Often the process of removing a victim of elder abuse from an abusive situation, can take a long time.
The case of Clara Fernandez (USA) is still going through the legal system. The drain on Clara is not only financial. What about the stress on her and her family. How do we quantify the effect of this long process on the victim and her family?
What about the mental health of the victims? Who is going to provide the support and counseling needed?
The same questions can be asked about another victim (in Australia) – that of Frank Punito (not his real name). Frank is now removed from the abusive situation. He no longer wants to see his adult children/abusers. He is all alone at the age of 77. He has said recently, that he is “losing interest in everything”.
The added tragedy in the case of Frank Punito , is that, he is not receiving any government funded care packages; therefore there is nothing in place to assist him to “recover” from such a horrific experience.
What about the shame and loss of pride and dignity?
How can we assist victims? A question not easily answered; and one that politicians do not want to know.
If you have any ideas please let us know.
November 2, 2007
November 1, 2007
Carers’ Wellbeing Lowest on Record - Australia
Carer Health and Wellbeing Research Report
In partnership with Australian Unity and Deakin University, Carers Australia has released the findings of the largest ever survey into the health and wellbeing of Australian carers. The special report titled The Wellbeing of Australians: Carer Health and Wellbeing builds on the work of the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index which measures satisfaction with life. Carers have been found to have the lowest wellbeing of any large group ever recorded by the Index.
(Click here to download the report (1MB)
Carers Australia CEO Joan Hughes was not surprised by the findings.
“We know from previous research that the health and wellbeing of carers is compromised as a result of their caring role,” Ms Hughes said. “However, this study quantifies it in a way that has never been achieved before on a scale that has never been attempted before. The results are incredibly disturbing.
“It also quantifies the impact that the financial strain many carers are under has on their wellbeing. Many had such high levels of worry about being able to pay their household expenses that it was having a clear impact on their wellbeing.
SOME KEY POINTS FROM THIS RESEARCH:
• The findings in this report come from the largest ever survey into the health and wellbeing of Australian carers
• Carers have been found to have the lowest collective wellbeing of any group yet discovered
• More than one third of carers were found to be severely or extremely severely depressed
• More than one third of carers were found to be experiencing severe or extreme stress
• The findings in this report indicate that caring could be one of the leading causes of depression in Australia
• Caring does not get easier with time and wellbeing levels appear to stabilise after two years in a caring role
• Caring compounds the effect of any other variable that leads to reduced wellbeing.
Anyone, any time could be a carer
You don’t have to care on your own.To learn more about the services and support available to you contact your nearest carers association on 1800 242 636* or visit http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/
Source: Carers Australia
----------------------------
I have written before, on the importance of supporting our carers. The report findings were not a surprise to the carers, or others who know about their work. Additionally, carers' fatigue has been cited by some as a cause of abuse. We should have empathy; and work towards, not only highlighting carers' plight, but also to support and call for more funding and support services for this important group in our society.
In partnership with Australian Unity and Deakin University, Carers Australia has released the findings of the largest ever survey into the health and wellbeing of Australian carers. The special report titled The Wellbeing of Australians: Carer Health and Wellbeing builds on the work of the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index which measures satisfaction with life. Carers have been found to have the lowest wellbeing of any large group ever recorded by the Index.
(Click here to download the report (1MB)
Carers Australia CEO Joan Hughes was not surprised by the findings.
“We know from previous research that the health and wellbeing of carers is compromised as a result of their caring role,” Ms Hughes said. “However, this study quantifies it in a way that has never been achieved before on a scale that has never been attempted before. The results are incredibly disturbing.
“It also quantifies the impact that the financial strain many carers are under has on their wellbeing. Many had such high levels of worry about being able to pay their household expenses that it was having a clear impact on their wellbeing.
SOME KEY POINTS FROM THIS RESEARCH:
• The findings in this report come from the largest ever survey into the health and wellbeing of Australian carers
• Carers have been found to have the lowest collective wellbeing of any group yet discovered
• More than one third of carers were found to be severely or extremely severely depressed
• More than one third of carers were found to be experiencing severe or extreme stress
• The findings in this report indicate that caring could be one of the leading causes of depression in Australia
• Caring does not get easier with time and wellbeing levels appear to stabilise after two years in a caring role
• Caring compounds the effect of any other variable that leads to reduced wellbeing.
Anyone, any time could be a carer
You don’t have to care on your own.To learn more about the services and support available to you contact your nearest carers association on 1800 242 636* or visit http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/
Source: Carers Australia
----------------------------
I have written before, on the importance of supporting our carers. The report findings were not a surprise to the carers, or others who know about their work. Additionally, carers' fatigue has been cited by some as a cause of abuse. We should have empathy; and work towards, not only highlighting carers' plight, but also to support and call for more funding and support services for this important group in our society.
October 31, 2007
Causes of Under Reporting of Elder Abuse
‘Elder Abuse in Western Australia’
Report of a Survey Conducted for
The Department For Community Development – Seniors’ Interests
June 2002
Professor Duncan Boldy
Mr Mathew Webb
Ms Barbara Horner
Ms Margaret Davey
And Ms Beth Kingsley
Freemasons Centre For Research Into Aged Care Services
(incorporating the TG Smith Dementia Research And Development Unit)
When asked why they thought abuse might be unreported and what they thought were the main causes of abuse, responses can be grouped under three perspectives, namely that of:
• the older person being abused;
• those abusing; and
• health professionals.
The older person abused
Loyalty to the family and fear of the consequences, were seen as major reasons for nonreporting by those abused, with some respondents referring to fears of being abandoned or “put into a home”. The dependency of the older person on the abuser(s) came through as a strong theme, related to both non-reporting and the main causes of abuse. One respondent stated “Specifically – has no other alternative to avoid the situation”. There were comments suggesting that the person abused was unable to make decisions or voice their needs because of dementia, poor self image, or even felt that “I deserve this, I am a burden”. Other comments referred to the reluctance of an abused person to change the situation, and the likelihood that such a person might ‘renege’ on any changes that were instigated.
Person abusing
Comments highlighted the lack of social and network support for abusers, lack of more suitable alternative accommodation, ‘family culture’, and in one case that there was an “obligation to care with no understanding of dementia or services”. Respondents felt that the main cause for abuse from the abuser’s perspective was due to the stress of caring.
Other causes mentioned included greed, financial difficulty and lack of support. One response maintained that it was a “punitive response to ageing and disease”. A lack of supervision and a feeling that the caring was all too much, came across strongly with one respondent giving as an example that the “carer was trying to do it all – a martyr”.
Several stated that intergenerational conflict was a factor, with a controlling element being identified in some cases.
Health professionals
The reasons given as to why health professionals fail to report elder abuse included such cynical comments as “Does it matter – money will eventually be the daughter’s”, “look the other way, it’ll go away” and “too hard basket”. Some were considered to be frustrated by the lack of anonymity for the reporter and because it was hard to pin down the variables related to abuse. There was felt to be a concern that it was unsafe to report abuse because there would be repercussions for the person being abused, or that the agency may actually cancel services. There was considered to be a reluctance to be involved with legal issues or with reporting suspicions only. It was noted that staff members were not trained to assess abuse.
2. Future efforts/funds are targeted at activities aimed at gaining an increased understanding of why elder abuse occurs and, particularly, what are the most cost effective primary preventions and interventions, bearing in mind the extent of multiple abuse identified. As regards the kinds of primary preventions needed, respondents rated all kinds of education as particularly important, education of both professionals and the general public in recognising elder abuse, and education of older people to assert and protect their rights. Interventions rated as particularly important were respite care (also considered an important contributor to primary prevention), advocacy and counselling services. It is recommended that:
3. Any existing relevant education programs (targeted at professionals, the general public and/or older people themselves) are appraised as to their adequacy and cost-effectiveness, and new programs developed as needed and evaluated.
----------------------------------
Although the above study was done in 2002, I believe the findings still apply. Public education on this important issue has not been taken up by our politicians. The 'head-in-the-sand' attitude cannot be tolerated any longer. In an ageing population, it is obvious that seniors make up a big group of voters. It would be prudent of politicians to take note and do something before Aged Care and Elder Abuse issues, escalate into unmanageable problems.
Visitors to this and other related sites should support any call for better funding in this very important but neglected area in our country.
Report of a Survey Conducted for
The Department For Community Development – Seniors’ Interests
June 2002
Professor Duncan Boldy
Mr Mathew Webb
Ms Barbara Horner
Ms Margaret Davey
And Ms Beth Kingsley
Freemasons Centre For Research Into Aged Care Services
(incorporating the TG Smith Dementia Research And Development Unit)
When asked why they thought abuse might be unreported and what they thought were the main causes of abuse, responses can be grouped under three perspectives, namely that of:
• the older person being abused;
• those abusing; and
• health professionals.
The older person abused
Loyalty to the family and fear of the consequences, were seen as major reasons for nonreporting by those abused, with some respondents referring to fears of being abandoned or “put into a home”. The dependency of the older person on the abuser(s) came through as a strong theme, related to both non-reporting and the main causes of abuse. One respondent stated “Specifically – has no other alternative to avoid the situation”. There were comments suggesting that the person abused was unable to make decisions or voice their needs because of dementia, poor self image, or even felt that “I deserve this, I am a burden”. Other comments referred to the reluctance of an abused person to change the situation, and the likelihood that such a person might ‘renege’ on any changes that were instigated.
Person abusing
Comments highlighted the lack of social and network support for abusers, lack of more suitable alternative accommodation, ‘family culture’, and in one case that there was an “obligation to care with no understanding of dementia or services”. Respondents felt that the main cause for abuse from the abuser’s perspective was due to the stress of caring.
Other causes mentioned included greed, financial difficulty and lack of support. One response maintained that it was a “punitive response to ageing and disease”. A lack of supervision and a feeling that the caring was all too much, came across strongly with one respondent giving as an example that the “carer was trying to do it all – a martyr”.
Several stated that intergenerational conflict was a factor, with a controlling element being identified in some cases.
Health professionals
The reasons given as to why health professionals fail to report elder abuse included such cynical comments as “Does it matter – money will eventually be the daughter’s”, “look the other way, it’ll go away” and “too hard basket”. Some were considered to be frustrated by the lack of anonymity for the reporter and because it was hard to pin down the variables related to abuse. There was felt to be a concern that it was unsafe to report abuse because there would be repercussions for the person being abused, or that the agency may actually cancel services. There was considered to be a reluctance to be involved with legal issues or with reporting suspicions only. It was noted that staff members were not trained to assess abuse.
2. Future efforts/funds are targeted at activities aimed at gaining an increased understanding of why elder abuse occurs and, particularly, what are the most cost effective primary preventions and interventions, bearing in mind the extent of multiple abuse identified. As regards the kinds of primary preventions needed, respondents rated all kinds of education as particularly important, education of both professionals and the general public in recognising elder abuse, and education of older people to assert and protect their rights. Interventions rated as particularly important were respite care (also considered an important contributor to primary prevention), advocacy and counselling services. It is recommended that:
3. Any existing relevant education programs (targeted at professionals, the general public and/or older people themselves) are appraised as to their adequacy and cost-effectiveness, and new programs developed as needed and evaluated.
----------------------------------
Although the above study was done in 2002, I believe the findings still apply. Public education on this important issue has not been taken up by our politicians. The 'head-in-the-sand' attitude cannot be tolerated any longer. In an ageing population, it is obvious that seniors make up a big group of voters. It would be prudent of politicians to take note and do something before Aged Care and Elder Abuse issues, escalate into unmanageable problems.
Visitors to this and other related sites should support any call for better funding in this very important but neglected area in our country.
October 30, 2007
Political Blame Game over Elderly Mistreatment in Australia
The World Today - Friday, 19 October , 2007 12:21:00
Reporter: Michael Edwards
ELEANOR HALL: The report depicting widespread mistreatment of elderly patients in public hospitals has shocked many in the community, but sparked a blame game between politicians.
The report looked at nursing homes across the country and found that many residents return from hospital malnourished and in some cases with life-threatening infections.
Doctors and nurses are blaming a lack of training and staff for the problem, but the Federal and State Governments are blaming each other, as Michael Edwards reports.
MICHAEL EDWARDS: The Aged Care Association's report surveyed 370 nursing homes and found a majority of them have residents who've come back from hospital in worse condition than when they left.
These include cases of elderly patients returning with ulcers, chronically malnourished or with other serious illnesses.
There were also many cases of older people being put in taxis by hospital staff late at night and sent back to their nursing home when there was no one there to care for them.
They're stories that come as no surprise to the Australian Medical Association's aged care specialist, Dr Peter Ford.
PETER FORD: I am a general practitioner and I deal with the residential aged care sector, so it's not uncommon to come across this problem.
MICHAEL EDWARDS: Dr Ford says older patients require specialist care, and many hospitals just do not have the resources to cope.
PETER FORD: Older people have special needs in regard to skincare and other issues such as feeding so that, you know, this is a special need that is well addressed in the residential aged care, but perhaps there's not enough awareness about it in the acute sector.
MICHAEL EDWARDS: However, he says it's not only an issue for the hospitals. Dr Ford says nursing homes also need to be better equipped.
PETER FORD: There are unnecessary admissions and transfers from the residential aged care to the acute hospital sector. I think if we had better resources in residential aged care, if we did more to attract doctors and nurses - I'm talking about registered nurses - to the acute sector, then I think we could deal with many of these problems without transferring people inappropriately.
MICHAEL EDWARDS: The report pointed to systemic problems in the system. It found a culture of blame shifting and fundamental flaws in the management of elderly patients in hospitals. The report was also some critical of some staff in hospitals.
Jill Iliffe from the Australian Nursing Federation is aware of the problems.
JILL ILIFFE: I don't think it is deliberate abuse. I think it is a lack of staff and a lack of adequately trained staff. And we need gerontic nurses and geriatricians and specialised units to make sure that older people are cared for properly.
MICHAEL EDWARDS: Prue Power is from the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, which represents the public system. She says it's not fair to blame hospitals for the problem.
PRUE POWER: Many aged people who need care have multiple conditions. And so they need care for these conditions which are chronic. And people who have chronic conditions, really need to be looked after in settings other than hospitals. So, the criticism of care itself is not fair.
MICHAEL EDWARDS: The Aged Care Association says there needs to be greater co-ordination between state, federal and local bodies to tackle the problem.
Jill Iliffe from the ANF sees integration as key.
JILL ILIFFE: What we want to see is to look at our healthcare and aged care system as an integrated whole, and our community health system for that matter, they all need to be integrated.
MICHAEL EDWARDS: The Aged Care Association, the ANF and the AMA say they'd all like to see aged care be a bigger election issue.
The Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott has blamed the problem on state-based hospital systems, systems which the Federal Government has a plan to fix, with its policy for a new community-based management boards to run hospitals.
But the Victorian Health Minister Daniel Andrews says it's a lack of federal funding for aged care facilities that is placing extra strain on its hospitals. The federal Labor health spokeswoman, Nicola Roxon, agrees that the problems are a result of the Coalition stripping money from the aged care sector.
But the report's author, Professor Tracey McDonald, says the blame game should cease and the problems should just be fixed.
TRACEY MCDONALD: It's just unacceptable that all of this risk be shifted onto the most fragile, vulnerable, valuable, precious group of people in our society. It's just not reasonable.
ELEANOR HALL: That's Professor Tracey McDonald ending that report from Michael Edwards.
Source Link
Reporter: Michael Edwards
ELEANOR HALL: The report depicting widespread mistreatment of elderly patients in public hospitals has shocked many in the community, but sparked a blame game between politicians.
The report looked at nursing homes across the country and found that many residents return from hospital malnourished and in some cases with life-threatening infections.
Doctors and nurses are blaming a lack of training and staff for the problem, but the Federal and State Governments are blaming each other, as Michael Edwards reports.
MICHAEL EDWARDS: The Aged Care Association's report surveyed 370 nursing homes and found a majority of them have residents who've come back from hospital in worse condition than when they left.
These include cases of elderly patients returning with ulcers, chronically malnourished or with other serious illnesses.
There were also many cases of older people being put in taxis by hospital staff late at night and sent back to their nursing home when there was no one there to care for them.
They're stories that come as no surprise to the Australian Medical Association's aged care specialist, Dr Peter Ford.
PETER FORD: I am a general practitioner and I deal with the residential aged care sector, so it's not uncommon to come across this problem.
MICHAEL EDWARDS: Dr Ford says older patients require specialist care, and many hospitals just do not have the resources to cope.
PETER FORD: Older people have special needs in regard to skincare and other issues such as feeding so that, you know, this is a special need that is well addressed in the residential aged care, but perhaps there's not enough awareness about it in the acute sector.
MICHAEL EDWARDS: However, he says it's not only an issue for the hospitals. Dr Ford says nursing homes also need to be better equipped.
PETER FORD: There are unnecessary admissions and transfers from the residential aged care to the acute hospital sector. I think if we had better resources in residential aged care, if we did more to attract doctors and nurses - I'm talking about registered nurses - to the acute sector, then I think we could deal with many of these problems without transferring people inappropriately.
MICHAEL EDWARDS: The report pointed to systemic problems in the system. It found a culture of blame shifting and fundamental flaws in the management of elderly patients in hospitals. The report was also some critical of some staff in hospitals.
Jill Iliffe from the Australian Nursing Federation is aware of the problems.
JILL ILIFFE: I don't think it is deliberate abuse. I think it is a lack of staff and a lack of adequately trained staff. And we need gerontic nurses and geriatricians and specialised units to make sure that older people are cared for properly.
MICHAEL EDWARDS: Prue Power is from the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, which represents the public system. She says it's not fair to blame hospitals for the problem.
PRUE POWER: Many aged people who need care have multiple conditions. And so they need care for these conditions which are chronic. And people who have chronic conditions, really need to be looked after in settings other than hospitals. So, the criticism of care itself is not fair.
MICHAEL EDWARDS: The Aged Care Association says there needs to be greater co-ordination between state, federal and local bodies to tackle the problem.
Jill Iliffe from the ANF sees integration as key.
JILL ILIFFE: What we want to see is to look at our healthcare and aged care system as an integrated whole, and our community health system for that matter, they all need to be integrated.
MICHAEL EDWARDS: The Aged Care Association, the ANF and the AMA say they'd all like to see aged care be a bigger election issue.
The Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott has blamed the problem on state-based hospital systems, systems which the Federal Government has a plan to fix, with its policy for a new community-based management boards to run hospitals.
But the Victorian Health Minister Daniel Andrews says it's a lack of federal funding for aged care facilities that is placing extra strain on its hospitals. The federal Labor health spokeswoman, Nicola Roxon, agrees that the problems are a result of the Coalition stripping money from the aged care sector.
But the report's author, Professor Tracey McDonald, says the blame game should cease and the problems should just be fixed.
TRACEY MCDONALD: It's just unacceptable that all of this risk be shifted onto the most fragile, vulnerable, valuable, precious group of people in our society. It's just not reasonable.
ELEANOR HALL: That's Professor Tracey McDonald ending that report from Michael Edwards.
Source Link
-----------------------
A call for an integrated approach to solving our aged care problems is one that should be supported. A few weeks left before elections, very little is said by either major parties regarding fixing this problem. "Hello there, anyone listening?"
October 28, 2007
Elder Abuse in India
Many elders are quietly suffering indignity at the hands of those who they taught to say their first words and take their first steps. It is shocking that the largest perpetrators of Elder Abuse are their own children.
According to a rough estimate, nearly 40 % of older people living with their families are reportedly facing abuse of one kind or another, but only 1 in 6 cases actually comes to light. To highlight what is a closeted and extremely complex phenomenon, HelpAge India marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Delhi today with a discussion and launch of a campaign to fight such abuse.
Source: Help Age India
Special tribunals to hear cases of mistreatment of elderly
New Delhi, Aug. 19 (PTI):
With incidents of elderly people being abandoned or mistreated by their families on the rise, the government plans to set up tribunals in all districts that senior citizens can approach without the help of a lawyer to get maintenance from their kin.
"Though we already have a penal code to try such cases, most elderly people lack resources to engage a lawyer and most importantly, they don't have the time to do all this," Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Meira Kumar told PTI in an interview.
"To address these problems, we will set up the tribunals as part of a provision the Old Age Bill, which has already been tabled in Parliament."
The tribunals, to be headed by sub-divisional magistrates, will take note of such cases and approach families to find a solution.
They will have the right to award punishment of imprisonment for up to three months. The duration of detention has been deliberately kept low as it entails punishing the relatives of the complainants, Kumar said.
"We have tried to draw a fine balance as this means going inside a family, inside two generations," she said.
Under the proposed Bill, earning members of the family who are young have to pay maintenance of up to Rs 10,000 a month and provide shelter to not only their parents who are retired but also those kin who are under 55 and are dependent on them.
Source: Hindu News Update Service
According to a rough estimate, nearly 40 % of older people living with their families are reportedly facing abuse of one kind or another, but only 1 in 6 cases actually comes to light. To highlight what is a closeted and extremely complex phenomenon, HelpAge India marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Delhi today with a discussion and launch of a campaign to fight such abuse.
Source: Help Age India
Special tribunals to hear cases of mistreatment of elderly
New Delhi, Aug. 19 (PTI):
With incidents of elderly people being abandoned or mistreated by their families on the rise, the government plans to set up tribunals in all districts that senior citizens can approach without the help of a lawyer to get maintenance from their kin.
"Though we already have a penal code to try such cases, most elderly people lack resources to engage a lawyer and most importantly, they don't have the time to do all this," Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Meira Kumar told PTI in an interview.
"To address these problems, we will set up the tribunals as part of a provision the Old Age Bill, which has already been tabled in Parliament."
The tribunals, to be headed by sub-divisional magistrates, will take note of such cases and approach families to find a solution.
They will have the right to award punishment of imprisonment for up to three months. The duration of detention has been deliberately kept low as it entails punishing the relatives of the complainants, Kumar said.
"We have tried to draw a fine balance as this means going inside a family, inside two generations," she said.
Under the proposed Bill, earning members of the family who are young have to pay maintenance of up to Rs 10,000 a month and provide shelter to not only their parents who are retired but also those kin who are under 55 and are dependent on them.
Source: Hindu News Update Service
October 27, 2007
Attempt to Turn off Spotlight on Elder Abuse
After my last posting 'Reporting Elder Abuse - Not an Easy Task' -- where I quoted the Frank Punito case (one of many posted on this blog) as an example; a close friend of Frank's children left a short comment - "Give it a rest!".
Is this person, who was not even prepared to leave his/her name, serious? Is this call to "give the cause a rest" only directed at me alone, or to everyone who has a blog/website about elder abuse?
This blog is NOT just about one case of elder abuse. It is set up to disseminate information on this growing global problem, and to empower older persons with important information.
I acknowledge that friends of elder abuse cases may try to discredit anyone who publicize such cases. Their attempts will not intimidate me into stopping to speak out for others.
I will not remove this blog or stop speaking out for the voiceless. I have no hidden agenda. Only a very strong belief in Elder Rights and Elder Abuse Prevention.
I admire and support others who are doing similar work; and must state that I now truly understand the difficulties in working for the cause.
Let us be united in this fight for better recognition of Elder Rights. Also, to urge politicians to introduce statues to ensure that older persons are protected.
In Australia, the Parliamentary Inquiry into Older People and the Law has just published its report and recommendations. Let us see how long before those recommendations are taken up by the government of the day.
Researches and reports from around the world are echoing the same thing. Elder Abuse is a growing global problem.
This blog is my attempt to keep the issue in the spotlight. I thank my supporters and associates for their constant encouragement and assistance. We have a lot more to do.
"elder abuse"
Is this person, who was not even prepared to leave his/her name, serious? Is this call to "give the cause a rest" only directed at me alone, or to everyone who has a blog/website about elder abuse?
This blog is NOT just about one case of elder abuse. It is set up to disseminate information on this growing global problem, and to empower older persons with important information.
I acknowledge that friends of elder abuse cases may try to discredit anyone who publicize such cases. Their attempts will not intimidate me into stopping to speak out for others.
I will not remove this blog or stop speaking out for the voiceless. I have no hidden agenda. Only a very strong belief in Elder Rights and Elder Abuse Prevention.
I admire and support others who are doing similar work; and must state that I now truly understand the difficulties in working for the cause.
Let us be united in this fight for better recognition of Elder Rights. Also, to urge politicians to introduce statues to ensure that older persons are protected.
In Australia, the Parliamentary Inquiry into Older People and the Law has just published its report and recommendations. Let us see how long before those recommendations are taken up by the government of the day.
Researches and reports from around the world are echoing the same thing. Elder Abuse is a growing global problem.
This blog is my attempt to keep the issue in the spotlight. I thank my supporters and associates for their constant encouragement and assistance. We have a lot more to do.
"elder abuse"
October 26, 2007
Elder Abuse and How to Report It
Elder Abuse and How To Report It, Prevent It
Florida Law requires that any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a vulnerable adult has been or is being abused, neglected, or exploited shall immediately report such knowledge or suspicion to the Florida Abuse Hotline on the toll-free telephone number, 1-800-96-ABUSE ( 1-800-962-2873 ). The TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf) number for reporting adult abuse is 1-800-955-8770 . Vulnerable adults are persons eighteen and over (including senior adults sixty and over) who, because of their age or disability, may be unable to adequately provide for their own care or protection. The Florida Abuse Hotline accepts calls 24 hours per day, seven days a week. The Abuse Hotline counselor is required to let the person calling know whether the information provided has been accepted as a report for investigation.
Abuse may be physical, mental, emotional, or sexual. Neglect can be self-neglect or neglect by a caregiver. A caregiver may be a family member, an in-home paid worker, a staff person of a program such as an adult day care center or of a facility such as a nursing home, or another person. Exploitation means that a person in a position of trust knowingly, by deception and intimidation, obtains and uses or tries to obtain and use a vulnerable person's funds, assets, or property. This includes failure to use the vulnerable person's income and assets to provide for the necessities required for that person's care.
When you call the Abuse Hotline to make a report, have this information ready:
Florida Law requires that any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a vulnerable adult has been or is being abused, neglected, or exploited shall immediately report such knowledge or suspicion to the Florida Abuse Hotline on the toll-free telephone number, 1-800-96-ABUSE ( 1-800-962-2873 ). The TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf) number for reporting adult abuse is 1-800-955-8770 . Vulnerable adults are persons eighteen and over (including senior adults sixty and over) who, because of their age or disability, may be unable to adequately provide for their own care or protection. The Florida Abuse Hotline accepts calls 24 hours per day, seven days a week. The Abuse Hotline counselor is required to let the person calling know whether the information provided has been accepted as a report for investigation.
Abuse may be physical, mental, emotional, or sexual. Neglect can be self-neglect or neglect by a caregiver. A caregiver may be a family member, an in-home paid worker, a staff person of a program such as an adult day care center or of a facility such as a nursing home, or another person. Exploitation means that a person in a position of trust knowingly, by deception and intimidation, obtains and uses or tries to obtain and use a vulnerable person's funds, assets, or property. This includes failure to use the vulnerable person's income and assets to provide for the necessities required for that person's care.
When you call the Abuse Hotline to make a report, have this information ready:
- Victim's name, address or location, approximate age, race, and sex.
- A brief description of the adult victim's disability or infirmity.
- Signs or indications of harm or injury, including a physical description if possible.
- Name, address, and telephone number of any possibly responsible person/ perpetrator.
- Relationship of the possibly responsible person/perpetrator to the victim, if possible. If the relationship is unknown, a report may still meet requirements for investigation.
As the reporter, your name, address, and telephone number. This information is never given out. The reporter may choose to remain anonymous.
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is responsible for providing services to detect and correct abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults. This must be done so as to place the fewest possible restrictions on personal liberty and constitutional rights. In other words, DCF cannot forcibly remove a competent adult from a situation he or she refuses to leave. Some elders are unwilling to leave an abusive situation or to press charges against family members. Only if the person is found to be mentally impaired enough that judgment and decision making are impaired can the worker intervene to protect the person against his or her will. Law enforcement takes the lead in all criminal investigations and prosecutions for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult by another person.
Groups most at risk for elder abuse include:
- Older women are most commonly reported. Older men may be just as much or even more at risk but are less frequently reported.
The higher the age, the greater the risk.
Those who live with a caregiver or depend on someone for care and assistance.
Physically frail or disabled.
Confused, disoriented, or mentally impaired.
The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. (AAAPP) is a 501(c)(3) private non-profit agency serving seniors and their caregivers in Pasco and Pinellas counties in Florida
Source: Aging Care Florida
October 23, 2007
Protect Yourself Against Elder Abuse
While it is hard to estimate how many older persons are abused each year, one study suggests that 500,000 Americans are abused, neglected and exploited by family members and others. The study also estimated, however, that only about 16 percent of abuse cases are reported. The Senate Special Commission on Aging estimates that there may be as many as 5 million victims of elder abuse a year.
The study also found that domestic elder abuse has increased 150 percent.
In addition:
551,011 people, age 60 and over, experience abuse, neglect, and/or self-neglect in a one-year period.
· The perpetrator was a family member in 90 percent of cases. Two-thirds of the perpetrators were adult children or spouses.
Legislatures in all 50 states have passed some form of elder abuse prevention laws. Laws and definitions of terms vary considerably from one state to another, but all states have set up reporting systems. Generally, adult protective services (APS) agencies receive and investigate reports of suspected elder abuse.
Older adults can take the following precautions to help keep themselves safe from abuse:
· Maintain a social life. Stay in touch with old friends and neighbors if you move in with a relative or change your address. Have a buddy outside the home check in with you at least once a week. Invite friends to stop by your house even if they only stay for a brief period.
· Stay open to opportunities. Make new friends. Continue participating in community activities.
· Retain control over your telephone and mail. If your mail is being intercepted, discuss the problem with postal authorities.
· Organize your belongings so you can keep track of everything. Make sure others are aware that you know where everything is kept.
· Try to be in control of attending to your personal needs. Keep regular appointments with your doctor, dentist, barber or hairdresser.
· Maintain financial control. Arrange to have your Social Security or pension check deposited directly to a bank account in your name.
· Maintain legal control. Obtain legal advice about possible future disability, including powers-of-attorney, guardianships, or conservatorships. Be sure to keep records, accounts, and property available for examination by someone you trust, as well as by the person you or the court has designated to manage your affairs. Review your will periodically. Only give up control of your property or assets at a time when you decide you cannot manage them.
· Be sure to ask for help when you need it. Discuss your plans with your attorney, physician or family members.
Other precautions to take to prevent elder abuse:
· Don't live with a person who has a background of violent behavior or alcohol or drug abuse.
· Don't leave your home unattended, or if you do, don't leave signs that you are not home. Don't leave notes on the door; if you must be away for a long period, notify the police.
· Don't leave cash, jewelry or other valuables.
· Don't accept personal care in return for giving the caregiver transfer or assignments of your property or assets unless a lawyer, advocate or another trusted person acts as a witness to the transaction.
· Don't sign a document unless someone you trust has reviewed it, and don't allow anyone to keep details of your finances or property management from you.
Last Reviewed on 12 Oct 2005
Last Reviewed By: Catherine Shu
Sources:
· National Elder Abuse Incidence Study
· Adult Protective Services
· Elder Abuse Center
Article from Psychology Today
----------------------------------
Visitors from UK, Australia, New Zealand, please check sidebar for links to where you can get more information and support.
Reporting Elder Abuse - Not an Easy Task
It is very strange that opposing parties looking at the same situation can come up with totally different conclusion.
In reporting elder abuse cases, it is often extremely difficult to get proof that abuses occurred to someone who lives in a private home.
It is definitely easier to prove physical abuse and blatant neglect than to try to prove subtle neglect and emotional/psychological abuse.
Don’t get me wrong. I am not trying to stop or discourage people from reporting, but just to share some experiences with others.
It might be easier if I take a case to demonstrate that caution must be exercised in reporting elder abuse.
The Frank Punito Case (pls. note that that is not the person’s real name)is one that comes to mind. Documentary evidence, of different media, were apparently in the hands of the author of that site. The victim’s permission was obtained before the site was put up. Furthermore, I was informed that witnesses testimony could be acquired, if needed.
However, that site owner/author has been strongly criticized recently.
To quote the author of that site:
“The main reason for the site is that it is an unbelievable case. Furthermore, in spite of all the proofs and testimonies available from the victim and witnesses, no one could help.
The abusers have the legal “trump card” called “Enduring Power of Attorney”.
Frankly, nobody really cares because the case was also bound up in a property settlement.”
(There must be changes in our laws to better protect older persons in our society. )
The sad thing about this case is that, the property settlement is over and Frank has been “removed” from the abuses. Now everyone expected the victim to just carry on as though nothing ever happened. Instead of giving support to the one who reported the case, there are those who said that the story should not be told and left on the site.
There were accusations of “an agenda” and “lies and deceits”.
A challenge by the author of that site, for the accuser to indicate which parts of the site are “lies and deceits” has not been responded to up till now.
What is ‘Emotional and Psychological’ Elder Abuse?
Simply put, it is:
Name-calling, "Silent treatment", Intimidate or threaten the individual; invoke fear or mental anguish; cause emotional pain or distress.
---
Elder Abuse and Neglect is 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. It can be of various forms:
physical, psychological/emotional, sexual, or financial/material abuse, and/or
intentional or unintentional neglect.
( Definition from Toronto Declaration on the Global Prevention of Elder Abuse, 2002)
---------------------------------------
In reporting elder abuse cases, it is often extremely difficult to get proof that abuses occurred to someone who lives in a private home.
It is definitely easier to prove physical abuse and blatant neglect than to try to prove subtle neglect and emotional/psychological abuse.
Don’t get me wrong. I am not trying to stop or discourage people from reporting, but just to share some experiences with others.
It might be easier if I take a case to demonstrate that caution must be exercised in reporting elder abuse.
The Frank Punito Case (pls. note that that is not the person’s real name)is one that comes to mind. Documentary evidence, of different media, were apparently in the hands of the author of that site. The victim’s permission was obtained before the site was put up. Furthermore, I was informed that witnesses testimony could be acquired, if needed.
However, that site owner/author has been strongly criticized recently.
To quote the author of that site:
“The main reason for the site is that it is an unbelievable case. Furthermore, in spite of all the proofs and testimonies available from the victim and witnesses, no one could help.
The abusers have the legal “trump card” called “Enduring Power of Attorney”.
Frankly, nobody really cares because the case was also bound up in a property settlement.”
(There must be changes in our laws to better protect older persons in our society. )
The sad thing about this case is that, the property settlement is over and Frank has been “removed” from the abuses. Now everyone expected the victim to just carry on as though nothing ever happened. Instead of giving support to the one who reported the case, there are those who said that the story should not be told and left on the site.
There were accusations of “an agenda” and “lies and deceits”.
A challenge by the author of that site, for the accuser to indicate which parts of the site are “lies and deceits” has not been responded to up till now.
What is ‘Emotional and Psychological’ Elder Abuse?
Simply put, it is:
Name-calling, "Silent treatment", Intimidate or threaten the individual; invoke fear or mental anguish; cause emotional pain or distress.
---
Elder Abuse and Neglect is 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. It can be of various forms:
physical, psychological/emotional, sexual, or financial/material abuse, and/or
intentional or unintentional neglect.
( Definition from Toronto Declaration on the Global Prevention of Elder Abuse, 2002)
---------------------------------------
As you can see from the above, that it is extremely difficult to report a EA case of that category.
- Be prepared to be criticized;
- Make sure you have the facts right;
- Make sure you have the victim's permission and support to reveal the facts;
- Make copies of documentary evidence;
- Videos and photos are great ways of keeping records and evidence.
- Ensure you have the support of others. You cannot do it alone!
Remember, it can be a thankless task. But, please do not be discouraged.
I am helping to publicize this growing global problem because I strongly believe that we have the right to be treated as human beings - with respect and dignity. Any forms of abuses in our old age is not acceptable. Any forms of abuses are NOT acceptable!
I will continue, for as long as possible, to highlight and disseminate information on this issue.
Please give your support to others who are in the same situation. We must be united in this cause -- empowering older persons with information.
October 20, 2007
Aged Care Issues - Australia
Wanted! Policies for sustainable, quality aged care
[Thursday, 18 October 2007]
Evidently Australia is awash with money – 34 billion dollars worth of tax cuts coming our way soon. Then there is all the money spent on tax-payer-funded political advertising – more billions.
Yet, with all this bounty, we still cannot afford to give many of our citizens the end-of-life care that they should have. Week after week we hear the stories of aged-care staff who are so stretched that they are unable to provide quality care for their residents. Or we hear from distressed family members who recount how the system is failing their loved ones.
Current government policy is to limit investment in public aged care and to shift money over to the private sector. Clearly corporations are seeing aged care as a cash cow (otherwise they surely would not be in there). The ‘looming aged care crisis’ is getting plenty of mentions and there is much talk of the need for introducing bonds for those in high-care facilities. And all the time the bonds for residency in low-care homes are getting higher and higher.
On the other hand, financial advisers are starting to warn people that all those savings currently going into superannuation funds, may end up in an aged-care bond as there is no upper limit on the size of the bond. At this time, the only restriction is that residents must be left with $33,500.
What a mess it all is. Who to believe? One thing is for sure - there is a great need for more accountability as to just where the aged-care dollar is being spent.
The Council on the Ageing has come up with a five point plan featuring preventative health care and policies to keep people at home as long as possible. No-one can argue with either of those. But in the end, some people cannot remain at home. They require full-time nursing care – more than can be provided at home. And so we need sustainable funding arrangements that will see humane, quality aged care prevail; ones that that don’t end up with staff and residents being squeezed to the limit in order for profits to be made out of the ill and dying.
Neither of the major parties has come up with any answers to the aged-care funding dilemma. Shame on them both. One day this current crop of politicians and bureaucrats will become old too. And who will speak for them then?
[Thursday, 18 October 2007]
Evidently Australia is awash with money – 34 billion dollars worth of tax cuts coming our way soon. Then there is all the money spent on tax-payer-funded political advertising – more billions.
Yet, with all this bounty, we still cannot afford to give many of our citizens the end-of-life care that they should have. Week after week we hear the stories of aged-care staff who are so stretched that they are unable to provide quality care for their residents. Or we hear from distressed family members who recount how the system is failing their loved ones.
Current government policy is to limit investment in public aged care and to shift money over to the private sector. Clearly corporations are seeing aged care as a cash cow (otherwise they surely would not be in there). The ‘looming aged care crisis’ is getting plenty of mentions and there is much talk of the need for introducing bonds for those in high-care facilities. And all the time the bonds for residency in low-care homes are getting higher and higher.
On the other hand, financial advisers are starting to warn people that all those savings currently going into superannuation funds, may end up in an aged-care bond as there is no upper limit on the size of the bond. At this time, the only restriction is that residents must be left with $33,500.
What a mess it all is. Who to believe? One thing is for sure - there is a great need for more accountability as to just where the aged-care dollar is being spent.
The Council on the Ageing has come up with a five point plan featuring preventative health care and policies to keep people at home as long as possible. No-one can argue with either of those. But in the end, some people cannot remain at home. They require full-time nursing care – more than can be provided at home. And so we need sustainable funding arrangements that will see humane, quality aged care prevail; ones that that don’t end up with staff and residents being squeezed to the limit in order for profits to be made out of the ill and dying.
Neither of the major parties has come up with any answers to the aged-care funding dilemma. Shame on them both. One day this current crop of politicians and bureaucrats will become old too. And who will speak for them then?
---------------------------------------
With election day coming up soon in Australia, it is a shame that we have not heard much about actions from both major parties.
The above article echos the concern of all of us. Please visit the website Aged Care Crisis for more information and discussions on this issue.
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