brubaker created.

He will be prosecuted in Lancaster County by Senior Deputy Attorney General Mark Bellavia of the Attorney General's Insurance Fraud Section.

(A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.)

Abridged
SOURCE: AG Press Release


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Elder Abuse and Neglect: Hospitals Warn of 'Granny Dumpers (NZ)

Hospitals warn of 'granny dumpers'
By GREER MCDONALD
The Dominion Post
10 December 2008

People who dump elderly family members at hospital to go on holiday are robbing other patients of much-needed beds, an emergency medicine specialist has warned.
Wellington Hospital emergency medicine doctor Paul Quigley said hospitals around the country and internationally "unfortunately" acknowledged the practice that commonly occurred around Christmas each year, known as "granny dumping".

Dr Quigley said the hospitals had "no choice but to keep them".
"It's mainly just families that have difficulties with their elderly parents or grandparents . . . They will bring them in to hospital because they are having social and accommodation problems.

"The biggest sufferer here is always the patient. They're not responsible and they can't go home, they're not usually independent enough."

The practice of "granny dumping" was also well documented in Australia, where emergency medicine doctors had warned that a rapidly ageing society was fuelling the rise.

Abridged
SOURCE: Stuff.co.nz - New Zealand
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Elder Abuse: Crime Prevention Tips

Crime Prevention Tips
By David Wingate
Maryland, USA

December 8, 2008

Crime and the fear of crime create special problems for the elderly. Crime prevention is everyone's responsibility, not just a job for law enforcement. Seniors can learn how to protect themselves from crime by following these simple, commonsense suggestions. Share these tips with your neighbors and friends, to make it tough for criminals to work in your neighborhood.

AT HOME . . .
• Vary your daily routine.
• Never open your door automatically. Install and use a peephole.

WALKING . . .
• Stay away from buildings and doorways; walk in well-lighted areas.

WHILE SHOPPING . . .
• Carry your purse very close to you . . . don't dangle it from your arm. Never leave your purse in a shopping cart. Never leave your purse unattended.

IN YOUR CAR . .
• At stop signs and traffic lights, keep the car in gear.

BANKING . . .
• Never withdraw money from your bank accounts for anyone except YOURSELF. Be wary of con artists and get-rich schemes that probably are too-good-to-be- true.

Abridged
SOURCE: By Senior Life Care Planning
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This post shows only a sample of some great tips for seniors; with regard to crime prevention. Please go to Source for full-text.

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Program to Prevent Crimes Against Elderly (Connecticut, USA)

Looking Out for Seniors - East Lyme Launches TRIAD Program
by Suzanne Thompson
Dec 08 2008

Note from Suzanne: This story originally ran in the Nov. 20, 2008 Lyme Times.

East Lyme has become the 55th Connecticut community to launch a local chapter of TRIAD, a national coalition that aims to reduce criminal victimization of the elderly.

The program brings together law enforcement, community senior services, and the private sector to work on ways that help aging Americans stay on their toes and avoid falling for increasingly common scams aimed at them. Under the TRIAD banner, communities may survey town residents to see what is needed, set up health and safety programs, and carry out other activities under the guidance of a volunteer board of directors, called a SALT Council, for Seniors and Law Enforcers working Together.

Other area towns that have formed TRIADs include Waterford, Ledyard, and Stonington.
For more information or to report suspicious activities, call this non-emergency number for the East Lyme Police: 739-5900.

Abridged
SOURCE: Zip06 the Day
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Please go to source for full-text. Worthwhile to check out the origin of TRIADs; and Safety Tips for seniors.
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Elder Abuse and the Law (Ca. USA)

Elder Abuse, Los Angeles and the Law
By Dietrich Elliot
December 9, 2008

A grim sign of the times, a growing area of legal prosecution in Los Angeles is Elder Abuse. With the baby boom generation aging and the general population living longer, the elderly have become a large and vulnerable population.

Elder Abuse is an actionable offense. An expert Personal Injury Attorney in Los Angeles specializing in Elder Abuse can help you navigate the road to prosecution and justice.

Abridged
SOURCE: Legal News
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Please go to source for full-text; including common signs of elder abuse
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Elder Abuse: Working Together to Tackle the Abuse (Bristol, UK)

Working together to tackle abuse of vulnerable adults
(Bath and North East Somerset)

9/12/2008

Police in Bath and North East Somerset are working together with agencies to tackle the abuse of elderly and vulnerable adults and protect them from mistreatment, exploitation and neglect.

The number of reports of abuse of vulnerable adults in B&NES is on the increase.

The abuse ranges from bullying, theft of money and neglect, to sexual abuse.

In October 2008 a former Salvation Army captain was sentenced for stealing cash from the charity and a friend's estate.

She received a 12-month jail term which was suspended for two years and was sentenced to serve 250 hours of community service.

Anyone who is suffering abuse, or concerned that somebody else is, should contact
Adult Social Services on 01225 477046

or an organisation such as Action on Elder Abuse for support and advice. Action on Elder Abuse can be called on 0808 808 8141,

or for more information visit http://www.elderabuse.org.uk

Alternatively if you wish to speak to the Police you can call 0845 456 7000 or in an emergency dial 999.

Abridged
SOURCE: Avon and Somerset Constabulary - Bristol,England,UK
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Elder Abuse Services Cutback Feared (Ca. USA)

By Matthias Gafni
Contra Costa Times
12/09/2008

Contra Costa supervisors must decide today whether to cut more than 200 county positions, many of them social workers dealing with child and elder abuse, in the aftermath of three high-profile cases of severe mistreatment.

The board must cut $18.5 million from the Employment and Human Services Department after earlier state budget cuts slashed its funding.

Abridged
SOURCE: Contra Costa Times - CA,USA
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