Free Elder Law Seminar Coming Up (Iowa, USA)

 Free elder law seminar coming up
The Hawk Eye
10/19/2012
Iowa Department of Elder Affairs and Iowa Legal Aid's Legal Hot Line for Older Iowans will present a free Elder Law seminar from 12:30 to 3:45 p.m. Nov. 1.

The seminar will be broadcast over the Iowa Communications Network at Burlington Public Library, 210 Court St.

Participants will learn about health care directives; financial powers of attorney; guardianships; conservatorships; Medicaid eligibility for nursing home expenses; avoiding financial exploitation and elder abuse; nursing home residents' rights; and programs to help pay Medicare premiums and other health care costs.

Pre-registration by Oct. 22 is requested to ensure everybody receives the written seminar materials.
To register for the seminar, or for more information, call the Legal Hotline for Older Iowans at (800) 992-8161 or email landerson@iowalaw.org.

 SOURCE:       The Hawk Eye
__________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources

Settlement to Fund Elder Abuse Awareness Effort in Long-Term-Care Facilities (CA. USA)

NEWS RELEASE
UCI experts will train staff and support nursing home residents
— Orange, Calif., April 27, 2012

UC Irvine staff will provide training and support related to elder neglect and abuse awareness in Orange County nursing homes under the settlement terms of a class-action lawsuit alleging inadequate staffing at 22 long-term-care facilities in California.
Training will be handled by UC Irvine’s Elder Abuse Forensic Center and funded by a $375,000 grant from the trustee of the $62.8 million settlement in Vinnie Lavender et al. v. Skilled Healthcare Group Inc. et al.
“This grant allows us to fill a need that has distressed us for years – the recognition and integration of the needs of vulnerable older adults in long-term care into all aspects of our work,” said Kerry Burnight, Ph.D., associate professor of family medicine at UC Irvine and co-director of the Elder Abuse Forensic Center.
The funding is intended to:

1.    Train professionals who interact with nursing home residents to identify and prevent elder abuse and neglect;
2.    Provide resources and support to elder abuse victims and their loved ones; and
3.    Furnish direct services to residents of long-term-care facilities through the Elder Abuse Forensic Center.
Orange County’s long-term-care ombudsman’s office annually receives approximately 3,000 complaints ranging from dissatisfaction over cold food to allegations of sexual abuse. At least 30,000 county residents live in about 1,000 nursing homes. In addition, Orange County Adult Protective Services gets more than 4,000 reports a year of elder abuse.

Burnight said that UCI’s Elder Abuse Forensic Center team – comprising a gerontologist, geriatrician, geropsychologist and elder abuse prevention coordinator – will train staff and administrators in Orange County’s 78 skilled-nursing facilities and 930 assisted-living facilities. The team also will train the county’s 76 volunteer ombudsmen on aging issues and how to detect and report elder abuse and neglect.
“The sad fact is that elder abuse is a common phenomenon that more often than not goes undetected and underreported,” said Dr. Laura Mosqueda, chair of UC Irvine’s Department of Family Medicine, director of the geriatrics program and Ronald Reagan Chair in Geriatrics. “Millions of older Americans are abused each year, and many die as a result, often in the most deplorable conditions one can imagine.”
Abuse can be financial or physical or stem from neglect, she said, with many seniors suffering multiple types.
Mosqueda and the faculty and staff of UC Irvine’s Program in Geriatrics spearheaded the nation’s first Elder Abuse Forensic Center in 2003. It aids victims of elder and dependent-adult abuse and brings together legal, medical, social services and law enforcement experts to better understand, identify and treat such abuse; help prevent it; and determine more efficient ways to successfully prosecute offenders.
In September 2011, the U.S. Administration on Aging designated UC Irvine’s Program in Geriatrics as the site of the National Center on Elder Abuse, the country’s authority on elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. UC Irvine serves as a clearinghouse of practical information to support federal, state and local efforts to prevent, identify and effectively respond to elder abuse.
The class action lawsuit against Skilled Healthcare Group Inc. alleged that the nursing homes chain’s failure to meet California’s minimum staffing requirements led to several wrongful deaths. The defendants deny these charges.

 SOURCE:      Today UCI

_____________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources

(CDAA) 2012 National Elder Abuse Symposium

 California District Attorneys Association (CDAA) 2012 National Elder Abuse Symposium (December 4-7)
Submitted by SaraM on Tue, 03/27/2012
Dates: December 4-7, 2012

Location:  Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA
Guest Speakers (and more to be announced):
Paul Greenwood, San Diego County Deputy District Attorney
Bob Nichols, Retired Marin County Deputy District Attorney
Chayo Reyes, Retired LAPD Detective
Gael Strack, Chief Executive Officer, National Family Justice Center Alliance
William M. Green, M.D., Medical Director of California Clinical Forensic Medical Training Center
Scott Modell, Ph.D., Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities – Tennessee
Training Topics to Include:
•    Legal Update & Elder Abuse Trends
•    Common Medical Issues in Aging
•    Competency & Capacity
•    HIPAA and you!
•    Common Civil Issues in Aging 
•    Conservatorships/PC 1368 
•    Common Elder Thefts and Scams – Law Enforcement Investigations
•    Victims with Developmental Disabilities 
•    Elder and Dependent Adult Sex Crimes
•    Domestic Violence
•    Undue Influence /Consent
•    Elder and Dependent Adult Nursing Home Crimes – State Enforcement Units
•    The Conditional Exam  
•    Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
•    Family Justice Centers
•    Elder Abuse Homicides
•    Restitution and Financial Crime Prosecution
•    BASIC Investigations: Crime Scenes, Outside Agencies, Collecting Records Medical/Financial
•    White Collar Crimes
•    Charging & Sentencing Issues
•    Power Against Fraud - Communities Against Senior Exploitation C.A.S.E.
•    Working with APS and other Agencies
•    Starting an Elder Abuse Unit and Toolbox
•    Elder Abuse Teambuilding: MDT’s, EDiRTs, CCRs, EJCs, and Community Involvement

 SOURCE:      NCALL
_______________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources

UnitingCare Community Elder Abuse National Conference 2012 (QLD. AUSTRALIA)

Elder Abuse is not a new phenomenon, however it is one that is now gaining a great deal more momentum and interest as people live longer and quality of life is higher than in past generations.  This creation of the 'old old' generation has meant that people need their assets to sustain them and provide for their care as they become frail and increasingly dependent on care.
The conference is being held to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a United Nations endorsed day aimed at raising awareness of elder abuse and the issues associated that impact on older people and their community
The two-day conference, on June 7-8 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, is being held to provide information about innovative research and strategies currently used to address elder abuse and prevention. The conference will also stimulate discussion to generate ideas and identify aspects of service delivery that need to be improved.
This conference is supported by the Australian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (ANPEA).

Conference cost
Early Bird Registration - Closes 1 May 2012                          
Single Day   $225/person

Standard Registration - Closes 29 May 2012
Single Day   $275/person
Conference Dinner (7 June 2012)        
$100

SOURCE:   UCCOMMUNITY.org.au

___________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources

Elder Abuse Prevention Event (WA. AUSTRALIA)

Elder Abuse Prevention
Event Date
29 Feb 12

Event Location
Gary Holland Community Centre
1st Floor, Multi-purpose Room
19 Kent Street
Rockingham

Event Summary
This education session will provide participants with an understanding of how to recognise, respond to or potentially prevent Elder Abuse.  An experienced Advocare presenter will discuss human rights, provide a definition and examples of Elder Abuse, explain how Advocare works, explore what to do if Elder Abuse is experienced, witnessed or suspected and provide strategies for preventing mistreatment.
Event Details
Time:  9.30am - 11.30am
Cost:  FREE
Morning tea will be provided.
Please contact Kirstie Pink on 9528 0407 to register your attendance.

SOURCE:   The Rockingham
_______________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search LABELS for More Resources

Elder Abuse Prevention Strategy - training opportunity FREE to HACC Agencies (AUSTRALIA)

Elder Abuse Prevention Strategy - training opportunity FREE to HACC agencies

By Mia

24/08/2011

Please note that the Elder Abuse Prevention Training scheduled in the Northern HACC Training Calendar is fully booked.

Training opportunities are still available (free of charge) at Victoria University, Melbourne campus – see attached for more details.

TRAINING DATES AND LOCATION
Thursday 8 September 2011
Tuesday 20 September 2011
Thursday 6 October 2011
Tuesday 25 October 2011
Thursday 10 November 2011
Tuesday 15 November 2011
Thursday 24 November 2011
Tuesday 29 November 2011
Thursday 8 December 2011

Victoria University is facilitating 2 workshops as part of the Northern HACC Training Jul – Dec 2011 Calendar (attached)

Workshop 1 – Recognise & Respond in situations of elder abuse (pre-requisite to workshop 2)
Wednesday 7th September
Who should attend:  All HACC workers & direct care workforce

Workshop 2 – Recognise, Respond & Assess in situations of elder abuse
Thursday 6th October
Who should attend:  supervisors, team leaders, line managers & others in a lead role

See attached for more details.

SOURCE:    The North East Primary Care Partnership


_________________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources

Doctors Trained to Spot and Report Elderly Financial Victimization (USA)

Tackling Investment Swindles of Seniors as a Medical Problem: 24 Securities Regulators Across U.S. To Train Doctors To Spot & Report Elderly Financial Victimization

22 States, D.C. & Puerto Rico Unveil Joint Nationwide Effort by Investor Protection Trust, State Securities Regulators, Adult Protective Services Professionals, Medical Experts.

AL, CA, CO, DE, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, NE, NC, NJ, NM, OK, OR, PA, TN, UT VT, WA, DC and Puerto Rico to Participate in Grassroots-Level Outreach to Docs, Other Medical Professionals.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2010 

PRNewswire-USNewswire

With new medical research showing that more than a third of Americans over the age of 71 having mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease that make them particularly susceptible to investment swindles and other financial abuse, 24 securities regulators have joined in a major national "Elder Investment Fraud and Financial Exploitation Prevention Program".  The unprecedented effort will educate thousands of U.S. medical professionals about how to spot older Americans who may be particularly vulnerable to investment fraud abuse and then to refer these at-risk patients to state securities regulators and adult services professionals.

ABOUT THE GROUPS

The Investor Protection Trust (http://www.investorprotection.org) is a nonprofit organization devoted to investor education. The primary mission of IPT is to provide independent, objective information needed by consumers to make informed investment decisions. Founded in 1993 as part of a multi-state settlement to resolve charges of misconduct, IPT serves as an independent source of unbiased and non-commercial investor education materials. IPT operates programs under its own auspices and uses grants to underwrite important investor education and protection initiatives carried out by other organizations. The IPT provides investor education at both the state and national levels.

The Investor Protection Institute (http://www.protectinvestors.org) is a nonprofit organization that promotes investor protection by conducting and supporting research and education programs.

NASAA (http://www.nasaa.org) is the oldest international organization devoted to investor protection. Its membership consists of the securities administrators in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada andMexico.

The National Adult Protective Services Association (http://www.apsnetwork.org) is a national non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization with members in all fifty states, including the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. It was formed in 1989 to provide state Adult Protective Services (APS) program administrators and staff, who are the first responders to abused elders and younger adults with disabilities, with a forum for sharing information, solving problems and improving the quality of services for these vulnerable victims.

MEDIA CONTACT: Ailis Wolf, for IPT and IPI, (703) 276-3265 or aawolf@hastingsgroup.com.

EDITOR'S NOTE:  A streaming audio recording of the news event will be available on the Web as of 4 p.m. EST on November 17, 2010 at http://www.investorprotection.org.

SOURCE Investor Protection Trust, Investor Protection Institute and National Adult Protective Services Association

Abridged
SOURCE:   The PR Newswire

_________________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources

Information For Elders (AUSTRALIA)

By Laura Wakely

19th October 2010

BETWEEN one and five per cent of Victorians aged over 65 years will experience some form of elder abuse.
But senior residents will have the opportunity to learn how to protect their rights at a free session in Wallan tomorrow afternoon.
Seniors Rights Victoria will hold the “Know and Protect Your Rights” information session to give senior residents a better understanding of the types of elder abuse as well as information on the free and confidential helpline, advocacy and legal services available to seniors.

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, elder abuse is any act that occurs within a relationship where there is an implication of trust, which results in harm to an older person.
Ovens and King Community Health Elder Abuse Prevention Strategy project officer Debbie Hogg said the session was important for seniors and their families to attend.
“Elder abuse is still very taboo as a subject and as such it is very under-reported,” Ms Hogg said.
“The sessions we are running are to increase the awareness (of elder abuse).”
The “Know and Protect Your Rights” information session will run from 2pm to 3pm on the 20 October at the Wallan Multi-Purpose Centre.
For details contact Debbie Hogg, at Ovens and King Community Health Service on 5723 2041.

SOURCE:    The Star News Group

____________________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources

First Canadian Elder Abuse Training and Information Forum

RCMP members participate in first Canadian Elder Abuse Training and Information Forum

10/19/2010

 by mySteinbach.ca

On October 25 and 26, law enforcement, older adults, service providers and professionals from across Canada will come together, in Winnipeg, for the first Canadian Elder Abuse Training and Information Forum.

It is recognized that only one in five incidents of elder abuse comes to the attention of those that can help. This is an unprecedented opportunity for training on new and promising approaches in recognizing, responding and preventing abuse of older adults. Sessions will focus on training delegates on screening, assessment and prevention tools, including intergenerational opportunities to engage youth in elder abuse prevention.

Law enforcement alone cannot solve the problem.  This event will provide an opportunity for multidisciplinary dialogue, recognizing that an interprofessional approach to elder abuse prevention is key.  The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are committed to working with government and community partners across Canada to raise awareness of abuse of older adults and increase capacity in elder abuse response, investigation and prevention, leading to safer families and communities for all ages.

The event will be held at the Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Avenue. For more information on the Canadian Elder Abuse Training and Information Forum, please contact Age & Opportunity at 204-956-6440 or ageopportunity.mb.ca.

SOURCE:    MySteinbach.ca
________________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources

LaSalette Hosts Conference on Elder Abuse

LaSalette hosts conference on elder abuse

BY DAVID LINTON

SUN CHRONICLE STAFF

October 13, 2010

A conference to learn about ways to detect and prevent elder abuse will be held Oct. 21 at the LaSalette Welcome Center on Route 118.

The conference, sponsored by Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter and the Attleboro Council on Aging, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon.

The event is free.

To attend, registrations are encouraged and can be made by contacting Cecelia Porche at the district attorney's office at 508-961-1984. A sign language interpreter will be available.

There has been an increase in serious elder abuse cases and Sutter says he is committed to providing elders, caretakers and providers with prevention information to combat it. Prosecutors from the office will discuss the many different forms of elder abuse.

Second Assistant District Attorney Paul Machado will speak about identity fraud, financial exploitation and scams. Second Assistant District Attorney Silvia Rudman will speak about neglect, physical, sexual and psychological abuse.

Elders and other conference attendees will learn how to recognize warning signs of abuse, how to report abuse, how cases are prosecuted, tips to prevent abuse and victim rights.

In addition, presentations will be made by the following experts:

Mary Richardson, former WCVB-TV anchor and now liaison for Caritas Health Care will conduct the welcome address followed by remarks from Sutter.

Noelle Merchant of the State 911 Department will talk about the enhanced 911 telephone system, calling tips and other services. Lucilia Prates from the Senior Medicare Patrol will speak about empowering seniors to prevent healthcare fraud.

Bristol County Register of Probate Gina DeRossi will discuss what services are offered at the Registry of Probate and Family Court, which include wills, guardianships, restraining orders and other matters.

Community resource tables will be at the conference and staffed by representatives from the following organizations: Bristol Elder Services, New Hope, Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Attleboro TRIAD, Senior Medicare Patrol, Next Monitoring, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security/State 911 Department, Senior Whole Health, Office of the Attorney General Consumer Mediation Program, South Coastal Counties Legal Services, and more.

Representatives will be available to provide information and answer questions about their organization and the services they offer.

SOURCE:    The Sun Chronicle


_____________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources

Workshop Targets Common Problem of Elder Abuse (CANADA)

Workshop targets common problem of elder abuse

By Angelica Blenich

The topic of elder abuse awareness has been brought to the forefront of Canadian issues thanks to the help of a national media campaign that includes TV commercials.

With a significant aging population, Haliburton County is no exception to the strain and toll elder abuse can take on a senior's family and friends.

According to the Haliburton Kawartha Lakes Elder Abuse Prevention Network, made up of a group of community service partners from the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County, there are four types of abuse including physical, emotional, financial and neglect.

Defined as an action or inaction that causes harm to an older adult or jeopardizes his or her health or welfare, abuse is typically caused by a family member, friend, paid caregiver, or professional financial, legal or healthcare provider.

On Oct. 19, the province of Ontario is recognizing this issue with elder abuse awareness day.

In an effort to educate the public the network, in conjunction with the Haliburton County Home Builders Association, is hosting a free community workshop on protecting yourself against frauds and scams on Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Haliburton Legion.

Abridged
SOURCE:    The HaliburtonEcho.ca


________________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources

Elder Abuse Task Force Holding Workshop on Campus (USA)

Elder Abuse Task Force holding workshop on campus
09-10-10

The Elder Abuse Task Force of Luzerne and Wyoming Counties, in conjunction with the Ethics Institute of Northeastern Pennsylvania at Misericordia University, is sponsoring the program, “Elder Abuse Issues for Health Care Professionals,’’ on Oct. 14 from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. in the Catherine Evans McGowan Room of the Mary Kintz Bevevino Library at Misericordia University.

Guest speakers for the program include: Ronald W. Costen, Ph.D., J.D., professor of sociology, Temple University College of Health Professions and Social Work, who is also the director of Temple University’s Institute on Protective Services. Nicholas D. Giordano, M.S., M.D., C.M.D., director of medical education and chairman of the End of Life/Palliative Care Committee. He is also president of the Luzerne County Medical Society and president of the Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Task Force for Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Rebecca May-Cole is the executive director of the Pennsylvania Behavioral Health and Aging. Charles Zola, Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy and ethics at Mount Saint Mary College, and co-chair of the Elder Abuse Task Force of Luzerne and Wyoming Counties.

To register for the program, please call the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Area Agency on Aging at (570) 822-1158 (ext. 2317) or e-mail jmcanally@aging.luzerne-wyoming.org. The program is eligible for continuing education credits for social work and contact hours for nurses. There is a fee for the program.

The Elder Abuse Task Force of Luzerne and Wyoming Counties was formed in 2008 under the leadership of state representatives Phyllis Mundy and Karen Boback. It is dedicated to reducing the number of elderly victims through prevention, education, identification and prosecution of elder abuse. It is co-chaired by the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Area Agency on Aging and the Ethics Institute of NEPA at Misericordia University.

The task force works collaboratively with the Institute on Protective Services at Temple University and local community leaders to design programs that raise awareness of elder abuse. Since its inception, the task force has sponsored informational workshops on elder care abuse and elder sexual assault for health care professionals and law enforcement officials.

For more information on the task force and the fall workshop, please log on to www.elderabusetaskforce.org, or call the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Area Agency at (570) 822-1158 or the Ethics Institute of NEPA at Misericordia University at (570) 674-6201.

The Ethics Institute of NEPA at Misericordia University was established in 1987 by Sister Siena Finley, RSM, and a group of community professionals and leaders from the Wyoming Valley who wished to foster more dialogue on ethical issues affecting the region. It is an institute directed by regional leaders and educators who are committed to the discussion of ethical issues both theoretical and practical. The institute encourages responsible ethical action through informed rational deliberation and it facilitates the process in the academic community as well as in the community at large through special workshops and forums.

Ethics Institute of NEPA at Misericordia University board members are Howard Grossman, executive director, Jewish Family Service; Kim Koehl, Leadership Wilkes-Barre; Kristine Pruett, director of operations, graduate education, Wilkes University; Rosemary Sigmond, liaison, Board of Trustees, Misericordia University; Robert Yanoshak, M.D., Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center; attorney Joseph Cosgrove, Margarita Rose, Ph.D., professor of economics, King’s College; Gary Mrozinski, dean of business and technologies, Luzerne County Community College; Sally McGuire, director, Continuing Education at Penn State Hazleton, Sister Bernadette Duross, RSM, executive director of the Ethics Institute; and Charles Zola, Ph.D., Mount Saint Mary College, assistant professor of philosophy.

For more information about the Ethics Institute, please contact Sister Bernadette at (570) 674-1449 or log on to www.misericordia.edu/ethics. For more information about Misericordia University, please log on to www.misericordia.edu or call (570) 674-6400.

SOURCE:     MISERICORDIA.EDU
_________________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources

Turning E.V. Seniors Into Computer Sleuths (AZ USA)

Turning E.V. seniors into computer sleuths

MIKE SAKAL, TRIBUNE

March 24, 2010

At 77, Sun Lakes resident Marc Ross is learning how to use a computer and he wants to protect himself from Internet scams and viruses that may find their way into his e-mail box.

So he became a Senior Sleuth.

Ross was among more than 30 seniors who attended Attorney General Terry Goddard’s Senior Anti-Crime University’s Senior Sleuth program Wednesday at the Sun Lakes Center of Chandler-Gilbert Community College. The program provides tips and advice to avoid becoming a crime victim.

The topics ranged from simple personal safety issues such as not letting unsolicited, unknown people into your home to high-tech fraud schemes that might find their way in via personal computers.

“I’m just starting to use a computer, so I wanted to learn some information that would be important to know when getting on the Internet,” said Ross. “I found this program very helpful and received some valuable information. Now, I can go home and tell my wife what I learned.”

Law enforcement officials say seniors are sometimes isolated from their families and more vulnerable to scams and other crimes such as identity theft. They more freely provide personal information over the phone to someone posing as an IRS agent, a charity or even a representative of a bank, authorities say.

“Never give out your personal information over the phone,” said Bob Brown, who retired from the Pinal County Attorney Office’s Elder Abuse Task Force and is now teaching seniors in Senior Sleuth programs across the state.

“No government agency such as the IRS will ask you for personal information over the phone,” Brown said. “They already have it. “No bank will notify you over the Internet that your account is in jeopardy or possibly will be closed and ask to enter your account number and other personal information and e-mail it back to them.”

“No government agency such as the IRS will ask you for personal information over the phone,” Brown said. “They already have it. “No bank will notify you over the Internet that your account is in jeopardy or possibly will be closed and ask to enter your account number and other personal information and e-mail it back to them.”

For protection against viruses and scammers, Brown suggested purchasing spyware from a reputable computer or electronics store and installing firewall software to help avoid problems.

“By opening e-mails and communicating only with people you know or regularly correspond with, it greatly reduces your chances of encountering problems on the computer or being contacted by someone running a scam,” Brown said.

During another class about identity theft protection, Tom Reade, unit chief of the Attorney General’s Crime, Fraud and Victim Resource Center, told seniors that 95 percent of mail theft is liked to identity theft. Document shredders can help alleviate the threat of dumpster divers going through trash and stealing discarded mail.

Mary Kaye Allen, director of the Sun Lakes Center, said there hasn’t been a problem with crimes in the retirement community. But she said she decided to schedule the program because continuing education in crime prevention is important for any age.

“I’m interested in the well-being of our community,” Allen said. “Sometimes older people don’t have much social contact and these scammers come along and take advantage of them. We can’t grow old alone, we must be a community.”

Become a Senior Sleuth
What: Attorney General Terry Goddard’s Senior Anti-Crime University’s Senior Sleuth Program
When: May 19, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Paradise Valley Senior Center, 17402 N. 40th St., Phoenix


To Register online, go to: www.azag.gov/seniors/sleuths/sacu.html or call (602) 542-2124.


SOURCE:    EasyValleyTribune

__________________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources

Elder Abuse Workshop Offers Strategies, Details Rights (ON. CANADA)

March 16, 2010

BY JACKIE HAYES

Elder abuse has been called the hidden crime. Eighty per cent of the cases of older adults who experience some form of abuse or neglect from someone they trust or rely on go undetected.

Most are women of all cultures, social background and religion, who are widowed and live alone. Possible signs of physical abuse are bruises, broken bones, burns or unattended medical needs. Weight loss, poor hygiene or withdrawal from normal activities can be indications of emotional abuse.

A sudden change in finances might indicate misuse or theft of property and money, usually by a family member, friend or health provider. The stress of being in an abusive situation can shorten their lives by several years.

The Waterloo Region Committee on Elder Abuse and the Waterloo Region Elder Abuse response team is sponsoring a full-day community workshop, designed for health and social service providers, faith and cultural groups and legal services. It will be held Friday, April 9 at the Waterloo Cambridge Police Association in Cambridge.

“We will be discussing elder rights in a legal framework, managing high-risk situations and prevention strategies,” said Arlene Groh, elder abuse restorative justice consultant.

Laura Watts, national director of the Canadian Centre for Elder Law, will talk about elder rights and issues of law and aging in Canada.

Lisa Nerenberg, a consultant in elder abuse prevention, will focus on emerging trends and promising strategies for preventing this abuse.

The morning sessions will conclude with a talk by Judith Wahl on the legal framework for managing high risk situations. Judith, recipient of the 2008 Distinguished Service Award from the Ontario Bar Association, is the chief executive officer of the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly. She consults on issues affecting the rights of older adults and elder law.

After lunch, Lisa will again lead a discussion on ways to prevent elder abuse. Following her session, Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran will be joined by Briana Zur and Dr. Christopher Patterson in a panel discussion on Active Aging in an Age Friendly Community.

Briana is an occupational therapist who specializes in geriatric services with Waterloo Wellington CCAC. She is also a doctoral student in the graduate program in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Western Ontario.

Dr. Patterson is a professor in the department of medicine, faculty of health sciences, McMaster University, and chief of geriatric services at Hamilton Health Sciences. Dr. Patterson and Briana will be joined by Judith Wahl and Lisa Nerenberg for the closing panel discussion.

The Harmony Interactive Drama Troupe, a group of senior volunteers who are committed to raising awareness about elder abuse and restorative justice with action theatre, will also be participating in the workshop. They perform dramatic skits illustrating incidences of elder abuse.

Registration closes April 15. Cost is $75 (April 9 early bird fee is $60). For further information, call Marie Kaal at 519-772-8787.

SOURCE:    The Record
________________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources

Elder Abuse Task Force Offering Program on Financial Fraud (PA. USA)

Misericordia, Elder Abuse Task Force offering program on financial fraud

February 2, 2010

Two free programs on ‘Protecting Yourself from Elder Financial Fraud: Don’t Become a Victim!’ will take place from 10 a.m.-noon and 6-8 p.m. March 8 in Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall at Misericordia University, Dallas. The snow date is March 10.

The programs are being sponsored by the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Elder Abuse Task Force of Pennsylvania and co-chaired by the Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne-Wyoming Counties and the Ethics Institute of Northeastern Pennsylvania at Misericordia University. The identical sessions will feature guest speakers attorney Ronald Costen, Ph.D., the director of the Pennsylvania Institute on Protective Services at Temple University; attorney Brenda Colbert of Marshall, Parker & Associates, which specializes in elder law and estate planning, and representatives from the Pennsylvania State Police and Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. To register, call 822-1 158 by March 1.

Lunch will be served following the noon workshop and light refreshments will be available at the evening session. For more information visit http://www.elderabusetaskforce.org.

SOURCE:      TIMES LEADER.COM
_________________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources

Elder Abuse Task Force Hosting 2 Free Workshops in March (PA. USA)

01-14-10

The workshops are being held March 8 at MU.

The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Elder Abuse Task Force of Pennsylvania, co-chaired by the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Area Agency on Aging and the Ethics Institute of Northeastern Pennsylvania at Misericordia University, is hosting two free elder financial abuse education programs, “Protecting Yourself from Elder Financial Fraud: Don’t Become a Victim!,’’ on Monday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Misericordia University.

The identical sessions feature guest speakers Ronald Costen, Ph.D. Esq., the director of the Pennsylvania Institute on Protective Services at Temple University; Brenda Colbert, Esq., of Marshall, Parker & Associates, which specializes in elder law and estate planning, and representatives from the Pennsylvania State Police and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.

The program is being held in Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall at Misericordia University. Snow date for the program is Wednesday, March 10. To register, please call (570) 822-1158. Lunch will be served following the noon workshop and light refreshments will be available at the evening program. Deadline for registration is March 1.

For more information on the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Elder Abuse Task Force and the spring workshop, please log on to www.elderabusetaskforce.org, or call the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Area Agency at (570) 822-1158 or the Ethics Institute of Northeastern Pennsylvania at Misericordia University at (570) 674-6201.

Abridged
SOURCE:    The MiseriCordia
_______________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources

Elder Abuse Alliance Preps Clergy Training Program (PA. USA)

BY DUSTIN PANGONIS (STAFF WRITER)

January 9, 2010

A county group wants to enlist clergy as counselors to help combat elder abuse in Schuylkill County.

The Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance will offer training sessions to local clergy as part of its effort to train groups that have daily involvement with senior citizens.

"Our goal is to meet with the clergy to advise them how we think they can identify, report, and hopefully prevent elder abuse in Schuylkill County," Alliance Chairman Eric Mika said at the group's Friday meeting at Providence Place, 2200 First Ave., Pottsville.

Mika said the Alliance has previously offered training sessions to three other target groups that often deal with the elderly: law enforcement, financial services and medical professionals.

Monsignor William F. Glosser, alliance member and pastor at St. Clare of Assisi, Saint Clair, said a presentation will be held at the Schuylkill Deanery of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown's meeting Feb. 10.

Abridged

SOURCE:    The Republican Herald

________________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources

GCCA Tackles Elder Abuse Issues (WV. USA)

GCCA tackles elder abuse issues

By Tina Alvey
Register-Herald reporter

October 20, 2009

As the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department has focused more resources on the problem of child abuse, public awareness has risen, meaning abusers have been exposed and victims have received help.

The Greenbrier County Committee on Aging hopes to shine that same sanitizing light onto the lesser-publicized problem of elder abuse.

“Several months ago, we identified elder abuse as an issue we thought we could help with,” says Gloria Martin, vice president of the GCCA board of directors. “I read about two particularly horrific cases in the paper — one about a Greenbrier County woman who died and the other a Fayette County case that brought about changes in the law.”

As the former executive director of the Family Refuge Center in Lewisburg, Martin has extensive experience in helping victims of domestic abuse, although she notes few of the FRC’s clients are elderly.

The committee on aging formed a subcommittee to study the elder abuse issue and come up with an action plan. Meeting monthly, the subcommittee includes Catherine Hill, Joan Browning, Vicki Dove, Mary Jo Sharp and Martin. In addition, representatives from Adult Protective Services, the Greenbrier County Prosecutor’s office, the sheriff’s department and the FRC have attended at least some of the subcommittee sessions.

“Our first project is putting together a training piece for people who work with the elderly,” Martin says. “It will help the caregivers to identify abuse and neglect and take them to the next step — offering assistance to victims and knowing who to call to get that help.”

Martin expects the GCCA to begin offering the training in late winter or early spring 2010.

“This winter, we will contact area nursing homes to set up a schedule for the training,” Martin notes. “We will take the training to them; they won’t have to leave their work site to get this information. And we’ll visit each site more than once, so we can reach all the staff, regardless of what shift they work.”

The GCCA is in the process of securing eligibility for continuing education credits for those who take the anticipated two-hour training course.

“We also need to get a better handle on the financial issues involved in some cases of elder abuse,” Martin points out. “We’re doing our best to educate ourselves so we’re in a position to talk about this issue in an intelligent way.”
Abridged
SOURCE:   The Register Herald, West Virginia, USA
___________________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources

Care Staff Courses to Raise Awareness of Malnutrition (UK)

October 15th, 2009

Two charities working with older people have launched training courses for care staff to make them more aware of the danger of malnutrition, particularly among people with dementia. Age Concern and Help the Aged say the series of one-day courses have been designed to tackle what is a growing problem.

The charities say malnutrition is under-recognised and under-treated and about 1.3 million people over 65 are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. The problem affects almost 1 in 3 adults admitted to care homes and it is estimated that a quarter of the cost of caring for people with dementia may be attributable to the time that carers spend helping with eating and drinking.

The care staff courses, which are being supported by an educational grant from health care company Abbott Nutrition, will build on training, which the organisations have delivered for some time. They have been designed to meet the need for a tailored education programme for older people being looked after in community care and nursing homes.

Andrew Harrop, Head of Public Policy at Age Concern and Help the Aged, said: “Although it seems like a straightforward thing, ensuring people have food and drink, in addition to assessing individual’s nutritional needs, is an integral part of care.” Janet Stelling, Project Manager from Abbott Nutrition, said the programme would run until March next year and would train about 320 operational and managerial staff in care homes and day centres.

SOURCE:   The Public Net, UK
__________________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources

Flder Financial Abuse to be Focus of Seminar ( USA)

Kirk Bonamici, C.P.A., a resident of Spotswood, and his daughter, Megan Bonamici, a junior at Monroe Township High School, will present a seminar titled "Recognizing and Preventing Elder Financial Abuse" at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Monroe Township Office on Aging in the Monroe Township Municipal Building, Perrineville Road.

The seminar will focus on ways elders can be financially exploited, how to avoid such a fate and what to do if one has been financially abused. In addition, time will be allotted for discussion of real-world examples of abuse for the purpose of compiling anecdotal evidence to be shared with the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.

Admission is free of charge, but seating is limited.

SOURCE: EBS.GM NEWS

------------------------------------------------------

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources