Financial Institution Launches Strategy Aimed at Stopping Elder Abuse (CANADA)

Financial institution launches strategy aimed at stopping elder abuse

Apr. 05 2011

By Laura Tupper, ctvedmonton.ca

An Alberta bank is joining police in Edmonton and Calgary in trying to prevent the financial abuse of seniors in this province.

ATB Financial has launched a training program for staff in efforts to help employees recognize and stop people from taking advantage of elderly residents.

"There is no industry-wide curriculum or set of standards for elder abuse training in Canada," said Karen Comeau, ATB's vice-president of sales and operations. "We decided the time was right to join law enforcement and social agency partners in developing a training program for our people. We're proud to be the first financial institution in Alberta to do that."

The financial abuse of seniors can include the misuse of joint bank accounts, forging signatures on pension cheques or legal documents, misusing a power of attorney or making a change to a senior's will.

Officials with Edmonton's Elder Abuse Intervention Team estimate that between four and 10 per cent of seniors will experience some form of abuse.

"By helping ATB Financial develop training programs for their associates, we know this will help in prevention and intervention of financial abuse situations," said Pat Power, a social worker with the intervention team.

"I see it every day. It's sad to see our seniors being taken advantage of in this manner," said EPS Const. Jared Buhler. "Thanks to the training we helped develop, ATB associates are better able to recognize the warning signs of elder abuse."

SOURCE:    Edmonton,ctv,ca
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ONPEA Responds to Recent Report of the Male Nurse Charged with Sexual Elder Abuse (CANADA)

The Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse responds to the recent

Report  of the male nurse charged with sexually assaulting a female nursing home resident.

“Sexual abuse of older women is probably the most insidious form of elder abuse because it preys on some of our communities most vulnerable people.  It is morally reprehensible as well as criminal.”

Teri Kay, Executive Director of ONPEA is angered by the recent account of elder sexual assault in Toronto but worries not only for the victim, but also for the lasting negative effects this type of incident may cause on the communityl




SOURCE:   ONPEA.ORG
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New Program Aimed at Fighting Financial Elder Abuse (CANADA)

New program aimed at fighting financial elder abuse 

By Leslie Stein 

4/5/2011 

Financial elder abuse is a growing problem in our province, even more so in the next ten years as our senior population is expected to increase by more than 50%.

ATB Financial is teaming up with Edmonton and Calgary police services, RCMP and the city to launch a program aimed at identifying and stopping the abuse. All employees with ATB Financial are being trained in the program.

"I hope the program will result in earlier detection and awareness of the problem, these things go on for a number of months even years before it comes to light, and by that point the senior is often in financial difficulty and in some cases their entire life savings is depleted." says EPS Constable Jared Buhler.

Buhler is also a member of the Elder Abuse Intervention Team. He says it's often hard to deal with the issue because the abuser is often a family member and money is given willingly by the victim. (ls, ccg)




SOURCE:   iNews880


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Scandal of Elder Abuse (IRELAND)

Scandal of elder abuse

By Noel O’Driscoll

AN elderly woman visits the doctor’s surgery with a large bruise on her face. She tells the doctor that she fell, too afraid to admit that it was her daughter who inflicted the injury. An elderly man wonders why his pension money seems to be running out quicker than normal, unaware that his ‘carer’ is helping herself to the cash out of his wallet. In another instance an elderly person is harangued and coerced into signing over their home or savings to a ‘caring’ relative.

All these people are victims of elder abuse and we all have a role to play in ensuring that it stops.

Last week Age Action hosted a conference in Athy to raise awareness of the issue of elder abuse and to confront the reality that these victims, who are among our most vulnerable people, face.

The conference heard that only one in five cases of elder abuse are reported by family or friends of the victims. The other 80% of the reported cases were reported by HSE staff through their elder abuse service.

A survey carried out by the National Centre for the Protection of Older People found that 18,700 people over the age of 65 had experienced some form of abuse, with abuse occurring in 10,000 cases within the past year.

Eamonn Timmins of Age Action Ireland told the Kildare Nationalist that the general community needs to be more aware of the prevalence of elder abuse. “This is something that people in the general community know nothing about. We are trying to raise awareness of what elder abuse is and how to recognise the signs. We are also saying to older people that are being abused that they don’t have to put up with it.”

Mr Timmins said that elder abuse can take many forms. “There can be physical abuse with people being kicked and punched and there can also be financial abuse with someone being forced to sign over their home or their savings. A number of cases involve psychological abuse and in a small number of cases there is sexual abuse. The abuse is usually perpetrated by an immediate family member. Elder abuse usually occurs when there is a relationship of trust. The wider community needs to be aware of the signs and to recognise that doing nothing is not an option.”

SOURCE:    The Kildare Nationalist, IE
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Many Greeks in Victoria are Victims Or are Afraid of Financial Elder Abuse (Vic. AUSTRALIA)

03 April 2011

by Apostolos Papapostolou

For many elderly Greek Australians financial and emotional abuse from family members or trusted carers is a frightening reality. A new study by Monash University and State Trustees has shown older Greek Australians believe this ‘silent crime’ towards the elderly is common within the community.

The study, Diversity and financial elder abuse in Victoria, used data from 76 survey respondents, aged between 65 and 100 years, 62 of which were from non-English speaking backgrounds, including Greek, Italian and Vietnamese. Nineteen of the participants were elderly Greek Australians.

Monash University’s Associate Professor Jo Wainer told Neos Kosmos that the Greeks identified and recognised elder abuse (which is abuse from a family member or trusted person) more than any other group surveyed. They had many tales of elder abuse and financial mismanagement and recognised that this is mostly from within families. “There are lots of good kids but there are others who abuse a lot too,” one participant responded. The Greek understanding of ‘elder abuse’ included when children push, manipulate, bully and scare their elderly parents, and can mean put downs, shouting, verbal insults, beatings and being pushed around.

One man said he was treated worse than an animal. “I wish I was a dog, they live better than us,” he said. Some of the horror stories brought up included a cousin who lives with her granddaughter and only receives $20 a week, neglect from children who take over, and children taking control of the money and only giving their parent a cold plate of food to eat. One participant told the story of a widow whose children bullied her into selling her units and left her living on the street.

“Her kids fell upon her and manipulated her,” the respondent said. A woman also told of a man she knew who was tricked and lied to. His children had said they would put him in a home for two weeks so they could go on holidays, however the man remained there for 14 years until he died. No one visited him and the children sold all his houses and property.
Most of the Greeks surveyed were women and widowers that feel vulnerable to potential abuse, Prof Wainer said, adding that Greeks were most likely of all groups to rely on their children for banking, paying bills and paperwork.

Greeks were also the most likely of all the groups to actively minimise their risk and think about how to protect themselves. “Almost all of them have a will, the majority have appointed enduring power of attorney, which is a strategy to reduce risk. They appoint their children, which can be protective but also an instrument of abuse,” Professor Wainer said.
The two Greek discussion groups appeared to be living hand to mouth and were concerned about daily survival, with one saying “if they cut the pension then we are doomed, we all live in fear”. Some survival strategies they outlined included buying food at the end of market day, cooking one pot of lentils or beans and making it last five days, paying bills on terms, wearing old shoes and clothes, and buying the cheapest cuts of meat or food at its expiry date.

CEO of Fronditha Care, Penni Michael said Fronditha has encountered such cases of elderly financial abuse with two cases in the past eight months. “These situations are very difficult, the elderly person is very reluctant to talk about what is happening, they know it is not right but at the same time they want to be able to look after their child,” Ms Michael told.
“They also find themselves in the middle of sibling arguments, where one child is encouraging the mother or father to stop giving money to their adult child. They often feel very vulnerable emotionally, especially when they are threatened”. “It’s really important to advocate for these people who are vulnerable and give them support,” Ms Michael added.

Yarra City Council invites seniors to an open discussion this Tuesday, April 5, to discuss thoughts and ideas on the rights of older people and the issue of elder abuse. The event will be held at Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Rd, from 10am until 2pm, with lunch provided. Please RSVP by Monday April 4 to Yarra Council on 9205 5555 or at info@yarracity.vic.gov.au
For information and support relating to elder abuse for older Victorians, their friends and family members, please call Seniors Rights Victoria on 1300 368 821.
(source: neos kosmos)

SOURCE:    The Greek Reporter, Australia
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Awareness Rally on Elder Abuse (INDIA)

CHENNAI

March 31, 2011

A non-governmental organisation has formed self-help groups of elderly women and taught them ways to support themselves. The beneficiaries run ‘tiffin' centres and live with dignity.

Some of the elderly women also support their out-of-job children. Their age was no deterrent when the SHG members participated in an awareness rally on elder abuse at the Marina Beach here on Wednesday.

The women, mostly over the age of 60, have had unpleasant experiences at home at one time or the other. But they have gained confidence to rebuild their lives.

The Young Women Christian Association has helped women in Otteri, Santhosh Nagar, K.M. Garden and Nehru Nagar and neighbouring localities through the SHGs.

Susheela Antony, 62, of Sathyavani Muthu Nagar, Otteri, and N. Ambika, 65, of K.M. Garden have set up their own ‘tiffin' centres. Quite a few women continue to work as domestic helps also. But 85-year-old Theresa, who works as a domestic help, wants her son to be kind to her. “I have BP… unable to do much work,” she says.

The rally was organised by HelpAge India to raise awareness about elder abuse. Other participants included residents of Guild of Service's Meals on Wheels and Mercy Home.

SOURCE:     The Hindu.com
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Woman Accused in Elder Abuse Case, Granted Bail (CANADA)

Woman accused in elder abuse case granted bail

 Mother-in-law found in garage

 By Linda Nguyen, Postmedia News

April 1, 2011

A Toronto woman accused of forcing her elderly mother-in-law to live in a barely heated garage this past winter was granted bail Thursday.

Dressed in a green prison sweatsuit, Qi Tan, 28, hung her head as an Ontario judge approved her release on $100,000 bail.

Last month, Tan and her husband, Kwong Yan, 43, were both charged with failure to provide the necessities of life and criminal negligence causing bodily harm after police found a 68-yearold woman suffering from frostbite to her arms, fingers and toes in a garage attached their house in east Toronto. A few days later, the couple turned themselves into police and have since remained in custody.

The original judge who heard their case denied them both bail, but on Thursday, a second judge ruled there was no reason to keep Tan in jail until her criminal trial begins. The evidence presented at the bail review hearing is under a publication ban.

Jindeng Feng, who was in life-threatening condition when she was found by police on Feb. 23, still remains in hospital.

Her condition is improving, although she continues to show signs of dementia and has been unable to give investigators a statement. When police discovered her, her skin was cold to the touch and the only food in the garage was a piece of bread.

A bail review hearing for Tan's husband, Kwong Yan, is scheduled for next week.

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

SOURCE:     The Ottawa Citizen
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Senior Scammed of $50,000 (CANADA)

Senior scammed of $50,000

FRAUD: Phone “Prize Pitch” is second most common dupe

By TARA JEFFREY, THE OBSERVER

April 2, 2011

A local senior has lost more than $50,000 in a phone scam that had her convinced she'd won a new car.

The 76-year-old Point Edward resident was duped by the elaborate scam over an eight-day period beginning March 17, stemming from a phone call she received about winning a new car and a substantial amount of cash, Lambton OPP said.

"The callers are extremely persuasive," said Const. Chrystal Jones. "In order to legitimize the scam, the victim is transferred to numerous persons who offer congratulations on the win." 

To claim her prize, the woman was instructed to wire money to various U.S. locations.

Once she sent the money, the scammer continued to call, convincing her to send even more money by promising a more substantial prize.

Police say the plot thickened when the fraudster called back, this time posing as a police detective. He told the woman she'd been scammed, assured her she was a legitimate winner, and urged her to follow specific instructions.

The "detective" suggested the victim change her phone number and only talk to him from that point on. He also provided a phone number that she was not allowed to call, but could be used to help identify the investigator when he needed to speak with her.

"The family and police intervened at this point and found that the phone number was not legitimate and neither was the prize at the end," said Jones. "Unfortunately in this case, it was too late, as the money was already gone."

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre lists the "Prize Pitch" as its second most common scam.

"Consumers are told they have been specially selected to win a prize, or have been awarded one of three or two of five prizes," the website states. "These prizes usually include cash or a vehicle. You must purchase a product and pay in advance to receive your prize."

Jones said that while the public is more aware of seniors scams these days, the fraudsters are getting smarter with new tools, namely the Internet.

"It's easier for them to find their victims," she said. "It's also in the media these days, and I think our awareness has helped bring it to the forefront."

Anytime you're asked to send money to claim a prize, it's likely a scam, she said.

"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. With the elderly, they're so trusting, and they forget that there are bad people out there who just want their money.

"If you do have elderly parents, check up on them and keep an eye on their finances if you can," she continued. "Just to make sure they're not being preyed upon."

A seminar on crimes against seniors is scheduled for Monday at Thompson Gardens in Corunna, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon., featuring guest speaker Ed Lum, a retired Hamilton Police officer.

Anyone who wishes to attend should contact 519-8624680 or email ccpcnw@yahoo.ca.

SOURCE:     The Observer.CA
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Caregiver Accused of Stealing From Elderly Woman (USA)

Medford caregiver accused of stealing from elderly woman suffering from terminal cancer

April 01, 2011

By Chris Conrad

Mail Tribune

A Medford woman faces felony theft and mistreatment charges for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from a woman suffering from terminal cancer.

Police say Crystal Dawn Neff, 42, was a paid caregiver for an elderly woman who was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

During the months she provided in-home care for nearly eight hours a day, Neff reportedly bilked the woman out of at least $4,400.

"This is an unfortunate case of elder abuse," Medford police Lt. Bob Hansen said. "Sadly, we see these cases quite a bit in our area."

Neff provided in-home care for the woman since August 2009, Hansen said.

At some point, police allege, Neff began writing and cashing checks under the woman's name and keeping the proceeds.

Finally, a family member noticed the woman's finances were out of order and looked into the matter. The family found evidence that Neff was stealing from the woman and phoned police.

Financial detectives collected evidence, but could only tie Neff to about $4,400 in thefts, Hansen said.

"We strongly suspect that more was stolen, but we have not yet been able to prove it," he said.

The $4,400 went missing between October 2010 and January, Hansen said.

Medford police arrested Neff on charges of first-degree criminal mistreatment, aggravated identity theft and three counts of first-degree theft.

Neff was lodged in the Jackson County Jail on $72,000 bail but has since posted it after her initial appearance in Jackson County Circuit Court.

Neff, who lives in the 2200 block of Griffin Creek Road in Medford, has been sued by several creditors over the past 10 years, according to court records. She also has been evicted from a number of homes she has rented, records show.

Hansen said the area's large elderly population often finds itself preyed upon by caregivers trusted to assist them with their daily lives.

"Our older generation can be vulnerable to this type of crime," Hansen said. "Often, the elderly will develop a close relationship with the caregiver and will trust them with their finances."

Hansen said family members should keep an eye on their loved one's bank statements and savings accounts. If they see anything suspicious, call the police.

"We have people who are trained to conduct financial investigations," Hansen said.

Family members should carefully check a caregiver's references during the hiring process. The police department cannot perform criminal background checks, but that service is available for a fee by some companies.

"You really should make more than one phone call when considering a caregiver," Hansen said. "Call several references and maybe consult the Better Business Bureau."

Hansen warned that caregivers offering their services at a low price should be looked upon with caution.

"There are times when you get what you pay for," Hansen said. "We need to take care of our elders."

SOURCE:     The Mail Tribune
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Financial Abuse: Culture Does Matther (AUSTRALIA)

Financial abuse: culture does matter!

29/03/2011

By Yasmin Noone

A new study has confirmed that older non-English speaking Australians are not only at risk of being financially abused by their family members but many deny that it will ever happen to them.

The research conducted by Monash University and commissioned by State Trustees (Victoria), also revealed that when it comes to older people and financial abuse, culture plays a signficant role.

Adjunct Associate Processor at Monash’s Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Jo Wainer, said a risk develops when the older person depends on their family for translation, transactions and services relating to the management of their finances.

“What we found was that culture matters,” Ms Wainer said.

“There are deeply held values and practices about intergenerational money transfers, which also varied from cultural group to cultural group.

“These values and practices are protective but they also put the older person at some risk. It is protective as some families do help their older parents manage their money. It’s not a big deal as they have been doing it over the years while were competent.

“The risk comes for [these] families, who have always managed the money, when things what’s yours and mine get mingled and when parents are not able to check the finances for themselves.

“Then, if the children get into trouble…it’s very easy for them to say, ‘I’ll take a bit of mum’s money because she won’t notice the difference'. Because it’s an established practice, they just do it.

“Worse still is when the older person is not managing well, the child will say, ‘Come and live with me. I’ll sell house, you put money into my house and we’ll look after you’.

“When that works, it’s the best possible outcome but when it doesn’t, the older person is left with nothing.”

The research is drawn from the university’s fourth report from the Protecting Elders Assets Study (PEAS) on financial elder abuse.

Data was drawn from 76 survey respondents aged 65 to 100 who were surveyed on their current and planned financial management strategies. Sixty two respondents were from non-English speaking backgrounds, including Greek, Italian and Vietnamese cultures.

As was observed in previous studies with older English-speaking Victorians, participants in this non-English speaking study were aware of instances of financial elder abuse but they believed it would be unlikely to happen to them.

“In Australia, there are approximately 22 million people, speaking almost 400 languages, identifying with more than 270 ancestries and observing a wide variety of cultural and religious traditions,” Ms Wainer said.

“As a society it is our responsibility to provide culturally and ethnically sensitive financial products and services which protect the rights of all older Australians, regardless of background.”

Former director of the Elder Abuse Prevention Association and expert on the topic, Lillian Jeter, agreed with the findings. 

She also explained the emotional implications associated with elder abuse that is perpetrated by family members: “The hand that’s feeding you is the hand that is abusing you”.

But, Ms Jeter said, the risk of financial abuse is not limited to just older non-English speaking adults - the risk applies to all older Australians.

Community care staff therefore play a vital role in the prevention of elder abuse. “They need to be vigilant and if they see anything from the [alleged] abuser or from the older person they need to report it back to their supervisor.

“It could be the use of harsh words, neglect or there is no food in the person’s fridge.

“[Community care] agencies need to have firm policies in place and should always document document document.”

To view the report, click here

SOURCE:    Australian Ageing Agenda


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