March 29, 2012
By Gene Haagenson
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- "We need the public's help and cooperation," said Sheriff Mims. "We are looking for other potential victims of a professional scam artist who took advantage of elderly victims."
Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims says Sharon Harrelson is that scam artist. Harrelson is in jail facing 17 counts of embezzlement and elder abuse.
"We believe Harrelson is a professional scam artist, she conned very smart people out of their money, their property and in fact she took advantage of companies she worked for."
In most of the cases Harrelson is accused of selling burial insurance and coverage for other funeral expenses for reputable companies, but keeping the money herself.
Mims said: "Harrelson wrote these loans for Chapel of the Light, Fresno Memorial Gardens and Lisle Funeral Home."
She's also accused of embezzling money for an insurance company she worked for, and of taking advantage of elderly people she met in connection with the insurance and funeral planning business in other ways.
This is how Michael Wyrick, the son of one her alleged victims described Harreslon in a previous Action News story. "I feel really silly in the end for trusting her, but she's very convincing."
In another case the sheriff says an elderly woman moved in with Harrelson, and ended up giving her a million dollars before she died. Sheriff Mims says many of the victims may be too embarrassed to come forward, but adds: "There's no shame in this. She was very good at what she did."
These alleged scams took place in Fresno and Madera counties. The sheriffs' department tells us the affected funeral homes have honored any of the fraudulent contracts written by Harelson. She is now in the Fresno county jail, and is expected to appear in court on the felony charges next month. Anyone who has dealt with Sharon Harrelson is urged to contact the Fresno County Sheriff's Department.
(Copyright ©2012 . All Rights Reserved.)
SOURCE: ABC LOCALKFSN-TV/DT
_________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
March 30, 2012
Rising Debt Levels Taking Toll on Carlisle's Older Residents (UK)
Exclusive By Phil Coleman
29 March 2012
A growing number of older people in the Carlisle area are struggling to cope with mounting levels of debt.
Carlisle Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) says more than a third of the 500 or so people who sought debt advice in the final six months of last year were aged 50 or over.
For those aged 50 to 64, the average debt was £16,000.
The average debts reported for clients aged 65 to 74 was £10,000, and for the 75 to 84 age group it was £11,000.
The figures were revealed as a national survey by money advice firm MGM Advantage showed that the average retired person’s debt in the north west is just over £8,000, with only 57 per cent of pensioners being debt free.
Jackie Rhind, service manager at the CAB in Carlisle, said older people were falling into debts for a variety of reasons, in some cases because they were helping out younger members of their family who are short of cash.
She said: “It can be down to a lot of things: events which affect your income, such as illness, disability, bereavement or retirement.
“These are also generations who are less likely to claim benefits. We come across older clients who don’t want to divulge personal financial information to benefits agencies, and there’s a pride issue about asking for help.
“Clients also often get into debt for friends and family who they are helping out, perhaps to put them on the property ladder.
“People don’t always realise the full implication of credit agreements they take on.”
Some of the biggest debts – typically £16,000 – are seen among the 50 to 64 age group who are about to or who have just retired, said Jackie.
“It can have a massive impact on their lives, particularly given the increasing cost of food and fuel. Benefits and pensions are not matching these increases.”
Jackie stressed that there is considerable free help available for those in financial trouble, from both the CAB and from other agencies such as the city’s Law Centre.
CAB manager Andy Auld added: “We’ve seen a steady increase in older people coming to us for debt advice over the last year.
“People from older generations who are in debt not only face emotional and mental strain when they are in debt, they also feel there’s a stigma to being in debt.
“The important message is that there’s no need to feel shame. They should get advice.
“People find that 99 times out of a hundred there’s a strategy to deal with it,” added Andy.
“Often people are not getting the benefits they are entitled to – benefits that they are entitled to because they’ve contributed to the UK throughout their working lives.
“They just need to take that first step of taking advice to get out of the nightmare that being in debt can be.”
A spokeswoman for Age UK in Carlisle said the charity has also seen an increasing number of older people go to them to ask for debt and money advice.
SOURCE: News and Stars, UK
____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
29 March 2012
A growing number of older people in the Carlisle area are struggling to cope with mounting levels of debt.
Carlisle Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) says more than a third of the 500 or so people who sought debt advice in the final six months of last year were aged 50 or over.
For those aged 50 to 64, the average debt was £16,000.
The average debts reported for clients aged 65 to 74 was £10,000, and for the 75 to 84 age group it was £11,000.
The figures were revealed as a national survey by money advice firm MGM Advantage showed that the average retired person’s debt in the north west is just over £8,000, with only 57 per cent of pensioners being debt free.
Jackie Rhind, service manager at the CAB in Carlisle, said older people were falling into debts for a variety of reasons, in some cases because they were helping out younger members of their family who are short of cash.
She said: “It can be down to a lot of things: events which affect your income, such as illness, disability, bereavement or retirement.
“These are also generations who are less likely to claim benefits. We come across older clients who don’t want to divulge personal financial information to benefits agencies, and there’s a pride issue about asking for help.
“Clients also often get into debt for friends and family who they are helping out, perhaps to put them on the property ladder.
“People don’t always realise the full implication of credit agreements they take on.”
Some of the biggest debts – typically £16,000 – are seen among the 50 to 64 age group who are about to or who have just retired, said Jackie.
“It can have a massive impact on their lives, particularly given the increasing cost of food and fuel. Benefits and pensions are not matching these increases.”
Jackie stressed that there is considerable free help available for those in financial trouble, from both the CAB and from other agencies such as the city’s Law Centre.
CAB manager Andy Auld added: “We’ve seen a steady increase in older people coming to us for debt advice over the last year.
“People from older generations who are in debt not only face emotional and mental strain when they are in debt, they also feel there’s a stigma to being in debt.
“The important message is that there’s no need to feel shame. They should get advice.
“People find that 99 times out of a hundred there’s a strategy to deal with it,” added Andy.
“Often people are not getting the benefits they are entitled to – benefits that they are entitled to because they’ve contributed to the UK throughout their working lives.
“They just need to take that first step of taking advice to get out of the nightmare that being in debt can be.”
A spokeswoman for Age UK in Carlisle said the charity has also seen an increasing number of older people go to them to ask for debt and money advice.
SOURCE: News and Stars, UK
____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Man Gets Life Sentence for Torture and Murder of 66-Year Woman (WALES, UK)
John Mason gets life sentence for torture and murder of Angelika Dries-Jenkins
by Robin Turner, WalesOnline
Mar 29 2012
A man has been found guilty of torturing and beating a grandmother to death so he could get money for his wedding.
John Mason, 55, of Llandissilio, Pembrokeshire, was convicted unanimously of murdering 66-year-old Angelika Dries-Jenkins at her home in Providence Hill, Narberth. He has been given a life sentence for the crime, and must serve a minimum term of 30 years in prison.
Swansea Crown Court heard that on June 1 last year he tortured the divorcee for her cash machine PIN number then beat her to death with a heavy object, which has still not been found.
Despite having distinctive burns, he brazenly drove off in his victim’s Skoda Fabia car and, over the next few days, drained her account of £1,000 at cash machines in Whitland and Haverfordwest.
Mason, who suffered burns in a suicide attempt when he set himself on fire using petrol, was on benefits and needed money for his planned wedding to fiancee, Liverpudlian Denise Evans, of Narberth, on June 10 last year.
The wedding never took place as Mason was arrested on June 7 last year.
The jury took just two hours to find Mason guilty today after hearing his DNA was found on Mrs Dries-Jenkins’s car and being shown CCTV images of Mason in Haverfordwest at times when withdrawals were made from the dead woman’s account.
The court heard Mason had a long criminal record, including a number of drink-driving offences, assault, burglary, robbery, and one incident last year in which he made threats to kill his fiancee.
The court was also told Mason killed Mrs Dries-Jenkins while wearing an ankle tag imposed at Swansea Crown Court last year for the threats to kill.
Trial judge Mr Justice Wyn Williams told Mason: "You have been convicted of a brutal and heartless murder. You killed a kind and gentle woman in her own home and did it so you could steal her money.
"In the days that followed, you spent her money and you went about your business as if you did not have a care in the world.
"This was, by any standards, a despicable crime."
On the steps of the court, members of Mrs Dries-Jenkins's family said: "Words cannot adequately describe our relief that the jury has found John Mason guilty of terrorising, murdering and, over the following days, continuing to steal from our mother.
"This relief is first and foremost for our mother's sake: a gentle, peaceful lady who, ironically, was found dead in her yoga clothes. Secondly, for ourselves, for all those who knew and loved her, and for the communities of Narberth and the surrounding area, John Mason, the person responsible for this horrific and cowardly act of violence, has been prevented from inflicting such suffering on any other individual or family.
"John Mason has, through his actions, made victims not only of our mother and family but indeed of those in the wider community.
"Her absence continues to be felt keenly by all of us every day."
SOURCE: WalesOnline,UK
______________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
by Robin Turner, WalesOnline
Mar 29 2012
A man has been found guilty of torturing and beating a grandmother to death so he could get money for his wedding.
John Mason, 55, of Llandissilio, Pembrokeshire, was convicted unanimously of murdering 66-year-old Angelika Dries-Jenkins at her home in Providence Hill, Narberth. He has been given a life sentence for the crime, and must serve a minimum term of 30 years in prison.
Swansea Crown Court heard that on June 1 last year he tortured the divorcee for her cash machine PIN number then beat her to death with a heavy object, which has still not been found.
Despite having distinctive burns, he brazenly drove off in his victim’s Skoda Fabia car and, over the next few days, drained her account of £1,000 at cash machines in Whitland and Haverfordwest.
Mason, who suffered burns in a suicide attempt when he set himself on fire using petrol, was on benefits and needed money for his planned wedding to fiancee, Liverpudlian Denise Evans, of Narberth, on June 10 last year.
The wedding never took place as Mason was arrested on June 7 last year.
The jury took just two hours to find Mason guilty today after hearing his DNA was found on Mrs Dries-Jenkins’s car and being shown CCTV images of Mason in Haverfordwest at times when withdrawals were made from the dead woman’s account.
The court heard Mason had a long criminal record, including a number of drink-driving offences, assault, burglary, robbery, and one incident last year in which he made threats to kill his fiancee.
The court was also told Mason killed Mrs Dries-Jenkins while wearing an ankle tag imposed at Swansea Crown Court last year for the threats to kill.
Trial judge Mr Justice Wyn Williams told Mason: "You have been convicted of a brutal and heartless murder. You killed a kind and gentle woman in her own home and did it so you could steal her money.
"In the days that followed, you spent her money and you went about your business as if you did not have a care in the world.
"This was, by any standards, a despicable crime."
On the steps of the court, members of Mrs Dries-Jenkins's family said: "Words cannot adequately describe our relief that the jury has found John Mason guilty of terrorising, murdering and, over the following days, continuing to steal from our mother.
"This relief is first and foremost for our mother's sake: a gentle, peaceful lady who, ironically, was found dead in her yoga clothes. Secondly, for ourselves, for all those who knew and loved her, and for the communities of Narberth and the surrounding area, John Mason, the person responsible for this horrific and cowardly act of violence, has been prevented from inflicting such suffering on any other individual or family.
"John Mason has, through his actions, made victims not only of our mother and family but indeed of those in the wider community.
"Her absence continues to be felt keenly by all of us every day."
SOURCE: WalesOnline,UK
______________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
March 28, 2012
Elder Abuse Awareness (USA)
Elder Abuse Awareness
March 26, 2012
By Erika Cervantes
An East Moline Police Officer has been charged with several felony counts. One of the charges is the financial exploitation of the elderly/disabled. Financial exploitation is considered a form of elder abuse. There are several forms of elder abuse, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, denial of critical care and financial exploitation.
"Some examples of financial exploitation would be if the dependent is confused or if they have no knowledge of their finances," says Toni Nicoletto with Generations Area Agency on Aging, "Also, if there are unpaid bills when the resources should be adequate enough to pay the bills."
Signs for physical abuse, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation can be in behavioral changes or by unexplained injuries. Denial of critical care is the most common form of elder abuse.
"Neglect is the most common type of abuse and it can either be self neglect or neglect by a care taker. Neglect is the denial of critical care so, unfortunately we see that quite often," adds Nicoletto.
Most of the time elder abuse happens from the financial, emotional and psychological stress of taking care of an aging parent.
Nicoletto says, "A lot of it has to do with the fact that a lot of families are raising young children and at the same time take care of their aging parents. We commonly see families who have 3 generations living in the same home."
If you would like to report a suspected case of elder abuse, you can call the Department of Human Services at 1-800-362-2178.
For information or training on how to prevent elder abuse, you can all Generations Area Agency on Aging at 563-324-9085.
SOURCE: KWQC
______________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
March 26, 2012
By Erika Cervantes
An East Moline Police Officer has been charged with several felony counts. One of the charges is the financial exploitation of the elderly/disabled. Financial exploitation is considered a form of elder abuse. There are several forms of elder abuse, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, denial of critical care and financial exploitation.
"Some examples of financial exploitation would be if the dependent is confused or if they have no knowledge of their finances," says Toni Nicoletto with Generations Area Agency on Aging, "Also, if there are unpaid bills when the resources should be adequate enough to pay the bills."
Signs for physical abuse, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation can be in behavioral changes or by unexplained injuries. Denial of critical care is the most common form of elder abuse.
"Neglect is the most common type of abuse and it can either be self neglect or neglect by a care taker. Neglect is the denial of critical care so, unfortunately we see that quite often," adds Nicoletto.
Most of the time elder abuse happens from the financial, emotional and psychological stress of taking care of an aging parent.
Nicoletto says, "A lot of it has to do with the fact that a lot of families are raising young children and at the same time take care of their aging parents. We commonly see families who have 3 generations living in the same home."
If you would like to report a suspected case of elder abuse, you can call the Department of Human Services at 1-800-362-2178.
For information or training on how to prevent elder abuse, you can all Generations Area Agency on Aging at 563-324-9085.
SOURCE: KWQC
______________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
San Bernardino: Man Accused of Scams on Elderly Victims Jailed (USA)
SAN BERNARDINO: Man accused of scams on elderly victims jailed
BY STEVEN BARRIE
STAFF WRITER
27 March 2012
San Bernardino County district attorney’s investigators are looking for possible victims of a man being held on suspicion of elder abuse and burglary.
Arturo Carrillo Lozano, 50, is jailed at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, with bail set at $325,000, jail records indicate.
DA’s investigators say Lozano would offer to assist elderly people by doing odd jobs, especially construction work. He would ask to be paid up front. When he got the money he would either do substandard work or fail to complete or even start the work.
Investigators said Lozano operated in San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles counties, and believe he took in other elderly people who have not come forward or been identified.
The DA’s office asks that anyone with information about Lozano’s activities or who believe they or someone they know were victimized by him call Senior Investigator Steve Rivera at 909-891-3530.
SOURCE: PE Local News
_____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
BY STEVEN BARRIE
STAFF WRITER
27 March 2012
San Bernardino County district attorney’s investigators are looking for possible victims of a man being held on suspicion of elder abuse and burglary.
Arturo Carrillo Lozano, 50, is jailed at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, with bail set at $325,000, jail records indicate.
DA’s investigators say Lozano would offer to assist elderly people by doing odd jobs, especially construction work. He would ask to be paid up front. When he got the money he would either do substandard work or fail to complete or even start the work.
Investigators said Lozano operated in San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles counties, and believe he took in other elderly people who have not come forward or been identified.
The DA’s office asks that anyone with information about Lozano’s activities or who believe they or someone they know were victimized by him call Senior Investigator Steve Rivera at 909-891-3530.
SOURCE: PE Local News
_____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Joiner, AR Police Chief Arrested For Elder Abuse (USA)
March 27, 2012,
by Natasha Chen
(Joiner, AR) Robert Yerbey, the police chief in Joiner, AR, has been arrested and charged with abuse of an endangered person and for not reporting it.
Last week, News Channel 3 told you about the death of 77-year-old Wilton Goudeaux Jr. in Joiner.
Goudeaux Jr. had served on city council and ran for mayor two years ago.
His son, Wilton Goudeaux III, and two others were charged with abuse of adults.
Scott Ellington, the Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney, said that Chief Yerbey is accused of not responding properly to a 911 call in late January.
Ellington said, “Yerbey intercepted that call, then reported that in fact he checked on Mr. Goudeaux Jr., and that Mr. Goudeaux was up and walking and had just gotten out of the shower and was fine.”
But investigators report the Department of Human Services found Goudeaux Jr. a short while later sitting in a chair, unresponsive.
“It’s shocking, actually,” Ellington said. “to say that he knew Mr. Goudeaux was in good shape when in fact he was comatose, taking advantage of an elderly person, not reporting, not investigating that.”
Goudeaux Jr. was taken to a hospital in Memphis, where he later died. Doctors told investigators he was malnourished.
Ellington said Yerbey is also accused of profiting by exchanging a small golf cart for Goudeaux Jr.’s camper trailer. The camper trailer is supposedly worth $6,000, much more than the golf cart.
Ellington said Yerbey also notarized a power of attorney without physically being present for signatures. This power of attorney allowed Wilton Goudeaux III to allegedly convince his father to withdraw more than $100,000 from a bank account.
“We are not going to stand by and let someone under color of law abuse their position,” Ellington said.
Investigators said that the victim, Goudeaux Jr., had Alzheimer’s disease. The report also states that all defendants: Goudeaux III, his girlfriend Tonya Patterson, and the caretaker Mary Odom, were using methamphetamine at the time they were caring for the victim.
When News Channel 3′s April Thompson was in Joiner investigating the story, the brother of one of the people arrested, pulled a gun on her and her photographer.
Brandon Odom was arrested and charged with aggravated assault.
On Tuesday night, Odom’s father and a small group of citizens told News Channel 3 they feel Robert Yerbey and Brandon Odom are not guilty of their charges.
SOURCE: WREG
___________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
by Natasha Chen
(Joiner, AR) Robert Yerbey, the police chief in Joiner, AR, has been arrested and charged with abuse of an endangered person and for not reporting it.
Last week, News Channel 3 told you about the death of 77-year-old Wilton Goudeaux Jr. in Joiner.
Goudeaux Jr. had served on city council and ran for mayor two years ago.
His son, Wilton Goudeaux III, and two others were charged with abuse of adults.
Scott Ellington, the Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney, said that Chief Yerbey is accused of not responding properly to a 911 call in late January.
Ellington said, “Yerbey intercepted that call, then reported that in fact he checked on Mr. Goudeaux Jr., and that Mr. Goudeaux was up and walking and had just gotten out of the shower and was fine.”
But investigators report the Department of Human Services found Goudeaux Jr. a short while later sitting in a chair, unresponsive.
“It’s shocking, actually,” Ellington said. “to say that he knew Mr. Goudeaux was in good shape when in fact he was comatose, taking advantage of an elderly person, not reporting, not investigating that.”
Goudeaux Jr. was taken to a hospital in Memphis, where he later died. Doctors told investigators he was malnourished.
Ellington said Yerbey is also accused of profiting by exchanging a small golf cart for Goudeaux Jr.’s camper trailer. The camper trailer is supposedly worth $6,000, much more than the golf cart.
Ellington said Yerbey also notarized a power of attorney without physically being present for signatures. This power of attorney allowed Wilton Goudeaux III to allegedly convince his father to withdraw more than $100,000 from a bank account.
“We are not going to stand by and let someone under color of law abuse their position,” Ellington said.
Investigators said that the victim, Goudeaux Jr., had Alzheimer’s disease. The report also states that all defendants: Goudeaux III, his girlfriend Tonya Patterson, and the caretaker Mary Odom, were using methamphetamine at the time they were caring for the victim.
When News Channel 3′s April Thompson was in Joiner investigating the story, the brother of one of the people arrested, pulled a gun on her and her photographer.
Brandon Odom was arrested and charged with aggravated assault.
On Tuesday night, Odom’s father and a small group of citizens told News Channel 3 they feel Robert Yerbey and Brandon Odom are not guilty of their charges.
SOURCE: WREG
___________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
March 26, 2012
N.C. Senior Tar Heel Legislature Discusses Elder Abuse (NC.USA)
N.C. Senior Tar Heel Legislature discusses elder abuse
March 24, 2012
Times-News
Identifying and preventing elder abuse was the main topic of discussion among delegates to the North Carolina Senior Legislature during its first meeting of the year.
Governor Beverly Perdue reminded the group that by 2030, more than 80 counties in our state are expected to have more people age 60 and older than 17 and younger. Perdue urged state legislators about the importance of aging services and the need to maintain funding for vital programs, specifically identifying elder abuse as a developing problem inNorth Carolina.
According to Dennis Streets, director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services, the number of Adult Protective Service reports to county departments of social services increased from more than 14,000 in 2006-07 to nearly 20,000 in 2010-11. Currently, DAAS is working with the NC Conference of District Attorneys to improve access to justice for victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
An Elder Abuse Awareness Campaign begins on Mother’s Day, May 13 and ends on Father’s Day, June 17. Everyone is encouraged to wear purple ribbons to offer support for this campaign.
The North Carolina Senior Tar Heel 2012 legislative priorities include: Restore funding to sustain Project C.A.R.E. (respite care and support to caregivers); maintain funding for the Home and Community Care Block Grant; maintain funding for senior centers; provide dental care for North Carolina’s Adult Special Care Population; and mandate pre-employment and random drug testing for employees of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult care homes.
SOURCE: The Times News
_____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
March 24, 2012
Times-News
Identifying and preventing elder abuse was the main topic of discussion among delegates to the North Carolina Senior Legislature during its first meeting of the year.
Governor Beverly Perdue reminded the group that by 2030, more than 80 counties in our state are expected to have more people age 60 and older than 17 and younger. Perdue urged state legislators about the importance of aging services and the need to maintain funding for vital programs, specifically identifying elder abuse as a developing problem inNorth Carolina.
According to Dennis Streets, director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services, the number of Adult Protective Service reports to county departments of social services increased from more than 14,000 in 2006-07 to nearly 20,000 in 2010-11. Currently, DAAS is working with the NC Conference of District Attorneys to improve access to justice for victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
An Elder Abuse Awareness Campaign begins on Mother’s Day, May 13 and ends on Father’s Day, June 17. Everyone is encouraged to wear purple ribbons to offer support for this campaign.
The North Carolina Senior Tar Heel 2012 legislative priorities include: Restore funding to sustain Project C.A.R.E. (respite care and support to caregivers); maintain funding for the Home and Community Care Block Grant; maintain funding for senior centers; provide dental care for North Carolina’s Adult Special Care Population; and mandate pre-employment and random drug testing for employees of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult care homes.
SOURCE: The Times News
_____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Elder Abuse is Everyone's Concern
Written by Hope Robbins
22 March 2012
Elder abuse is a very sad and very real problem in America that all too often goes undetected. However, there are often signs to look out for that can help family members notice or prevent abuse. Family members and caregivers should be aware of the following risk factors:
• Dependency: A senior dependent on others for care may be reluctant to speak up about any abuse because he or she does not feel safe reporting the abuser due to the dependency.
• Decreased physical health and mobility: Dementia, Alzheimer’s and/or increased dependency for assistance with the activities of daily living may raise an elder’s risk of being abused. The elder may not be capable of explaining or verbalizing the abuse.
• The elder was at one time an abusive parent or spouse: In many cases the perpetrators of elder abuse were once abused themselves, creating a cycle of abuse.
• Social isolation: Isolation is often the result of deaths of contemporaries, spouses, siblings and friends. Abusers often try to keep an elder isolated by:
o Refusing to apply for economic aid or services
o Resisting outside help
o Changing social and healthcare providers frequently to make it difficult to assess the elder's situation
o Keeping family and friends from having contact with the elder
• Caregiver burnout: An overworked caregiver can become depressed and stressed, causing him or her to lash out at the elder he or she is caring for.
If you are the family member or friend of someone who is being cared for, be mindful of these risk factors, call and/or check in on the senior as often as possible, and play an active role in his or her care. As a caregiver, be aware of signs of burnout—frustration, depression, despair—and seek help for ways to safely deal with these feelings.
Freedom Home Care of Dothan, Montgomery and Opelika, Alabama can help you and your loved ones learn about and prevent elder abuse. Our respite care program can also assist caregivers, giving them the break that they need, while providing quality care to their loved ones. Contact us in Dothan, Alabama at 334-803-8078 or Opelika, Alabama at 334-745-7308 for more information on how to spot and prevent elder abuse.
SOURCE: Freedom HomeCare
_____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
22 March 2012
Elder abuse is a very sad and very real problem in America that all too often goes undetected. However, there are often signs to look out for that can help family members notice or prevent abuse. Family members and caregivers should be aware of the following risk factors:
• Dependency: A senior dependent on others for care may be reluctant to speak up about any abuse because he or she does not feel safe reporting the abuser due to the dependency.
• Decreased physical health and mobility: Dementia, Alzheimer’s and/or increased dependency for assistance with the activities of daily living may raise an elder’s risk of being abused. The elder may not be capable of explaining or verbalizing the abuse.
• The elder was at one time an abusive parent or spouse: In many cases the perpetrators of elder abuse were once abused themselves, creating a cycle of abuse.
• Social isolation: Isolation is often the result of deaths of contemporaries, spouses, siblings and friends. Abusers often try to keep an elder isolated by:
o Refusing to apply for economic aid or services
o Resisting outside help
o Changing social and healthcare providers frequently to make it difficult to assess the elder's situation
o Keeping family and friends from having contact with the elder
• Caregiver burnout: An overworked caregiver can become depressed and stressed, causing him or her to lash out at the elder he or she is caring for.
If you are the family member or friend of someone who is being cared for, be mindful of these risk factors, call and/or check in on the senior as often as possible, and play an active role in his or her care. As a caregiver, be aware of signs of burnout—frustration, depression, despair—and seek help for ways to safely deal with these feelings.
Freedom Home Care of Dothan, Montgomery and Opelika, Alabama can help you and your loved ones learn about and prevent elder abuse. Our respite care program can also assist caregivers, giving them the break that they need, while providing quality care to their loved ones. Contact us in Dothan, Alabama at 334-803-8078 or Opelika, Alabama at 334-745-7308 for more information on how to spot and prevent elder abuse.
SOURCE: Freedom HomeCare
_____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Staff Carelessness Leads To Patient’s Death at Care home (UK)
Submitted by Jonathan Sanders
03/24/2012
It has been recently revealed in a report that there has been the death of an elderly patient living in a care home. This is since she was left unaided and alone, because apparently, the nurse was praying and didn’t want to leave it in the middle and look up to the needs of the patient.
The name of the patient is Dorothy Griffiths and she is 87 years old. The name of the nurse preset as Abdul Bhutto, who is a Muslim by religion. When the patient fell off her bed and onto the ground, another carer rushed to aid and asked Bhutto to give him a handing helping her up, but Bhutto said that he needed to complete his prayer first, and only then he could come and help the patient in need.
In the meanwhile the patient suffered multiple injuries, and succumbed in the hospital later.
“It took between five and ten minutes because he was praying upstairs in the office on his prayer mat. A staff member told me we had to wait for him to finish”, said Carer Zoe Shaw, at the court hearing.
Mrs. Griffiths was suffering from Alzheimer’s and was at a vulnerable position. There wasn’t enough attention aid to her needs and this is the reason for the deal and her sudden death. It is essential that more efforts are made for safeguarding the rights of the elderly, especially at care homes, because they can’t fight for their own rights. This is yet another case of the death of a patient due to the carelessness of the staff. There is need for efforts to be made to avert such things from happening in the future as well.
SOURCE: The Yorkshire Post, UK
________________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
03/24/2012
It has been recently revealed in a report that there has been the death of an elderly patient living in a care home. This is since she was left unaided and alone, because apparently, the nurse was praying and didn’t want to leave it in the middle and look up to the needs of the patient.
The name of the patient is Dorothy Griffiths and she is 87 years old. The name of the nurse preset as Abdul Bhutto, who is a Muslim by religion. When the patient fell off her bed and onto the ground, another carer rushed to aid and asked Bhutto to give him a handing helping her up, but Bhutto said that he needed to complete his prayer first, and only then he could come and help the patient in need.
In the meanwhile the patient suffered multiple injuries, and succumbed in the hospital later.
“It took between five and ten minutes because he was praying upstairs in the office on his prayer mat. A staff member told me we had to wait for him to finish”, said Carer Zoe Shaw, at the court hearing.
Mrs. Griffiths was suffering from Alzheimer’s and was at a vulnerable position. There wasn’t enough attention aid to her needs and this is the reason for the deal and her sudden death. It is essential that more efforts are made for safeguarding the rights of the elderly, especially at care homes, because they can’t fight for their own rights. This is yet another case of the death of a patient due to the carelessness of the staff. There is need for efforts to be made to avert such things from happening in the future as well.
SOURCE: The Yorkshire Post, UK
________________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
March 21, 2012
Nurse Imposters Caught with Stolen Credit Card ( USA)
By Sam Cohen FOX40 News
March 19, 2012
LODI—
Two women allegedly impersonated nurses and stole an elderly man’s credit cards to go on a shopping spree.
Last Friday, 29-year-old Christina Amaya and 46-year-old Elizabeth Marks stopped by a man’s home in a Lodi mobile home park. They said they were nurses from “the hospital” and were checking in on him. The women were wearing scrubs and one showed a hospital identification card.
As the man talked to the “nurses” inside his home, the women took his wallet and then left.
The man called police and his credit card company once he realized his wallet was gone. As cops were taking his report, the credit card company called to report the card was being used at the Kohl’s in Lodi.
Cops just missed the two women at Kohl’s, but they apparently needed more items and headed for the J.C. Penny’s.
Cops were able to arrest Amaya and Marks before they could make a second large purchase.
The two face charges of burglary, elder abuse, possession of stolen property and forgery.
Amaya was in the training process at Sutter General Hospital to be a unit secretary, and had an ID badge from that hospital.
Investigators say they have at least one other report of these two women taking a person’s credit cards. If anyone else recognizes Amaya and Marks, and thinks they may have been their victims, call Lodi Police at (209) 329-3496.
Copyright © 2012, KTXL-TV
SOURCE: KTXL-TV
_____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
March 19, 2012
LODI—
Two women allegedly impersonated nurses and stole an elderly man’s credit cards to go on a shopping spree.
Last Friday, 29-year-old Christina Amaya and 46-year-old Elizabeth Marks stopped by a man’s home in a Lodi mobile home park. They said they were nurses from “the hospital” and were checking in on him. The women were wearing scrubs and one showed a hospital identification card.
As the man talked to the “nurses” inside his home, the women took his wallet and then left.
The man called police and his credit card company once he realized his wallet was gone. As cops were taking his report, the credit card company called to report the card was being used at the Kohl’s in Lodi.
Cops just missed the two women at Kohl’s, but they apparently needed more items and headed for the J.C. Penny’s.
Cops were able to arrest Amaya and Marks before they could make a second large purchase.
The two face charges of burglary, elder abuse, possession of stolen property and forgery.
Amaya was in the training process at Sutter General Hospital to be a unit secretary, and had an ID badge from that hospital.
Investigators say they have at least one other report of these two women taking a person’s credit cards. If anyone else recognizes Amaya and Marks, and thinks they may have been their victims, call Lodi Police at (209) 329-3496.
Copyright © 2012, KTXL-TV
SOURCE: KTXL-TV
_____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
March 19, 2012
NWT Seniors Society Concerned With Elder Abuse Bill (CANADA)
NWT Seniors Society concerned with elder abuse bill
March 16, 2012
Yellowknife, N.W.T.
A seniors group in the NWT is raising concerns about a federal bill designed to address elder abuse.
The Protecting Canadian Seniors Act was introduced into the House of Commons on Thursday.
Bill C-36 makes vulnerability because of age an aggravating factor that judges can consider upon sentencing.
But the executive director of the NWT Senior's Society, Barb Hood, questioned the language in the act.
"Some of the language that's being used is around the protection for vulnerable people because of age. That kind of, what we would call ageist attitude, really doesn't speak to the needs of older adults."
Hood suggested they would rather see the government take different steps to address elder abuse.
"We'd rather see better housing for older adults that leaves them independent of situations where people are inadvertently in positions where they could use power over an older adult."
On the other hand, Hood applauded the government for putting resources into raising awareness of elder abuse.
SOURCE: HQYellowKnife.com
_____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
March 16, 2012
Yellowknife, N.W.T.
A seniors group in the NWT is raising concerns about a federal bill designed to address elder abuse.
The Protecting Canadian Seniors Act was introduced into the House of Commons on Thursday.
Bill C-36 makes vulnerability because of age an aggravating factor that judges can consider upon sentencing.
But the executive director of the NWT Senior's Society, Barb Hood, questioned the language in the act.
"Some of the language that's being used is around the protection for vulnerable people because of age. That kind of, what we would call ageist attitude, really doesn't speak to the needs of older adults."
Hood suggested they would rather see the government take different steps to address elder abuse.
"We'd rather see better housing for older adults that leaves them independent of situations where people are inadvertently in positions where they could use power over an older adult."
On the other hand, Hood applauded the government for putting resources into raising awareness of elder abuse.
SOURCE: HQYellowKnife.com
_____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Mother and Son Stole £1,200 From Dying Man (UK)
Bristol Evening Post
A 29-YEAR-OLD who stole more than £1,200 from a terminally ill man has received a suspended prison sentence.
Jonathan Fuller, who is deaf, was the "legs" in a scheme he and his mother Patricia, 52, concocted after being given the victim's cash card.
Terminally ill Ian Swateridge, 59, who had previously been in a relationship with Mrs Fuller and had acted as "step-dad" to her two sons, gave the family his cash card before he went into a hospice.
The pair, of Chelsea Park, Easton were entrusted to use the card to access his benefits on his behalf but instead plundered his account and shared the cash.
Both admitted stealing £1,270 between September 16 and October 13 last year.
At Bristol Magistrates' Court Ian Jackson, prosecuting, said: "Mr Swateridge was expecting to be admitted to a hospice for a terminal illness and gave his Post Office account card to close friend Patricia Fuller.
"He wanted them to withdraw his benefits and take them to him at the hospice.
"Patricia Fuller is unable to walk due to disability and is in a wheelchair so gave the card to Jonathan Fuller so he could withdraw the money.
"Jonathan Fuller would give the money to his mother and it was divided between them. During the weeks Mr Swateridge was in the hospice he only received £40 in cash and some tobacco that cost £4."
Mr Jackson described how Mr Swateridge would have his £192.65 benefits put into his account and then Jonathan Fuller would go to Lawrence Hill post office and the post office in Stapleton Road to remove the funds in different amounts. Mr Jackson added: "Mr Swateridge became distressed about his money and informed the nurses at the hospice who in turn informed social services and the police.
Mr Jackson said Fuller and his mother were arrested.
The court heard that Mr Fuller, who is deaf, had 26 previous convictions for theft.
Mrs Fuller had six offences of fraud recorded against her in 2001.
John Search, defending, explained that Mrs Fuller and Mr Swateridge had once been in a relationship with him acting as a "step-dad" to her sons.
He said the relationship had become "volatile" and Mrs Fuller now had a restraining order against Mr Swateridge.
"Mrs Fuller told me that what she and her son did was "either revenge or payback," said Mr Search.
"Jonathan, who was simply "the legs" in the operation, was trying to help his mother, who needed money."
He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. He must also undertake six months' supervision and a four-month curfew from 8pm to 6am.
He was ordered to pay £635.30 compensation to Mr Swateridge and £85 court costs. The sentencing of Mrs Fuller was adjourned until April 11 so that a pre-sentence report can be carried out.
SOURCE: This Is Bristol
___________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
A 29-YEAR-OLD who stole more than £1,200 from a terminally ill man has received a suspended prison sentence.
Jonathan Fuller, who is deaf, was the "legs" in a scheme he and his mother Patricia, 52, concocted after being given the victim's cash card.
Terminally ill Ian Swateridge, 59, who had previously been in a relationship with Mrs Fuller and had acted as "step-dad" to her two sons, gave the family his cash card before he went into a hospice.
The pair, of Chelsea Park, Easton were entrusted to use the card to access his benefits on his behalf but instead plundered his account and shared the cash.
Both admitted stealing £1,270 between September 16 and October 13 last year.
At Bristol Magistrates' Court Ian Jackson, prosecuting, said: "Mr Swateridge was expecting to be admitted to a hospice for a terminal illness and gave his Post Office account card to close friend Patricia Fuller.
"He wanted them to withdraw his benefits and take them to him at the hospice.
"Patricia Fuller is unable to walk due to disability and is in a wheelchair so gave the card to Jonathan Fuller so he could withdraw the money.
"Jonathan Fuller would give the money to his mother and it was divided between them. During the weeks Mr Swateridge was in the hospice he only received £40 in cash and some tobacco that cost £4."
Mr Jackson described how Mr Swateridge would have his £192.65 benefits put into his account and then Jonathan Fuller would go to Lawrence Hill post office and the post office in Stapleton Road to remove the funds in different amounts. Mr Jackson added: "Mr Swateridge became distressed about his money and informed the nurses at the hospice who in turn informed social services and the police.
Mr Jackson said Fuller and his mother were arrested.
The court heard that Mr Fuller, who is deaf, had 26 previous convictions for theft.
Mrs Fuller had six offences of fraud recorded against her in 2001.
John Search, defending, explained that Mrs Fuller and Mr Swateridge had once been in a relationship with him acting as a "step-dad" to her sons.
He said the relationship had become "volatile" and Mrs Fuller now had a restraining order against Mr Swateridge.
"Mrs Fuller told me that what she and her son did was "either revenge or payback," said Mr Search.
"Jonathan, who was simply "the legs" in the operation, was trying to help his mother, who needed money."
He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. He must also undertake six months' supervision and a four-month curfew from 8pm to 6am.
He was ordered to pay £635.30 compensation to Mr Swateridge and £85 court costs. The sentencing of Mrs Fuller was adjourned until April 11 so that a pre-sentence report can be carried out.
SOURCE: This Is Bristol
___________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Nine Carers Admit to Wrongdoing at Winterbourne View Home (UK)
Bristol Evening Post
NINE of 11 carers charged with abusing patients at Winterbourne View secure hospital have admitted wrongdoing, whilst the remaining two face a trial.
The private hospital near Bradley Stoke was closed by its owners after BBC TV's Panorama undercover footage appeared to show vulnerable residents being pinned down, slapped, doused in water and taunted.
A group of 11 carers are charged with some 45 counts alleging ill-treatment or neglect against five victims in February and March last year.
The defendants filed into Bristol Crown Court, where some pleaded guilty and some denied wrongdoing.
Alison Dove, 25, of Chipperfield Drive, Kingswood, pleaded guilty to ill-treating two women patients and five ill-treatments of another woman patient.
Wayne Rogers, 31, of Purton Close, Kingswood, pleaded guilty to ill-treating one woman patient and one man patient three times, and another woman patient five times.
Neil Ferguson, 27, of Guest Avenue, Emerson's Green, admitted ill-treating a patient but denied ill-treating a woman on March 13 and his pleas are being considered.
Michael Ezenagu, 29, of White City, London, denies twice ill-treating one woman and one ill-treatment of a male resident and faces trial.
Yesterday Charlotte Cotterell, 21, of Melrose Avenue, Yate, denied two counts of ill-treating a woman patient and faces trial.
Sookalingum Appoo, a 58-year-old nurse, of Dial Lane, Downend, admitted three counts of wilfully neglecting a woman patient.
Kelvin Fore, a nurse, 33, of Ellesmere Walk, Middlesbrough, admitted wilfully neglecting a woman patient but denied a similar charge and his pleas are being considered.
Jason Gardiner, 43, of Mellent Avenue, Hartcliffe, admitted ill-treating a man and a woman patient on one occasion.
Graham Doyle, 25, of Bradley Road, Patchway, denied wilful neglect of one woman patient and ill-treating a man patient once but admitted ill-treating a woman on seven occasions. His pleas were accepted
Daniel Brake, 27, of Beechen Drive, Fishponds, admitted ill-treating a man and a woman patient on consecutive days.
Last month Holly Draper, 23, of The Old Orchard, Mangotsfield, pleaded guilty to two charges of ill-treating a woman patient.
All 11 defendants were granted bail with the condition that they are not allowed to work or seek work with vulnerable people. The next hearing in the case is due on April 10.
The hospital's owner, Castlebeck, closed Winterbourne View in June last year and its 24 patients, residing there under the Mental Health Act, were transferred.
SOURCE: This Is Bristol.co.uk
____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
NINE of 11 carers charged with abusing patients at Winterbourne View secure hospital have admitted wrongdoing, whilst the remaining two face a trial.
The private hospital near Bradley Stoke was closed by its owners after BBC TV's Panorama undercover footage appeared to show vulnerable residents being pinned down, slapped, doused in water and taunted.
A group of 11 carers are charged with some 45 counts alleging ill-treatment or neglect against five victims in February and March last year.
The defendants filed into Bristol Crown Court, where some pleaded guilty and some denied wrongdoing.
Alison Dove, 25, of Chipperfield Drive, Kingswood, pleaded guilty to ill-treating two women patients and five ill-treatments of another woman patient.
Wayne Rogers, 31, of Purton Close, Kingswood, pleaded guilty to ill-treating one woman patient and one man patient three times, and another woman patient five times.
Neil Ferguson, 27, of Guest Avenue, Emerson's Green, admitted ill-treating a patient but denied ill-treating a woman on March 13 and his pleas are being considered.
Michael Ezenagu, 29, of White City, London, denies twice ill-treating one woman and one ill-treatment of a male resident and faces trial.
Yesterday Charlotte Cotterell, 21, of Melrose Avenue, Yate, denied two counts of ill-treating a woman patient and faces trial.
Sookalingum Appoo, a 58-year-old nurse, of Dial Lane, Downend, admitted three counts of wilfully neglecting a woman patient.
Kelvin Fore, a nurse, 33, of Ellesmere Walk, Middlesbrough, admitted wilfully neglecting a woman patient but denied a similar charge and his pleas are being considered.
Jason Gardiner, 43, of Mellent Avenue, Hartcliffe, admitted ill-treating a man and a woman patient on one occasion.
Graham Doyle, 25, of Bradley Road, Patchway, denied wilful neglect of one woman patient and ill-treating a man patient once but admitted ill-treating a woman on seven occasions. His pleas were accepted
Daniel Brake, 27, of Beechen Drive, Fishponds, admitted ill-treating a man and a woman patient on consecutive days.
Last month Holly Draper, 23, of The Old Orchard, Mangotsfield, pleaded guilty to two charges of ill-treating a woman patient.
All 11 defendants were granted bail with the condition that they are not allowed to work or seek work with vulnerable people. The next hearing in the case is due on April 10.
The hospital's owner, Castlebeck, closed Winterbourne View in June last year and its 24 patients, residing there under the Mental Health Act, were transferred.
SOURCE: This Is Bristol.co.uk
____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Autopsy Confirms Elderly Woman's Death Caused by Caregiver's Attack (
Autopsy confirms elderly woman's death caused by caregiver's attack
Mar 16, 2012
Preliminary autopsy results show that a senior citizen who died after being attacked by her live-in caretaker did in fact die of injuries sustained in that attack, says the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
Officials say Mary Shaw, 79, died on March 9 after being attacked by Kimberly Sue Ricker, 45, on March 2.
Ricker was charged with aggravated assault on March 6. Her charges have since been upgraded to second degree murder and elder abuse.
Ricker's boyfriend, Wayne Clarence Jones, has also been charged with elder abuse and criminal responsibility.
Ricker is being held in the Monroe County Jail.
Jones is currently being held at Swain County Jail in Bryson City, North Carolina, on unrelated charges. Officials say he will be transferred to the Monroe County Jail at a later date.
Previous story
A senior citizen who was allegedly attacked by her live-in caregiver has died, police said.
An autopsy will tell whether her death was a result of the attack.
Previous story
A Monroe County woman has been charged with aggravated assault after police say she attacked a senior citizen.
Kimberly S. Ricker, 45, allegedly struck, pushed and grasped a 79-year-old woman resulting in a spinal/neck fracture on March 2.
Officials say Ricker was a live-in caregiver in the Tellico Plains home of the victim.
The victim was transported to the Woods Hospital in Etowah, and has since been transferred to Erlanger Hospital where her treatment continues.
SOURCE: WBIR NEWS
______________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Mar 16, 2012
Preliminary autopsy results show that a senior citizen who died after being attacked by her live-in caretaker did in fact die of injuries sustained in that attack, says the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
Officials say Mary Shaw, 79, died on March 9 after being attacked by Kimberly Sue Ricker, 45, on March 2.
Ricker was charged with aggravated assault on March 6. Her charges have since been upgraded to second degree murder and elder abuse.
Ricker's boyfriend, Wayne Clarence Jones, has also been charged with elder abuse and criminal responsibility.
Ricker is being held in the Monroe County Jail.
Jones is currently being held at Swain County Jail in Bryson City, North Carolina, on unrelated charges. Officials say he will be transferred to the Monroe County Jail at a later date.
Previous story
A senior citizen who was allegedly attacked by her live-in caregiver has died, police said.
An autopsy will tell whether her death was a result of the attack.
Previous story
A Monroe County woman has been charged with aggravated assault after police say she attacked a senior citizen.
Kimberly S. Ricker, 45, allegedly struck, pushed and grasped a 79-year-old woman resulting in a spinal/neck fracture on March 2.
Officials say Ricker was a live-in caregiver in the Tellico Plains home of the victim.
The victim was transported to the Woods Hospital in Etowah, and has since been transferred to Erlanger Hospital where her treatment continues.
SOURCE: WBIR NEWS
______________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Two El Dorado Co. Nurses Charged With Elder Abuse (CA. USA)
2 El Dorado Co. nurses charged with elder abuse
by News10 Web Staff
March 16th 2012
PLACERVILLE, Calif. (AP)
Two nurses are charged with felony elder abuse amid allegations they neglected a 77-year-old woman at a Placerville nursing home shortly before she died in 2008.
The Sacramento Bee reports the California attorney general's office filed the charges in the death of Johnnie Esco, who had spent two weeks at the El Dorado Care Center.
Nurses there were supposed to closely monitor Esco because medications left her with chronic constipation. She later died of severe fecal impaction, and doctors also found unexplained bruising.
The center's former director of nursing, Donna Palmer, was arrested Tuesday. A warrant was issued for nurse Rebecca Smith, but El Dorado County jail records did not show that she had been arrested as of Friday.
Prosecutors say both "clearly neglected" their patient, causing her to suffer "unjustifiable pain."
SOURCE: The Eldorado Hills News
______________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
by News10 Web Staff
March 16th 2012
PLACERVILLE, Calif. (AP)
Two nurses are charged with felony elder abuse amid allegations they neglected a 77-year-old woman at a Placerville nursing home shortly before she died in 2008.
The Sacramento Bee reports the California attorney general's office filed the charges in the death of Johnnie Esco, who had spent two weeks at the El Dorado Care Center.
Nurses there were supposed to closely monitor Esco because medications left her with chronic constipation. She later died of severe fecal impaction, and doctors also found unexplained bruising.
The center's former director of nursing, Donna Palmer, was arrested Tuesday. A warrant was issued for nurse Rebecca Smith, but El Dorado County jail records did not show that she had been arrested as of Friday.
Prosecutors say both "clearly neglected" their patient, causing her to suffer "unjustifiable pain."
SOURCE: The Eldorado Hills News
______________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
March 16, 2012
Prosecutors Set Up Task Force To Fight Elder Abuse (OHIO, USA)
Crimes Against Elderly On Rise, Authorities Say
March 13, 2012
HAMILTON, Ohio
An empty lot is all that remains of 70-year-old Clarence Collinsworth's home.
The Middletown man was killed in a March 2007 fire set by his grandson, Adam Collinsworth, who is serving a life sentence for murder.
Just a few months before, an 80-year-old Fairfield man was locked in a storage unit by his grandson, Joseph Feltner, and beaten to death.
"He gave Joey everything," said Charlotte Miller, the daughter of victim Douglas Smith Jr. "He was that grandson he adored, and he took advantage of it. It was just awful."
Miller said her father didn't feel comfortable asking for help as his grandson demanded more and more money, so she said her family wasn't aware of how serious the problem had grown.
"If he had just told one person outside of the family, I don't believe this would've happened," Miller said.
Prosecutors said elder abuse is on the rise in Butler County, so they've created a task force to help victims speak up.
The crimes aren't always violent, said Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser, but they're still disturbing.
Gmoser said relatives can take steps to help protect their loved ones from becoming a target.
"Protect their identity, know where their Social Security numbers are and what documents those numbers are on, inform them they may get unsolicited calls telling them they have won some prize, some lottery, some benefit," he said.
To report scams against the elderly in Butler County, call the hotline set up by prosecutors at 1-888-662-3973.
SOURCE: WLWT
__________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
March 13, 2012
HAMILTON, Ohio
An empty lot is all that remains of 70-year-old Clarence Collinsworth's home.
The Middletown man was killed in a March 2007 fire set by his grandson, Adam Collinsworth, who is serving a life sentence for murder.
Just a few months before, an 80-year-old Fairfield man was locked in a storage unit by his grandson, Joseph Feltner, and beaten to death.
"He gave Joey everything," said Charlotte Miller, the daughter of victim Douglas Smith Jr. "He was that grandson he adored, and he took advantage of it. It was just awful."
Miller said her father didn't feel comfortable asking for help as his grandson demanded more and more money, so she said her family wasn't aware of how serious the problem had grown.
"If he had just told one person outside of the family, I don't believe this would've happened," Miller said.
Prosecutors said elder abuse is on the rise in Butler County, so they've created a task force to help victims speak up.
The crimes aren't always violent, said Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser, but they're still disturbing.
Gmoser said relatives can take steps to help protect their loved ones from becoming a target.
"Protect their identity, know where their Social Security numbers are and what documents those numbers are on, inform them they may get unsolicited calls telling them they have won some prize, some lottery, some benefit," he said.
To report scams against the elderly in Butler County, call the hotline set up by prosecutors at 1-888-662-3973.
SOURCE: WLWT
__________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Utica Man Accused of Extorting 90 Year Old Woman (NY. USA)
By WKTV News
Mar 13, 2012
UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV)
A Utica man is accused in a bizarre case of extortion involving an elderly victim. Utica Police say a 90-year-old woman living on Bacon Street was burglarized several times over the past six months. After the most recent robbery, police say the suspect contacted her...and offered to sell her back her belongings.
The woman contacted the Elder Abuse Coalition Program, who then contacted Utica Police. The Criminal Investigation Division devised a plan to catch the suspect in the act of extorting the woman.
Police say it turns out, the suspect, 31-year-old Omar Torres, used two children to retrieve the money and return the belongings to the woman. Torres was arrested a short time later and is charged with burglary, petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, endangering the welfare of a child and grand larceny by extortion.
SOURCE: WKTV
______________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Mar 13, 2012
UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV)
A Utica man is accused in a bizarre case of extortion involving an elderly victim. Utica Police say a 90-year-old woman living on Bacon Street was burglarized several times over the past six months. After the most recent robbery, police say the suspect contacted her...and offered to sell her back her belongings.
The woman contacted the Elder Abuse Coalition Program, who then contacted Utica Police. The Criminal Investigation Division devised a plan to catch the suspect in the act of extorting the woman.
Police say it turns out, the suspect, 31-year-old Omar Torres, used two children to retrieve the money and return the belongings to the woman. Torres was arrested a short time later and is charged with burglary, petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, endangering the welfare of a child and grand larceny by extortion.
SOURCE: WKTV
______________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
House Passes Adult Abuse Registry Bill (USA)
by Kenny Colston
March 14, 2012
The Kentucky House of Representatives has endorsed the creation of an adult abuse registry.
The bill that would create that registry has been a priority of lawmakers for years, but funding hasn’t been there. But this year, Governor Steve Beshear allocated funds for the registry in the budget.
Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo is the bill’s sponsor, and has supported the idea for the past several years. The measure would list anyone convicted of elder abuse on the new registry, which Palumbo says is key.
“This is simply an employment screening tool. Potential employers which are adult institutional and long term community based service providers would be required to check the registry before hiring an applicant,” she says.
Palumbo says that no one will be added to the registry before all appeals on a conviction have been used.
The bill now heads to the state Senate, which will consider both the bill and the appropriation made for it in the budget.
SOURCE: WFPL
____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
March 14, 2012
The Kentucky House of Representatives has endorsed the creation of an adult abuse registry.
The bill that would create that registry has been a priority of lawmakers for years, but funding hasn’t been there. But this year, Governor Steve Beshear allocated funds for the registry in the budget.
Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo is the bill’s sponsor, and has supported the idea for the past several years. The measure would list anyone convicted of elder abuse on the new registry, which Palumbo says is key.
“This is simply an employment screening tool. Potential employers which are adult institutional and long term community based service providers would be required to check the registry before hiring an applicant,” she says.
Palumbo says that no one will be added to the registry before all appeals on a conviction have been used.
The bill now heads to the state Senate, which will consider both the bill and the appropriation made for it in the budget.
SOURCE: WFPL
____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Feds Promise Tough Sentences for Crimes Against Seniors (CANADA)
Feds promise tough sentences for crimes against seniors
CTVNews.ca Staff
Mar. 15 2012
The federal government is introducing legislation that calls for tougher sentences for those convicted of elder abuse.
Justice Minister Rob Nicholson and Minister of State for Seniors Alice Wong announced plans to amend the Criminal Code so that taking advantage of a senior will be considered "an aggravating factor" in a crime. That "aggravating factor" would then be taken into consideration during sentencing.
"We have a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of our society, including older Canadians," Nicholson told reporters during the announcement at a seniors centre in Toronto on Thursday.
Nicholson explained the legislation does not call for specific penalties in cases involving the victimization of seniors, but calls on judges to use their discretion in each case.
"It's up to the judge within the offences that the individual has been charged with, to make that determination after they've been found guilty. And that's our job as legislators: to make these provisions, and that's exactly what we've done: make this an aggravating factor that the courts will have to look at," Nicholson told reporters.
He added that it would also be left to a judge to determine whether the victim qualifies as a "senior" and whether their age was a factor in the crime.
Nicholson noted that older adults are vulnerable to being mistreated physically, psychologically, sexually or financially or by neglect.
"This type of abuse can come from strangers, like fraudsters of scam artists, or from those in a position of trust. It can be at the hands of caregivers of even family members," he said.
There were nearly 7,900 seniors who were victims of violent crime in 2009, the government says on the Department of Justice website. Of those crimes, 35 per cent were committed by a family member, 35 per cent were committed by a friend or acquaintance, and 29 per centwere committed by a stranger.
"However, it is difficult to estimate the prevalence and incidence of elder abuse in Canada due to factors such as under-reporting," the department says.
The seniors' advocacy group CARP has long said that senior abuse is not taken seriously enough by the country's police and court system. They say that in the rare cases where someone is convicted of elder abuse, sentences are often lenient.
Still, critics say throwing abusers in jail for longer periods will do little to fix the problem. NDP seniors critic, Irene Mathyssen, says the roots of abuse often lie in poverty and poor living conditions -- areas she says the Harper government are ignoring.
Also Thursday, the NDP tabled a bill that would automatically register seniors to receive the guaranteed income supplement.
New Democrat MP Laurin Liu says thousands of low-income seniors are missing out on the government top-up because they don't know how to apply and run into administrative hurdles.
Once seniors qualify for the supplement, they can re-apply for it through their income tax forms, thanks to changes the government made in 2007.
SOURCE: OTTAWA CTV CA
____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
CTVNews.ca Staff
Mar. 15 2012
The federal government is introducing legislation that calls for tougher sentences for those convicted of elder abuse.
Justice Minister Rob Nicholson and Minister of State for Seniors Alice Wong announced plans to amend the Criminal Code so that taking advantage of a senior will be considered "an aggravating factor" in a crime. That "aggravating factor" would then be taken into consideration during sentencing.
"We have a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of our society, including older Canadians," Nicholson told reporters during the announcement at a seniors centre in Toronto on Thursday.
Nicholson explained the legislation does not call for specific penalties in cases involving the victimization of seniors, but calls on judges to use their discretion in each case.
"It's up to the judge within the offences that the individual has been charged with, to make that determination after they've been found guilty. And that's our job as legislators: to make these provisions, and that's exactly what we've done: make this an aggravating factor that the courts will have to look at," Nicholson told reporters.
He added that it would also be left to a judge to determine whether the victim qualifies as a "senior" and whether their age was a factor in the crime.
Nicholson noted that older adults are vulnerable to being mistreated physically, psychologically, sexually or financially or by neglect.
"This type of abuse can come from strangers, like fraudsters of scam artists, or from those in a position of trust. It can be at the hands of caregivers of even family members," he said.
There were nearly 7,900 seniors who were victims of violent crime in 2009, the government says on the Department of Justice website. Of those crimes, 35 per cent were committed by a family member, 35 per cent were committed by a friend or acquaintance, and 29 per centwere committed by a stranger.
"However, it is difficult to estimate the prevalence and incidence of elder abuse in Canada due to factors such as under-reporting," the department says.
The seniors' advocacy group CARP has long said that senior abuse is not taken seriously enough by the country's police and court system. They say that in the rare cases where someone is convicted of elder abuse, sentences are often lenient.
Still, critics say throwing abusers in jail for longer periods will do little to fix the problem. NDP seniors critic, Irene Mathyssen, says the roots of abuse often lie in poverty and poor living conditions -- areas she says the Harper government are ignoring.
Also Thursday, the NDP tabled a bill that would automatically register seniors to receive the guaranteed income supplement.
New Democrat MP Laurin Liu says thousands of low-income seniors are missing out on the government top-up because they don't know how to apply and run into administrative hurdles.
Once seniors qualify for the supplement, they can re-apply for it through their income tax forms, thanks to changes the government made in 2007.
SOURCE: OTTAWA CTV CA
____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
March 15, 2012
Carer Spent OAPs Life Savings pm Designer Clothes (UK)
Carer spent OAP's life savings on designer clothes and takeaway food
Nicola Gordon spent 92-year-old's money a few months before the pensioner died in a care home.
14 March 2012
A care home worker stole bank cards from an elderly resident and spent her life savings on designer clothing and football strips.
Nicola Gordon, 20, has been ordered to pay compensation even though her 92-year-old victim died before she was able to get her money back.
The 20-year-old committed a "huge breach of trust" when she stole more than £1000 of the pensioner's savings, sheriff Lindsay Foulis said during the hearing at Perth Sheriff Court on Wednesday.
He said: "This is a despicable crime. The matter to which you pled guilty is a mean crime.
"Old folk, at that age, are undoubtedly vulnerable - at least physically and perhaps also mentally - and they deserve respect from everyone.
"You were taking advantage of your position of trust. This was a very unpleasant offence.
"There may have been a degree of immaturity but anyone involved in what you were doing would have been well aware it was totally wrong."
The court heard that Gordon's victim, who has not been named, died three months after her money was stolen from her at the Dalnagar care home in Methven, Perthshire.
Gordon, of Drumgrain Avenue, Methven, admitted stealing £1200 from the vulnerable pensioner in a month, by stealing her bank cards from a safe in the home and using them to pay for goods between August 1 and 28, 2009. She claimed she had been encouraged by friends to keep using the bank card.
Fiscal depute Nicola Manison said: "Most of the transactions were for takeaway meals, designer clothing, phone top-ups and football strips."
She spent so much money so quickly that bank staff became suspicious about the amount of carry-out food and internet shopping being bought in the name of the 92-year-old.
A spokesman for Dalnagar Nursing Home has confirmed that Gordon, who had worked as a part-time care assistant for a few months, had been sacked.
He said: "We can confirm that she was dismissed for gross misconduct. I can confirm she is no longer employed at Dalnagar or anywhere else within the group."
SOURCE: Scotland TV
____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Nicola Gordon spent 92-year-old's money a few months before the pensioner died in a care home.
14 March 2012
A care home worker stole bank cards from an elderly resident and spent her life savings on designer clothing and football strips.
Nicola Gordon, 20, has been ordered to pay compensation even though her 92-year-old victim died before she was able to get her money back.
The 20-year-old committed a "huge breach of trust" when she stole more than £1000 of the pensioner's savings, sheriff Lindsay Foulis said during the hearing at Perth Sheriff Court on Wednesday.
He said: "This is a despicable crime. The matter to which you pled guilty is a mean crime.
"Old folk, at that age, are undoubtedly vulnerable - at least physically and perhaps also mentally - and they deserve respect from everyone.
"You were taking advantage of your position of trust. This was a very unpleasant offence.
"There may have been a degree of immaturity but anyone involved in what you were doing would have been well aware it was totally wrong."
The court heard that Gordon's victim, who has not been named, died three months after her money was stolen from her at the Dalnagar care home in Methven, Perthshire.
Gordon, of Drumgrain Avenue, Methven, admitted stealing £1200 from the vulnerable pensioner in a month, by stealing her bank cards from a safe in the home and using them to pay for goods between August 1 and 28, 2009. She claimed she had been encouraged by friends to keep using the bank card.
Fiscal depute Nicola Manison said: "Most of the transactions were for takeaway meals, designer clothing, phone top-ups and football strips."
She spent so much money so quickly that bank staff became suspicious about the amount of carry-out food and internet shopping being bought in the name of the 92-year-old.
A spokesman for Dalnagar Nursing Home has confirmed that Gordon, who had worked as a part-time care assistant for a few months, had been sacked.
He said: "We can confirm that she was dismissed for gross misconduct. I can confirm she is no longer employed at Dalnagar or anywhere else within the group."
SOURCE: Scotland TV
____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
REPORT: Care Homes Struggling to Meet Needs of Elderly People (UK)
Care homes struggling to meet needs of elderly people, RCN warns
Royal College of Nursing survey blames years of under-investment for worsening of conditions
Press Association
The Guardian
14 March 2012
Care homes for elderly people are struggling to meet the needs of residents with complex medical conditions amid cuts in funding, a new report warns.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) report says elderly people are being admitted to care homes with increasingly severe and complex care needs, having previously been treated in acute hospitals.
The survey of 600 care home nurses found 26% felt they did not have adequate equipment and medical supplies, while 38% said there were not enough full-time registered nurses employed to provide suitable care.
Almost half of nurses (48%) said residents were being accepted in a bid to fill vacant places despite concerns about levels of care.
Dr Peter Carter, the RCN general secretary, said: "This report paints a hugely concerning picture about the many daily challenges that so many nurses in care homes face in delivering high quality care.
"Many of these challenges are not new but, following years of under-investment, these issues have now significantly worsened. When nearly two in five nurses say there are not enough nurses to meet the needs of residents, then you know that this is a worrying state of affairs.
"Even nurses who were positive about the quality of care felt it was delivered despite significant challenges."
The RCN report – Persistent Challenges to Providing Quality Care – raised concerns about dwindling morale among care home staff, with carers often paid the minimum wage.
The union has recommended a re-evaluation of how funding is allocated to care homes; the introduction of national guidance on staffing levels; a government review of workforce planning in care homes; and regulation of all healthcare assistants.
Carter said: "Getting health and social care funding right is crucial not only for the sustainability of the social care system, but the NHS, too.
"On a daily basis nurses have to deal with the burden of repeated form filling and eligibility assessments. It is nursing staff and the NHS that have to deal with the pressures of delayed transfers, referrals and confusion over who pays for what."
Care services minister Paul Burstow admitted changes were needed to the social care system. A government white paper on social care expected this spring.
Burstow said: "We're making the system more joined up with health and focusing on helping people maintain their independence for as long as possible. We will be publishing our plans for overhauling the system this spring.
"We are investing more money in social care. At the spending review, we committed an extra £7.2bn over four years to support social care.
"The white paper will bring clarity to what quality care in social care looks like. It will seek to empower everyone involved in social care to play their part in ensuring high quality care for all."
SOURCE: The Guardian, UK
____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Royal College of Nursing survey blames years of under-investment for worsening of conditions
Press Association
The Guardian
14 March 2012
Care homes for elderly people are struggling to meet the needs of residents with complex medical conditions amid cuts in funding, a new report warns.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) report says elderly people are being admitted to care homes with increasingly severe and complex care needs, having previously been treated in acute hospitals.
The survey of 600 care home nurses found 26% felt they did not have adequate equipment and medical supplies, while 38% said there were not enough full-time registered nurses employed to provide suitable care.
Almost half of nurses (48%) said residents were being accepted in a bid to fill vacant places despite concerns about levels of care.
Dr Peter Carter, the RCN general secretary, said: "This report paints a hugely concerning picture about the many daily challenges that so many nurses in care homes face in delivering high quality care.
"Many of these challenges are not new but, following years of under-investment, these issues have now significantly worsened. When nearly two in five nurses say there are not enough nurses to meet the needs of residents, then you know that this is a worrying state of affairs.
"Even nurses who were positive about the quality of care felt it was delivered despite significant challenges."
The RCN report – Persistent Challenges to Providing Quality Care – raised concerns about dwindling morale among care home staff, with carers often paid the minimum wage.
The union has recommended a re-evaluation of how funding is allocated to care homes; the introduction of national guidance on staffing levels; a government review of workforce planning in care homes; and regulation of all healthcare assistants.
Carter said: "Getting health and social care funding right is crucial not only for the sustainability of the social care system, but the NHS, too.
"On a daily basis nurses have to deal with the burden of repeated form filling and eligibility assessments. It is nursing staff and the NHS that have to deal with the pressures of delayed transfers, referrals and confusion over who pays for what."
Care services minister Paul Burstow admitted changes were needed to the social care system. A government white paper on social care expected this spring.
Burstow said: "We're making the system more joined up with health and focusing on helping people maintain their independence for as long as possible. We will be publishing our plans for overhauling the system this spring.
"We are investing more money in social care. At the spending review, we committed an extra £7.2bn over four years to support social care.
"The white paper will bring clarity to what quality care in social care looks like. It will seek to empower everyone involved in social care to play their part in ensuring high quality care for all."
SOURCE: The Guardian, UK
____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
March 14, 2012
ELDER ABUSE (PHILIPPINES)
REPUBLIC OF the PHILIPPINES – Department of Social Welfare and Development
PROPOSED BILLS:
AN ACT DEFINING AND PENALIZING THE CRIME OF CRIMINAL NEGLECT OF A VULNERABLE ELDERLY PERSON OR A PERSON WITH DISABILITY
Our country is known for caring for our elders and our family members who have
disabilities. However, there are still reported cases of neglect and abandonment of
vulnerable elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Admittedly, the government has
very limited resources to provide for each and every vulnerable elderly person and person
with disability. It still must rely primarily on these persons' family members.
Therefore, in order to protect this vulnerable sector of our society, this hill aims to penalize neglect of vulnerable elderly persons and persons with disabilities.
GERIATRICS PHILIPPINES
Protection from Violence
REFERENCES and LINKS:
Copy of House Bill 1071 Philippine Congress 2010
Copy of Senate Bill 1809
and
HelpAge International
During a recent forum on Policy for Older Persons held at the UP Manila-National Institutes of Health, Rep. David Koh, Senior Citizen’s Party List announced the good news that House Bill 1071 was approved at the Committee level. It now seeks approval from the Senate, as Senate Bill Number 1809.
The original bill, seeks to ensure that older persons and persons with disability are protected from institutional, community and domestic violence and sexual assault and to improve outreach efforts and other services available to persons victimized by such violence.
The original bill, “Older Filipino’s Protection from Violence Act” was authored by Rufus B. Rodriguez and Maximo B. Rodriguez Jr.
Senate Bill 1809 was authored by Senator Miriam D Santiago with Sen Lito Lapid as co-author. The bill is described as AN ACT TO ESTABLISH PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES TO AID VICTIMS OF ELDER ABUSE, AND PROVIDE TRAINING TO HEALTH AND GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONALS IN THE ASSISTANCE OF SUCH VICTIMS, It was read on first reading in September 2010 and was referred to the Committee(s) on SOCIAL JUSTICE, WELFARE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT and FINANCE.
In a similar action, HelpAge International calls for the following Actions:
• the 186 countries that have ratified CEDAW (UN Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) meet their existing obligations to put in place systems, legal and other, to protect all women, young and old, from violence and abuse.
• data collection and disaggregation is improved to make the issue more visible.
• governments invest in training of health professionals, the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to recognise abuse
• more funding is allocated to community initiatives that change attitudes and tackle age discrimination and ageism.
Finally, a UN Convention of the Rights of Older People would ensure that all countries that ratify it had an obligation to put in place these protective legal systems.
SOURCE: Republic of the Philippines,Dept of Social Welfare and Development
_____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
PROPOSED BILLS:
AN ACT DEFINING AND PENALIZING THE CRIME OF CRIMINAL NEGLECT OF A VULNERABLE ELDERLY PERSON OR A PERSON WITH DISABILITY
Our country is known for caring for our elders and our family members who have
disabilities. However, there are still reported cases of neglect and abandonment of
vulnerable elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Admittedly, the government has
very limited resources to provide for each and every vulnerable elderly person and person
with disability. It still must rely primarily on these persons' family members.
Therefore, in order to protect this vulnerable sector of our society, this hill aims to penalize neglect of vulnerable elderly persons and persons with disabilities.
GERIATRICS PHILIPPINES
Protection from Violence
REFERENCES and LINKS:
Copy of House Bill 1071 Philippine Congress 2010
Copy of Senate Bill 1809
and
HelpAge International
During a recent forum on Policy for Older Persons held at the UP Manila-National Institutes of Health, Rep. David Koh, Senior Citizen’s Party List announced the good news that House Bill 1071 was approved at the Committee level. It now seeks approval from the Senate, as Senate Bill Number 1809.
The original bill, seeks to ensure that older persons and persons with disability are protected from institutional, community and domestic violence and sexual assault and to improve outreach efforts and other services available to persons victimized by such violence.
The original bill, “Older Filipino’s Protection from Violence Act” was authored by Rufus B. Rodriguez and Maximo B. Rodriguez Jr.
Senate Bill 1809 was authored by Senator Miriam D Santiago with Sen Lito Lapid as co-author. The bill is described as AN ACT TO ESTABLISH PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES TO AID VICTIMS OF ELDER ABUSE, AND PROVIDE TRAINING TO HEALTH AND GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONALS IN THE ASSISTANCE OF SUCH VICTIMS, It was read on first reading in September 2010 and was referred to the Committee(s) on SOCIAL JUSTICE, WELFARE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT and FINANCE.
In a similar action, HelpAge International calls for the following Actions:
• the 186 countries that have ratified CEDAW (UN Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) meet their existing obligations to put in place systems, legal and other, to protect all women, young and old, from violence and abuse.
• data collection and disaggregation is improved to make the issue more visible.
• governments invest in training of health professionals, the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to recognise abuse
• more funding is allocated to community initiatives that change attitudes and tackle age discrimination and ageism.
Finally, a UN Convention of the Rights of Older People would ensure that all countries that ratify it had an obligation to put in place these protective legal systems.
SOURCE: Republic of the Philippines,Dept of Social Welfare and Development
_____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Protecting the Vulnerable ( AUSTRALIA)
By Linda Starr
12 March, 2012
Ahead of her upcoming appearance at a public forum on the issue, Professor Linda Starr writes for INsite today on elder abuse and what professionals can do to stop it
The United Nations has estimated that the number of people over 60 years of age across the globe will reach 1.2 billion in 2025. In Australia we currently have approximately 2.8 million people over 65 years of age and it is estimated that by 2056, one in four will have reached that age.
We know that older people can face a number of health risks including chronic illness, physical and mental fragility and, vulnerability to abuse. As such it is essential that the global society puts considerable effort into the care and protection of older people to provide for their future health and safety needs and for their protection from abuse.
Elder abuse
Elder abuse includes a wide range of behaviours and is commonly 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.”
Elder abuse presents in various different forms and can be broadly defined as either neglect, physical, financial, psychological or sexual abuse. Whatever form it takes it is a breach of the older person’s civil and human rights and may also be a crime.
Accurately estimating the incidence of elder abuse is difficult for a number of reasons including ineffective reporting systems and wide variations in the definition of abuse and the global legal response to this form of interpersonal violence. However, it is estimated that in Australia the incidence of elder abuse is approximately 4.6 per cent of the elder population, a percentage that falls within the range of global figures where it is estimated that between 1 and 35 per cent of people over 65 years of age will be or have been a victim of abuse.
Developing a legal framework
There has been a mixed global response regarding the adoption of mandatory reporting laws for elder abuse. Overall, the US and some provinces in Canada have taken the lead in this important law reform. In Australia the approach had been to leave each state and territory to provide legislative protection to older citizens through their existing criminal justice frameworks. However, these proved to be drafted to narrowly to address the unique issues involved in elder abuse, leading to patchy law reform that criminalised abusive behaviour toward the older person but fell short of mandatory reporting and arguably achieved little toward improving the safety of vulnerable adults.
National law reform
A highly publicised case of alleged elder abuse alleged in a Victorian nursing home led to a national response when the Commonwealth government adopted a new attitude toward the protection of older Australians, introducing a framework of law reform including amendments to the Aged Care Act that made reporting of sexual and serious physical assault in approved residential aged care facilities compulsory as of July 1, 2007. There is no doubt that this is a step forward toward building the nation’s capacity to respond effectively to some forms of elder abuse in some environments. Has this been effective?
In the first year of mandatory reporting there were 925 reports made under the amendments to the Aged Care Act. Two hundred of these reports were for sexual assault and 725 were for excessive physical force, although it is understood that only six charges have been laid by police and even fewer have made it to the criminal courts. Each year the number of reports has increased.
In my PhD research I aim to explore the experiences of registered and enrolled nurses and carers in identifying and reporting abuse in order to identify what factors hindered and what helped them in this process. I will also be exploring the experiences of the investigating officers and police who receive and investigate these reports in order to determine how these contribute to their capacity in establishing a case of abuse. The emphasis of this study is to improve the reporting of elder abuse rather than identifying any agencies or facilities where abuse occurs.
Linda Starr is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at Flinders University, South Australia. Along with senior lecturer at Flinders University Dr Lana Zannettino, Starr will appear at a public forum on elder abuse, being hosted by the Flinders University School of Nursing and Midwifery on April 11
SOURCE: The Aged Care INsite
_____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
12 March, 2012
Ahead of her upcoming appearance at a public forum on the issue, Professor Linda Starr writes for INsite today on elder abuse and what professionals can do to stop it
The United Nations has estimated that the number of people over 60 years of age across the globe will reach 1.2 billion in 2025. In Australia we currently have approximately 2.8 million people over 65 years of age and it is estimated that by 2056, one in four will have reached that age.
We know that older people can face a number of health risks including chronic illness, physical and mental fragility and, vulnerability to abuse. As such it is essential that the global society puts considerable effort into the care and protection of older people to provide for their future health and safety needs and for their protection from abuse.
Elder abuse
Elder abuse includes a wide range of behaviours and is commonly 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.”
Elder abuse presents in various different forms and can be broadly defined as either neglect, physical, financial, psychological or sexual abuse. Whatever form it takes it is a breach of the older person’s civil and human rights and may also be a crime.
Accurately estimating the incidence of elder abuse is difficult for a number of reasons including ineffective reporting systems and wide variations in the definition of abuse and the global legal response to this form of interpersonal violence. However, it is estimated that in Australia the incidence of elder abuse is approximately 4.6 per cent of the elder population, a percentage that falls within the range of global figures where it is estimated that between 1 and 35 per cent of people over 65 years of age will be or have been a victim of abuse.
Developing a legal framework
There has been a mixed global response regarding the adoption of mandatory reporting laws for elder abuse. Overall, the US and some provinces in Canada have taken the lead in this important law reform. In Australia the approach had been to leave each state and territory to provide legislative protection to older citizens through their existing criminal justice frameworks. However, these proved to be drafted to narrowly to address the unique issues involved in elder abuse, leading to patchy law reform that criminalised abusive behaviour toward the older person but fell short of mandatory reporting and arguably achieved little toward improving the safety of vulnerable adults.
National law reform
A highly publicised case of alleged elder abuse alleged in a Victorian nursing home led to a national response when the Commonwealth government adopted a new attitude toward the protection of older Australians, introducing a framework of law reform including amendments to the Aged Care Act that made reporting of sexual and serious physical assault in approved residential aged care facilities compulsory as of July 1, 2007. There is no doubt that this is a step forward toward building the nation’s capacity to respond effectively to some forms of elder abuse in some environments. Has this been effective?
In the first year of mandatory reporting there were 925 reports made under the amendments to the Aged Care Act. Two hundred of these reports were for sexual assault and 725 were for excessive physical force, although it is understood that only six charges have been laid by police and even fewer have made it to the criminal courts. Each year the number of reports has increased.
In my PhD research I aim to explore the experiences of registered and enrolled nurses and carers in identifying and reporting abuse in order to identify what factors hindered and what helped them in this process. I will also be exploring the experiences of the investigating officers and police who receive and investigate these reports in order to determine how these contribute to their capacity in establishing a case of abuse. The emphasis of this study is to improve the reporting of elder abuse rather than identifying any agencies or facilities where abuse occurs.
Linda Starr is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at Flinders University, South Australia. Along with senior lecturer at Flinders University Dr Lana Zannettino, Starr will appear at a public forum on elder abuse, being hosted by the Flinders University School of Nursing and Midwifery on April 11
SOURCE: The Aged Care INsite
_____________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Providing for the Elderly (MALAYSIA)
By Meera
2 March 2012
Looking after the elderly is a collective responsibility, a retired judge tells Meera Murugesan
The issue of whether to compel children to care for elderly parents has yet to be addressed in Malaysia
GROWING old is unavoidable but we can control how we age. The term “healthy ageing” is often used in relation to senior citizens but few people realise that it concerns everyone, from the womb to the tomb. “Ageing is not confined to old people. It refers to a process that begins from the moment of conception and follows us throughout our lives and when we talk about healthy ageing, it means being the best that we can be throughout our lives,” says Datuk Mahadev Shankar.
The retired court of appeal judge will be among the speakers at the 1st World Congress On Healthy Ageing in Kuala Lumpur from March 19-22. Mahadev, whose talk will focus on the legal issues related to ageing, says when it comes to healthy ageing, the government has a crucial role to play. “Part and parcel of the responsibility of any government is to take care of its people and how should the government do this? It will have to appropriate an equitable share of the country’s resources to ensure their good health,” he says.
KEEPING THE DOCTOR AWAY
Mahadev says while our country has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, right now much funding is being channelled to create the statistically perfect doctor-patient ratio. This is being done given the current scenario of over-crowded public hospitals and the anticipation of more people suffering from chronic diseases in the years to come. Mahadev also questions why this approach cannot be radically altered with funding spent on making the population healthier and reducing the need for doctors. He suggests the government invest in healthy ageing by providing nutritious food, clean drinking water, a pollution free environment and ample facilities to ensure that people stay fit and active.
FOOD AND HEALTH
Clean water and air, healthy food and an active lifestyle are essential to a healthy body and consequently, healthy ageing. The government needs to be vigilant that these criteria are being properly met. Many people eat highly processed food because it’s affordable and easily available. As a result, obesity levels have risen dramatically. The public is also being bombarded with messages from large corporations offering food that we shouldn’t be eating and the few groups with healthy, nutritious options often find their voices being drowned out. Mahadev believes the government needs to effectively regulate the advertising of junk food, and the subject of healthy eating should also be incorporated into the school curriculum so children can learn to make wise choices at an early age. “We have a right to the best information to help us stay healthy and age healthily,” he adds.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
The legal aspect of ageing also involves the control and supervision of nursing homes where many old people now spend their last days. The Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 covers nursing homes and such organisations have to be registered with the government and abide by regulations. However, some small, privately run institutions are escaping the reach of the Act by claiming they don’t provide healthcare, only boarding. This opens the door to abuse of the elderly as such homes are not being supervised.
The abandonment of elderly parents is another matter that has to be looked into. Currently, under the law, children are not compelled to care for their parents. Singapore has addressed this by introducing the Maintenance Of Parents Act that allows elderly parents who are unable to fend for themselves, to claim maintenance from their children. Mahadev says that while we can introduce similar legislation, enforcement would be much more challenging in this country, given our larger population.
But he believes that while children shouldn’t be forced to provide luxuries for parents, there is certainly a case for making them provide the basic necessities of life should their parents become unable to fend for themselves. “The keyword is necessities just as the law now stipulates that parents must provide basic necessities for their young children.”
SOURCE: The New Straits Times
___________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
2 March 2012
Looking after the elderly is a collective responsibility, a retired judge tells Meera Murugesan
The issue of whether to compel children to care for elderly parents has yet to be addressed in Malaysia
GROWING old is unavoidable but we can control how we age. The term “healthy ageing” is often used in relation to senior citizens but few people realise that it concerns everyone, from the womb to the tomb. “Ageing is not confined to old people. It refers to a process that begins from the moment of conception and follows us throughout our lives and when we talk about healthy ageing, it means being the best that we can be throughout our lives,” says Datuk Mahadev Shankar.
The retired court of appeal judge will be among the speakers at the 1st World Congress On Healthy Ageing in Kuala Lumpur from March 19-22. Mahadev, whose talk will focus on the legal issues related to ageing, says when it comes to healthy ageing, the government has a crucial role to play. “Part and parcel of the responsibility of any government is to take care of its people and how should the government do this? It will have to appropriate an equitable share of the country’s resources to ensure their good health,” he says.
KEEPING THE DOCTOR AWAY
Mahadev says while our country has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, right now much funding is being channelled to create the statistically perfect doctor-patient ratio. This is being done given the current scenario of over-crowded public hospitals and the anticipation of more people suffering from chronic diseases in the years to come. Mahadev also questions why this approach cannot be radically altered with funding spent on making the population healthier and reducing the need for doctors. He suggests the government invest in healthy ageing by providing nutritious food, clean drinking water, a pollution free environment and ample facilities to ensure that people stay fit and active.
FOOD AND HEALTH
Clean water and air, healthy food and an active lifestyle are essential to a healthy body and consequently, healthy ageing. The government needs to be vigilant that these criteria are being properly met. Many people eat highly processed food because it’s affordable and easily available. As a result, obesity levels have risen dramatically. The public is also being bombarded with messages from large corporations offering food that we shouldn’t be eating and the few groups with healthy, nutritious options often find their voices being drowned out. Mahadev believes the government needs to effectively regulate the advertising of junk food, and the subject of healthy eating should also be incorporated into the school curriculum so children can learn to make wise choices at an early age. “We have a right to the best information to help us stay healthy and age healthily,” he adds.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
The legal aspect of ageing also involves the control and supervision of nursing homes where many old people now spend their last days. The Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 covers nursing homes and such organisations have to be registered with the government and abide by regulations. However, some small, privately run institutions are escaping the reach of the Act by claiming they don’t provide healthcare, only boarding. This opens the door to abuse of the elderly as such homes are not being supervised.
The abandonment of elderly parents is another matter that has to be looked into. Currently, under the law, children are not compelled to care for their parents. Singapore has addressed this by introducing the Maintenance Of Parents Act that allows elderly parents who are unable to fend for themselves, to claim maintenance from their children. Mahadev says that while we can introduce similar legislation, enforcement would be much more challenging in this country, given our larger population.
But he believes that while children shouldn’t be forced to provide luxuries for parents, there is certainly a case for making them provide the basic necessities of life should their parents become unable to fend for themselves. “The keyword is necessities just as the law now stipulates that parents must provide basic necessities for their young children.”
SOURCE: The New Straits Times
___________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
March 12, 2012
Robbing Our Aged (NEW ZEALAND)
By NAOMI ARNOLD
10/03/2012
Two weeks ago, Brenda Schwass-Arnold, her face twisted, snarled expletives at photographers as police led her across the grounds of Nelson's courthouse.
The 45-year-old had just admitted 203 charges of stealing almost $30,000 from Motueka woman Joyce Cherry, the 72-year-old mother of her ex-partner. She was jailed for two years and three months.
For Schwass-Arnold's younger sister, Debbie Apera, the sentencing, the photograph and the accompanying story in the Nelson Mail on February 28 were more unpleasantness in a nightmare that's been going on for years.
It's not the first time Schwass-Arnold has stolen from vulnerable people. In Nelson in June 2007, on Elder Abuse Awareness Day, she was jailed for 18 months for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from her and Mrs Apera's sick and dying grandmother. Both the elderly women she fleeced had dementia.
"She managed to take away everything – pre-paid funerals, everything," Mrs Apera says now. "There was nothing left. We ended up forking out for everything, and then all the lawyers' bills for getting her charged."
Her sister had even emptied their childhood "baby bank book" accounts, into which her granny had faithfully banked money every birthday and Christmas.
"She appeared on the front page then too, and she didn't learn," Mrs Apera says. "There is no miracle pill, no therapy to help these people."
She is determined her sister will not get away with it again, and wants to warn others about the irreparable damage it can cause.
"Funerals are a hard enough and stressful time for people, but when they find out there's been mismanagement they split families apart."
But her sister's is far from an isolated case. In early January, another woman, Myrna Joseph, was sentenced to 12 months' jail in Nelson District Court after she used the bank card of a bedridden woman for whom she was caring to pay for her own groceries and car registration.
Elder abuse – whether financial, emotional or physical – can be shattering. Amongst other dirty little New Zealand secrets – child abuse, sexual abuse, problem gambling, alcoholism, neglect and violence – elder abuse is veiled behind a curtain of shame, silence, and quiet desperation.
But it's happening more often than the wider population might realise. Nelson's Age Concern, an older person's advocacy and support organisation, receives about five referrals a week, of which two-thirds are then confirmed to be cases of abuse. The most common complaint is financial – people stealing money off the elderly.
Ad Feedback
Shocking though those figures are in our small region, there's no way they're indicative of the real problem.
Age Concern Nelson manager Sue Tilby says only 16 per cent of elder abuse is reported, and not all of it comes through their service. We might well be regularly shocked by headlines outing poor care in rest homes, but it seems that, in many cases, elderly people are worse off in the hands of their own flesh and blood.
A Victoria University working paper released in November last year found that most of the perpetrators of financial elder abuse are family members – especially adult sons, daughters to a lesser extent, and their partners. They're responsible for up to 80 per cent of financial abuse cases. These are the people, the report says, who have the opportunities – and perhaps also a sense of entitlement.
Up to 35 per cent of abusers are primary caregivers, and crimes may also be carried out by financial advisers, solicitors, paid carers in the home or in residential care, and less commonly, opportunistic strangers.
Of the abused, almost three-quarters are women, with 31 per cent involving women aged over 85. Almost half of the abused live alone.
Age Concern says elder abuse and neglect occur for many reasons – disagreements between siblings about assets like the family home, siblings blocking access to funds, or grandchildren taking money out of their grandparents' accounts. The strain of caring for someone with dementia can take a toll too.
Or, as Mrs Apera puts it, it could happen simply because it's too easy to let a few lapses here and there – such as putting milk and bread on Gran's eftpos card when picking up her groceries – slide into the extreme. The money can also be impossible to recover.
In 2010, as Mrs Cherry's health declined, Schwass-Arnold started looking after her more often and became familiar with bank account details and passwords, which the older woman had written down. She started taking money out of the savings account, withdrawing $100 at a time; maxed out her credit card to $11,000, and kept Mrs Cherry's eftpos card in her purse, where police later found it.
Schwass-Arnold simply frittered away $28,452 on food, petrol, and items from the $2 Shop, Mitre 10 and the Warehouse.
The toll is massive, and not just for the person who's lost their money. When Mrs Apera spoke out after her sister's sentencing, saying the sentence was not long enough and Schwass-Arnold was a "pathological liar" and a "predator" who would rip off people again when she was released, angry members of her family questioned why she'd want to air their dirty laundry in public.
Mrs Apera says she was speaking out for what was right. Her sister's offending has tarnished the family – but she's now finding herself alert for her next move. "I'm trying to keep communities safe by tracking her; if I lose track of her she commits something else. I'm tired now. I've had enough."
Most complaints will never make it to court. Last year, one Nelson woman in her 80s, who we'll call Mrs Brown, gave her daughter money under duress and says the stress has ruined her health. She feels robbed. The little money she has, she says, is meant to last her the rest of her life.
She says she didn't see much of her daughter, until one day when she "stormed in" crying and said she needed $30,000, although she wouldn't say for what purpose. Mrs Brown didn't have it – but gave her daughter, who she'd given power of attorney, $10,000. If she'd said no, she believes her daughter would have hit her.
She's too scared to broach the subject with her daughter, but wants others to be careful.
"You do articles on abuse on children, and I thought, well, I know there's a lot of elderly who are getting abused by their family [too]," she says.
"People don't talk about it. It's something you don't talk about to anybody ... but you feel guilty that your daughter would do that sort of thing."
She's sure health problems that have flared up recently are linked to the strain she feels over giving in to her daughter.
Age Concern elder abuse and neglect prevention adviser, Jess Breeze, says victims are often scared to speak up, thinking it's only happening to them.
© Fairfax NZ News
Abridged
SOURCE: Stuff.co.nz
_________________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
10/03/2012
Two weeks ago, Brenda Schwass-Arnold, her face twisted, snarled expletives at photographers as police led her across the grounds of Nelson's courthouse.
The 45-year-old had just admitted 203 charges of stealing almost $30,000 from Motueka woman Joyce Cherry, the 72-year-old mother of her ex-partner. She was jailed for two years and three months.
For Schwass-Arnold's younger sister, Debbie Apera, the sentencing, the photograph and the accompanying story in the Nelson Mail on February 28 were more unpleasantness in a nightmare that's been going on for years.
It's not the first time Schwass-Arnold has stolen from vulnerable people. In Nelson in June 2007, on Elder Abuse Awareness Day, she was jailed for 18 months for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from her and Mrs Apera's sick and dying grandmother. Both the elderly women she fleeced had dementia.
"She managed to take away everything – pre-paid funerals, everything," Mrs Apera says now. "There was nothing left. We ended up forking out for everything, and then all the lawyers' bills for getting her charged."
Her sister had even emptied their childhood "baby bank book" accounts, into which her granny had faithfully banked money every birthday and Christmas.
"She appeared on the front page then too, and she didn't learn," Mrs Apera says. "There is no miracle pill, no therapy to help these people."
She is determined her sister will not get away with it again, and wants to warn others about the irreparable damage it can cause.
"Funerals are a hard enough and stressful time for people, but when they find out there's been mismanagement they split families apart."
But her sister's is far from an isolated case. In early January, another woman, Myrna Joseph, was sentenced to 12 months' jail in Nelson District Court after she used the bank card of a bedridden woman for whom she was caring to pay for her own groceries and car registration.
Elder abuse – whether financial, emotional or physical – can be shattering. Amongst other dirty little New Zealand secrets – child abuse, sexual abuse, problem gambling, alcoholism, neglect and violence – elder abuse is veiled behind a curtain of shame, silence, and quiet desperation.
But it's happening more often than the wider population might realise. Nelson's Age Concern, an older person's advocacy and support organisation, receives about five referrals a week, of which two-thirds are then confirmed to be cases of abuse. The most common complaint is financial – people stealing money off the elderly.
Ad Feedback
Shocking though those figures are in our small region, there's no way they're indicative of the real problem.
Age Concern Nelson manager Sue Tilby says only 16 per cent of elder abuse is reported, and not all of it comes through their service. We might well be regularly shocked by headlines outing poor care in rest homes, but it seems that, in many cases, elderly people are worse off in the hands of their own flesh and blood.
A Victoria University working paper released in November last year found that most of the perpetrators of financial elder abuse are family members – especially adult sons, daughters to a lesser extent, and their partners. They're responsible for up to 80 per cent of financial abuse cases. These are the people, the report says, who have the opportunities – and perhaps also a sense of entitlement.
Up to 35 per cent of abusers are primary caregivers, and crimes may also be carried out by financial advisers, solicitors, paid carers in the home or in residential care, and less commonly, opportunistic strangers.
Of the abused, almost three-quarters are women, with 31 per cent involving women aged over 85. Almost half of the abused live alone.
Age Concern says elder abuse and neglect occur for many reasons – disagreements between siblings about assets like the family home, siblings blocking access to funds, or grandchildren taking money out of their grandparents' accounts. The strain of caring for someone with dementia can take a toll too.
Or, as Mrs Apera puts it, it could happen simply because it's too easy to let a few lapses here and there – such as putting milk and bread on Gran's eftpos card when picking up her groceries – slide into the extreme. The money can also be impossible to recover.
In 2010, as Mrs Cherry's health declined, Schwass-Arnold started looking after her more often and became familiar with bank account details and passwords, which the older woman had written down. She started taking money out of the savings account, withdrawing $100 at a time; maxed out her credit card to $11,000, and kept Mrs Cherry's eftpos card in her purse, where police later found it.
Schwass-Arnold simply frittered away $28,452 on food, petrol, and items from the $2 Shop, Mitre 10 and the Warehouse.
The toll is massive, and not just for the person who's lost their money. When Mrs Apera spoke out after her sister's sentencing, saying the sentence was not long enough and Schwass-Arnold was a "pathological liar" and a "predator" who would rip off people again when she was released, angry members of her family questioned why she'd want to air their dirty laundry in public.
Mrs Apera says she was speaking out for what was right. Her sister's offending has tarnished the family – but she's now finding herself alert for her next move. "I'm trying to keep communities safe by tracking her; if I lose track of her she commits something else. I'm tired now. I've had enough."
Most complaints will never make it to court. Last year, one Nelson woman in her 80s, who we'll call Mrs Brown, gave her daughter money under duress and says the stress has ruined her health. She feels robbed. The little money she has, she says, is meant to last her the rest of her life.
She says she didn't see much of her daughter, until one day when she "stormed in" crying and said she needed $30,000, although she wouldn't say for what purpose. Mrs Brown didn't have it – but gave her daughter, who she'd given power of attorney, $10,000. If she'd said no, she believes her daughter would have hit her.
She's too scared to broach the subject with her daughter, but wants others to be careful.
"You do articles on abuse on children, and I thought, well, I know there's a lot of elderly who are getting abused by their family [too]," she says.
"People don't talk about it. It's something you don't talk about to anybody ... but you feel guilty that your daughter would do that sort of thing."
She's sure health problems that have flared up recently are linked to the strain she feels over giving in to her daughter.
Age Concern elder abuse and neglect prevention adviser, Jess Breeze, says victims are often scared to speak up, thinking it's only happening to them.
© Fairfax NZ News
Abridged
SOURCE: Stuff.co.nz
_________________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
