Woman arrested in parents' abuse
By The Record
July 11, 2008 6:00 AM
A 40-year-old Modesto woman was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of physically abusing her north San Joaquin County parents.
San Joaquin County sheriff's deputies arrested Yvonne Deann Allison and booked her into the County Jail on suspicion of physical elder abuse resulting in great bodily injury to a person older than 70, physical elder abuse, violating a restraining order and making terrorist threats.
No details of the alleged abuse were released other than it apparently occurred at a North Pearl Road home. Pearl Road is just south of the Sacramento County line.
Deputies earlier in the week were investigating the allegedly ongoing physical abuse and learned that Allison was at a court-appointed recovery center for women in the Modesto area, according to a sheriff's report.
Deputies made several attempts to contact Allison and learned she was at a home in the 1100 block of West Roseburg Avenue. She was outside the residence when deputies arrived and was arrested without incident.
She is being held in lieu of $656,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court today in Lodi.
SOURCE: Record Net
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July 12, 2008
July 11, 2008
Elder Care: Rest-Home Residents Have to Go Today (New Zealand)
Rest home residents have to go today
5:00AM Friday July 11, 2008
By Alanah May Eriksen and Craig Borley
Residents of disgraced rest home Belhaven, where an elderly woman's mouth was taped shut, will have to move out by today.
The Auckland District Health Board announced yesterday that it had stripped the Epsom facility of its contract because of huge failings in patient care.
Age Concern has criticised the "unseemly haste" in removing the residents at only 24 hours' notice.
The decision was based on a draft Ministry of Health report and on recommendations of a temporary manager appointed by the DHB last week after a picture of the gagged woman - taken by a tradesman - was published in a Sunday newspaper.
DHB chief planning and funding officer Denis Jury said the manager made daily reports to the health board on the running of the rest home.
Belhaven lacked quality management systems, was unable to ensure clinical and social support for residents and had weak ongoing cleaning and food systems in place.
"In terms of having systems in process to ensure quality and safety and an appropriate standard of care for the residents, the gap between where they are now and where they need to be is big," Dr Jury said.
"We don't think that can be bridged by the current owners in an appropriate time frame.
A geriatrician was also sent to the rest home to assess each resident. One man had to be admitted to hospital overnight and did not return to Belhaven as he required a level of care it was unable to provide.
Findings from a separate ministry investigation are due to be released in a few days. A report will decide if Belhaven is allowed to continue operating.
But Age Concern chief executive Ann Martin said a "managed transition out of Belhaven" would have been better for everyone.
"The safety of vulnerable older people is a paramount concern. Age Concern works to combat elder abuse wherever it occurs and we welcome moves, however belated, to keep the Belhaven residents safe.
"However, it might be far better for the vulnerable senior residents to be kept safe in the place they regard as their home, and their carers given additional assistance and oversight, rather than moved with such unseemly haste."
Health Minister David Cunliffe said the mouth-taping incident was not the sole basis of the DHB's decision - an unannounced ministry inspection last week threw up further problems at Belhaven.
Abridged
SOURCE: NZ Herald
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
5:00AM Friday July 11, 2008
By Alanah May Eriksen and Craig Borley
Residents of disgraced rest home Belhaven, where an elderly woman's mouth was taped shut, will have to move out by today.
The Auckland District Health Board announced yesterday that it had stripped the Epsom facility of its contract because of huge failings in patient care.
Age Concern has criticised the "unseemly haste" in removing the residents at only 24 hours' notice.
The decision was based on a draft Ministry of Health report and on recommendations of a temporary manager appointed by the DHB last week after a picture of the gagged woman - taken by a tradesman - was published in a Sunday newspaper.
DHB chief planning and funding officer Denis Jury said the manager made daily reports to the health board on the running of the rest home.
Belhaven lacked quality management systems, was unable to ensure clinical and social support for residents and had weak ongoing cleaning and food systems in place.
"In terms of having systems in process to ensure quality and safety and an appropriate standard of care for the residents, the gap between where they are now and where they need to be is big," Dr Jury said.
"We don't think that can be bridged by the current owners in an appropriate time frame.
A geriatrician was also sent to the rest home to assess each resident. One man had to be admitted to hospital overnight and did not return to Belhaven as he required a level of care it was unable to provide.
Findings from a separate ministry investigation are due to be released in a few days. A report will decide if Belhaven is allowed to continue operating.
But Age Concern chief executive Ann Martin said a "managed transition out of Belhaven" would have been better for everyone.
"The safety of vulnerable older people is a paramount concern. Age Concern works to combat elder abuse wherever it occurs and we welcome moves, however belated, to keep the Belhaven residents safe.
"However, it might be far better for the vulnerable senior residents to be kept safe in the place they regard as their home, and their carers given additional assistance and oversight, rather than moved with such unseemly haste."
Health Minister David Cunliffe said the mouth-taping incident was not the sole basis of the DHB's decision - an unannounced ministry inspection last week threw up further problems at Belhaven.
Abridged
SOURCE: NZ Herald
----------------------------------------------------
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Killer of 65-Year-Old Man Gets 19 Years (Australia)
Keys-in-throat killer gets 19 years
Posted 11 July 11, 2008
A man who bashed his 65-year-old neighbour and forced a set of house keys down his throat has been sentenced to almost 19 years in jail.
Forty-four-year-old Michael Barbetta pleaded guilty to murdering David Smedley on the NSW south coast in March last year.
The court heard Barbetta took a cocktail of amphetamines and sleeping pills before bashing and strangling Mr Smedley at his Fairymeadow home.
Police said the victim, who had Parkinson's disease, was found covered in blood. An autopsy found six keys on a metal ring had been forced down his throat.
Barbetta said he attacked his neighbour because he had made racist comments about his parents.
A Supreme Court judge sentenced Barbetta to 18-years-and-10-months, with a non-parole period of 13-years-and-nine-months.
Justice Howie said although the racist comments provided a degree of provocation, it was a violent attack on a fragile man in his own home by a much younger person.
He noted that Michael Barbetta has tried to get help for his drug problem.
SOURCE: ABC Net
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More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Posted 11 July 11, 2008
A man who bashed his 65-year-old neighbour and forced a set of house keys down his throat has been sentenced to almost 19 years in jail.
Forty-four-year-old Michael Barbetta pleaded guilty to murdering David Smedley on the NSW south coast in March last year.
The court heard Barbetta took a cocktail of amphetamines and sleeping pills before bashing and strangling Mr Smedley at his Fairymeadow home.
Police said the victim, who had Parkinson's disease, was found covered in blood. An autopsy found six keys on a metal ring had been forced down his throat.
Barbetta said he attacked his neighbour because he had made racist comments about his parents.
A Supreme Court judge sentenced Barbetta to 18-years-and-10-months, with a non-parole period of 13-years-and-nine-months.
Justice Howie said although the racist comments provided a degree of provocation, it was a violent attack on a fragile man in his own home by a much younger person.
He noted that Michael Barbetta has tried to get help for his drug problem.
SOURCE: ABC Net
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Elder Abuse: Caregiver Gets Two Years for Theft (Oregon, USA)
Caregiver gets two years for theft
Sting - Quanecka Shaquaya Thompson admits stealing from a Cedar Mill resident
Thursday, July 10, 2008
By COREY PAUL The Oregonian
HILLSBORO -- A caregiver at a Cedar Mill assisted living facility was sentenced Wednesday to 25 months in prison after stealing about $500 from an 83-year-old resident.
Quanecka Shaquaya Thompson, 23, pleaded guilty to a felony count of criminal mistreatment and two felony counts of burglary.
Thompson had worked at the Regency Park assisted living facility on Southwest Barnes Road for at least six months before her arrest May 14, said Sgt. David Thompson, spokesman for the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
One of the burglary charges was enhanced because the victim, Mina Garrison, was in the apartment at the same time as a theft occurred, said Deputy District Attorney Kevin Barton, who is on the Elder Abuse Team, which specializes in these types of cases.
"We put her in a position where if she does this again, the judge will have a lot of flexibility to impose a large amount of prison time against her," Barton said.
Washington County Presiding Judge Thomas W. Kohl ordered Thompson to pay $1,900 in restitution to the resident, for stolen cash and jewelry that remain missing.
Kohl recommended that Quanecka Thompson have no contact with Garrison or any nursing homes during three years of probation after her release from prison.
Thompson, who previously had no criminal record, declined to speak in court Wednesday.
Abridged
SOURCE: Oregon Live
----------------------------------------------------
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Sting - Quanecka Shaquaya Thompson admits stealing from a Cedar Mill resident
Thursday, July 10, 2008
By COREY PAUL The Oregonian
HILLSBORO -- A caregiver at a Cedar Mill assisted living facility was sentenced Wednesday to 25 months in prison after stealing about $500 from an 83-year-old resident.
Quanecka Shaquaya Thompson, 23, pleaded guilty to a felony count of criminal mistreatment and two felony counts of burglary.
Thompson had worked at the Regency Park assisted living facility on Southwest Barnes Road for at least six months before her arrest May 14, said Sgt. David Thompson, spokesman for the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
One of the burglary charges was enhanced because the victim, Mina Garrison, was in the apartment at the same time as a theft occurred, said Deputy District Attorney Kevin Barton, who is on the Elder Abuse Team, which specializes in these types of cases.
"We put her in a position where if she does this again, the judge will have a lot of flexibility to impose a large amount of prison time against her," Barton said.
Washington County Presiding Judge Thomas W. Kohl ordered Thompson to pay $1,900 in restitution to the resident, for stolen cash and jewelry that remain missing.
Kohl recommended that Quanecka Thompson have no contact with Garrison or any nursing homes during three years of probation after her release from prison.
Thompson, who previously had no criminal record, declined to speak in court Wednesday.
Abridged
SOURCE: Oregon Live
----------------------------------------------------
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Man Arrested for Elder Abuse (Ca. USA)
Man arrested for elder abuse
Published: Jul 10 2008, 11:06 AM
Arcata Police officers arrested 18-year-old Aaron Lowe, of Arcata, for suspicion of elder abuse Wednesday.
A care provider for a 79-year-old woman contacted officers Wednesday about an incident where Lowe, a relative, allegedly struck her the day before, causing moderate injury, an Arcata Police Department news release stated.
Lowe was arrested and is currently in custody at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.
The case has been forwarded to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office and Humboldt County Adult Protective Services.
SOURCE: Eureka Reporter
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Published: Jul 10 2008, 11:06 AM
Arcata Police officers arrested 18-year-old Aaron Lowe, of Arcata, for suspicion of elder abuse Wednesday.
A care provider for a 79-year-old woman contacted officers Wednesday about an incident where Lowe, a relative, allegedly struck her the day before, causing moderate injury, an Arcata Police Department news release stated.
Lowe was arrested and is currently in custody at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.
The case has been forwarded to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office and Humboldt County Adult Protective Services.
SOURCE: Eureka Reporter
----------------------------------------------------
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Financial Elder Abuse: Canadian Seniors Lose $6 Million Annually
Canadian Seniors Lose $6 Million Annually to Fraudulent Marketing and Financial Scams
TORONTO, July 10 /CNW Telbec/ -
According to the most recent data from SeniorBusters, thousands of elderly Canadians are victimized by financial fraud each year. Mail, telephone and online scams have left many seniors with significant monetary losses, often depleting their life-savings. Capital One Canada has joined forces with SeniorBusters to raise awareness about the
prevalence of these crimes and help educate and protect seniors from fraud.
"Education and helping to build a heightened awareness about these kinds
of crimes is critical to protecting older citizens in our communities and
preventing fraud," said Pam Girardo, spokesperson for Capital One Canada. "We
are delighted to see that we have helped SeniorBusters expand their efforts to
educate seniors about the real dangers lurking in their own communities. We
hope this knowledge will empower seniors and prevent them from falling victim
to these predators."
Fraudsters are increasingly innovative, employing a broad range of scams to rip-off seniors. Identity theft topped the list in 2007 with a reported $6,421,952 lost, followed by the "Nigerian Letter" scam (where a fictitious high-ranking person in a foreign country tries to enlist help moving a large sum of money out of their country into the victim's bank account) which claimed $4,935,030, investment scams, which accounted for an additional $3,553,320 lost, and scams offering phony prizes, which generated losses of $3,506,289.
Capital One Canada also offers tips for seniors to help guard against
identity theft and fraud:
- Don't be afraid to say 'no'.
- Be careful when you speak to telemarketers - hang up if you feel
uncomfortable or do not trust the caller.
- Don't give in to high-pressure sales tactics.
- Don't reveal your credit card, bank account or Social Insurance Numbers
to unfamiliar companies or people.
- Do your own research on charities and other solicitors.
- It is your money - never be afraid to ask where it is going.
- Get details of all deals in writing and never sign contracts that have
blank lines or spaces in them.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
If you suspect or know you are a victim of fraudulent scams (including:
telemarketing fraud, advanced fee fraud, and identity theft) contact your
local police service, report fraud online through www.recol.ca or call The
Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre (formerly PhoneBusters) at 1-888-4....
For a copy of Capital One's Guide to Protecting Yourself from Identity
Theft, visit http://www.capitalone.ca/fraud.
Abridged
SOURCE: NewsWire Canada
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
TORONTO, July 10 /CNW Telbec/ -
According to the most recent data from SeniorBusters, thousands of elderly Canadians are victimized by financial fraud each year. Mail, telephone and online scams have left many seniors with significant monetary losses, often depleting their life-savings. Capital One Canada has joined forces with SeniorBusters to raise awareness about the
prevalence of these crimes and help educate and protect seniors from fraud.
"Education and helping to build a heightened awareness about these kinds
of crimes is critical to protecting older citizens in our communities and
preventing fraud," said Pam Girardo, spokesperson for Capital One Canada. "We
are delighted to see that we have helped SeniorBusters expand their efforts to
educate seniors about the real dangers lurking in their own communities. We
hope this knowledge will empower seniors and prevent them from falling victim
to these predators."
Fraudsters are increasingly innovative, employing a broad range of scams to rip-off seniors. Identity theft topped the list in 2007 with a reported $6,421,952 lost, followed by the "Nigerian Letter" scam (where a fictitious high-ranking person in a foreign country tries to enlist help moving a large sum of money out of their country into the victim's bank account) which claimed $4,935,030, investment scams, which accounted for an additional $3,553,320 lost, and scams offering phony prizes, which generated losses of $3,506,289.
Capital One Canada also offers tips for seniors to help guard against
identity theft and fraud:
- Don't be afraid to say 'no'.
- Be careful when you speak to telemarketers - hang up if you feel
uncomfortable or do not trust the caller.
- Don't give in to high-pressure sales tactics.
- Don't reveal your credit card, bank account or Social Insurance Numbers
to unfamiliar companies or people.
- Do your own research on charities and other solicitors.
- It is your money - never be afraid to ask where it is going.
- Get details of all deals in writing and never sign contracts that have
blank lines or spaces in them.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
If you suspect or know you are a victim of fraudulent scams (including:
telemarketing fraud, advanced fee fraud, and identity theft) contact your
local police service, report fraud online through www.recol.ca or call The
Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre (formerly PhoneBusters) at 1-888-4....
For a copy of Capital One's Guide to Protecting Yourself from Identity
Theft, visit http://www.capitalone.ca/fraud.
Abridged
SOURCE: NewsWire Canada
----------------------------------------------------
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How to Prevent Scammers Targeting Seniors
Scammers target older residents
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer
Many con artists and scammers consider older people to be the “perfect victims” for their crimes, a state official told local seniors on Tuesday.
Jennifer Aulgur, director of the TRIAD and Citizen Outreach program at the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, cited several reasons for that.
Older people who are lonely because they have no friends or relatives nearby may reach out to anyone who is friendly with them, not realizing that someone is trying to swindle them, said Aulgur.
Seniors may not realize that they should call the police — or they might be embarrassed to call — if anyone tries to defraud them, Aulgur said.
Also, among swindlers, “there is a perception that all seniors have a ton of money” in their retirement years, she said.
Aulgur was the keynote speaker for “Who Has Their Hands in Grandma’s Wallet?” The program, sponsored by King’s Grant and held at the Virginia Museum of Natural History, covered frauds and scams affecting seniors.
A frequent scam she discussed pertains to home improvements.
Aulgur said shady contractors will come to a house, tell the resident that they have materials left over from another job they have done in the neighborhood, such as painting or driveway paving, and offer to do work at that home if the person pays them cash on the spot.
People should not do business with a contractor without having a contract, Aulgur said. The contract should specify all work to be done — as well as any guarantees and promises made by the contractor — in writing, she said.
To find out if contractors are licensed or have complaints lodged against them, call the Virginia Board for Contractors at (804) 367-8511 or the Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs at (800) 552-9963.
People using the Internet to buy products and services should use credit cards, not debit cards, because “there is greater recourse if something goes wrong,” Aulgur said. For instance, credit card purchases are protected under the Fair Credit Billing Act, and it could be easier to get your money back if a person gets the card number and makes fraudulent purchases with it.
Credit card, checking account and Social Security numbers should not be given, either by phone or the Internet, to anyone soliciting business whose true identity cannot be easily determined, Aulgur pointed out.
When doing business on the Internet, she said, do not give such information unless the Web site is secure and reputable. The site is secure if it has either a yellow lock icon on the browser’s status bar or a Web address that begins with “https:” — the “s” stands for secure.
Other tips she gave for preventing identity theft include:
• Do not give out personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call, and shred documents to be discarded containing such information.
• Take Social Security numbers off your checks if possible, and write checks with ink that cannot be washed off the check. Pens with such “indelible” ink can be bought at many department stores and office supply retailers.
• Mail bills either at the post office or from blue postal boxes around town. Never put bills in your mailbox at home because thieves may rummage through the box, according to Aulgur.
• Check credit reports for free each year by calling (877) 322-8228 or going online at www.annualcreditreport.com.
• Immediately report evidence of identity theft to financial institutions.
The TRIAD and Citizen’s Outreach program is designed to protect Virginia’s older residents from negative forces such as crime, according to Bill Garrett, executive director at King’s Grant.
Aulgur said that seniors are welcome to call her at (804) 786-9516 if they have needs for which they think she can be of assistance.
Abridged
SOURCE: Martinsville Bulletin
------------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer
Many con artists and scammers consider older people to be the “perfect victims” for their crimes, a state official told local seniors on Tuesday.
Jennifer Aulgur, director of the TRIAD and Citizen Outreach program at the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, cited several reasons for that.
Older people who are lonely because they have no friends or relatives nearby may reach out to anyone who is friendly with them, not realizing that someone is trying to swindle them, said Aulgur.
Seniors may not realize that they should call the police — or they might be embarrassed to call — if anyone tries to defraud them, Aulgur said.
Also, among swindlers, “there is a perception that all seniors have a ton of money” in their retirement years, she said.
Aulgur was the keynote speaker for “Who Has Their Hands in Grandma’s Wallet?” The program, sponsored by King’s Grant and held at the Virginia Museum of Natural History, covered frauds and scams affecting seniors.
A frequent scam she discussed pertains to home improvements.
Aulgur said shady contractors will come to a house, tell the resident that they have materials left over from another job they have done in the neighborhood, such as painting or driveway paving, and offer to do work at that home if the person pays them cash on the spot.
People should not do business with a contractor without having a contract, Aulgur said. The contract should specify all work to be done — as well as any guarantees and promises made by the contractor — in writing, she said.
To find out if contractors are licensed or have complaints lodged against them, call the Virginia Board for Contractors at (804) 367-8511 or the Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs at (800) 552-9963.
People using the Internet to buy products and services should use credit cards, not debit cards, because “there is greater recourse if something goes wrong,” Aulgur said. For instance, credit card purchases are protected under the Fair Credit Billing Act, and it could be easier to get your money back if a person gets the card number and makes fraudulent purchases with it.
Credit card, checking account and Social Security numbers should not be given, either by phone or the Internet, to anyone soliciting business whose true identity cannot be easily determined, Aulgur pointed out.
When doing business on the Internet, she said, do not give such information unless the Web site is secure and reputable. The site is secure if it has either a yellow lock icon on the browser’s status bar or a Web address that begins with “https:” — the “s” stands for secure.
Other tips she gave for preventing identity theft include:
• Do not give out personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call, and shred documents to be discarded containing such information.
• Take Social Security numbers off your checks if possible, and write checks with ink that cannot be washed off the check. Pens with such “indelible” ink can be bought at many department stores and office supply retailers.
• Mail bills either at the post office or from blue postal boxes around town. Never put bills in your mailbox at home because thieves may rummage through the box, according to Aulgur.
• Check credit reports for free each year by calling (877) 322-8228 or going online at www.annualcreditreport.com.
• Immediately report evidence of identity theft to financial institutions.
The TRIAD and Citizen’s Outreach program is designed to protect Virginia’s older residents from negative forces such as crime, according to Bill Garrett, executive director at King’s Grant.
Aulgur said that seniors are welcome to call her at (804) 786-9516 if they have needs for which they think she can be of assistance.
Abridged
SOURCE: Martinsville Bulletin
------------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
July 10, 2008
Safety Tips to Prevent and Recognise Elder Abuse (USA)
Safety Tips to Prevent and Recognize Elder Abuse
Elder crimes have risen drastically across the nation. Senior abuse, senior neglect and crimes against the elderly have even caused some states to create a specific division to prosecute such crimes. Many senior victims are actually hurt by those they know. It is important for communities to stay knowledgeable about the signs to look for to determine if elder abuse is occurring, whether an abused senior is in a nursing home or not. To learn more about this growing problem which in recent years has lead to a flood of nursing home lawsuits click here.
SOURCE: Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Elder crimes have risen drastically across the nation. Senior abuse, senior neglect and crimes against the elderly have even caused some states to create a specific division to prosecute such crimes. Many senior victims are actually hurt by those they know. It is important for communities to stay knowledgeable about the signs to look for to determine if elder abuse is occurring, whether an abused senior is in a nursing home or not. To learn more about this growing problem which in recent years has lead to a flood of nursing home lawsuits click here.
SOURCE: Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
County Focusing on Crimes Against Seniors (Montgomery County, USA)
Special prosecutor assigned to tackle growing number of cases involving victimized seniors.
By Lou Grieco
Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
DAYTON — The Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office will now have a prosecutor assigned specifically to pursue criminals who victimize the elderly.
Prosecutor Mathias H. Heck Jr. announced the forming of the Adult Protection Unit on Tuesday, July 8, at the Ellison Senior Citizen Center, 2412 W. Third St.
More than 2.1 million elderly Americans are the victims of neglect, physical or psychological abuse each year, Heck said.
About 90 percent of them are victimized by people they know. Roughly two-thirds are the victims' adult children or spouses, Heck said.
But for every reported case, Heck said, there are five more that are unreported, usually because the victims are ashamed or fearful of further retribution.
"The public is just not aware of it," Heck said.
Assistant county prosecutor Jennifer Heapy is assigned to the unit. Heapy said she expects to prosecute different types of cases, from assaults to financial crimes.
She will also do outreach and preventative education for seniors and those who provide services to them. She will conduct some training for EMTs and police officers on what signs to look for.
"Elder abuse is where domestic violence was 10 years ago," Heapy said. "So many of these cases go unreported."
For more information about the Adult Protection Unit, contact the prosecutor's office at 225-5757.
SOURCE: Dayton Daily News
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
By Lou Grieco
Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
DAYTON — The Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office will now have a prosecutor assigned specifically to pursue criminals who victimize the elderly.
Prosecutor Mathias H. Heck Jr. announced the forming of the Adult Protection Unit on Tuesday, July 8, at the Ellison Senior Citizen Center, 2412 W. Third St.
More than 2.1 million elderly Americans are the victims of neglect, physical or psychological abuse each year, Heck said.
About 90 percent of them are victimized by people they know. Roughly two-thirds are the victims' adult children or spouses, Heck said.
But for every reported case, Heck said, there are five more that are unreported, usually because the victims are ashamed or fearful of further retribution.
"The public is just not aware of it," Heck said.
Assistant county prosecutor Jennifer Heapy is assigned to the unit. Heapy said she expects to prosecute different types of cases, from assaults to financial crimes.
She will also do outreach and preventative education for seniors and those who provide services to them. She will conduct some training for EMTs and police officers on what signs to look for.
"Elder abuse is where domestic violence was 10 years ago," Heapy said. "So many of these cases go unreported."
For more information about the Adult Protection Unit, contact the prosecutor's office at 225-5757.
SOURCE: Dayton Daily News
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Elder Care: Neighbours Campaigned for Extra Care (UK)
Veteran thanks neighbours for wife's care campaign
A Nottinghamshire RAF veteran who faced separation from his wife after more than 60 years of marriage has thanked his neighbours for their help in campaigning for her to be looked after at home.
Stanley Cooke, 84, feared his wife Joyce would have to move into a nursing home after she suffered a stroke at their home in Brinsley.
Mr Cooke has spent the past eight years caring for his 82-year-old wife, who suffers from dementia, with the help of only one carer.
But after Mrs Cooke suffered a stroke last week, Nottinghamshire County Council told him he needed two carers to visit three times a day.
Social workers said the extra help was not available immediately and suggested Mrs Cooke move in to a nursing home while the situation was resolved.
But Mr Cooke, who has not spent one night apart from his wife in 24 years, feared the move could become permanent.
Fellow villagers launched a campaign on his behalf. Armed with placards, they travelled to protest outside the council's social services offices.
Now the authority has found the extra staff needed to care for Mrs Cooke at home.
Mr Cooke, a retired brick-layer, said: "We have been married 62 years so Joyce wouldn't have lasted. It's all about love; 62 years of love. It's not a modern thing nowadays to spend a long time with someone.
"He added: "Of course I thank my neighbours. I have lived in the village 84 years and know most of the people here. I have done a lot myself. That's how it works in the village. You can always rely on help from someone."
Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2008, All Rights Reserve
SOURCE: WorksopGuardianUK
-----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
A Nottinghamshire RAF veteran who faced separation from his wife after more than 60 years of marriage has thanked his neighbours for their help in campaigning for her to be looked after at home.
Stanley Cooke, 84, feared his wife Joyce would have to move into a nursing home after she suffered a stroke at their home in Brinsley.
Mr Cooke has spent the past eight years caring for his 82-year-old wife, who suffers from dementia, with the help of only one carer.
But after Mrs Cooke suffered a stroke last week, Nottinghamshire County Council told him he needed two carers to visit three times a day.
Social workers said the extra help was not available immediately and suggested Mrs Cooke move in to a nursing home while the situation was resolved.
But Mr Cooke, who has not spent one night apart from his wife in 24 years, feared the move could become permanent.
Fellow villagers launched a campaign on his behalf. Armed with placards, they travelled to protest outside the council's social services offices.
Now the authority has found the extra staff needed to care for Mrs Cooke at home.
Mr Cooke, a retired brick-layer, said: "We have been married 62 years so Joyce wouldn't have lasted. It's all about love; 62 years of love. It's not a modern thing nowadays to spend a long time with someone.
"He added: "Of course I thank my neighbours. I have lived in the village 84 years and know most of the people here. I have done a lot myself. That's how it works in the village. You can always rely on help from someone."
Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2008, All Rights Reserve
SOURCE: WorksopGuardianUK
-----------------------------------------------------
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