Neha Tara Mehta, Hindustan Times
New Delhi, July 29, 2007
The houses of elders in Delhi hide an ugly secret: one in every two elderly persons in the capital is facing harassment over property, or knows another senior who is. And it’s upscale south Delhi which has the dubious distinction of harbouring the bulk of the harassment cases (41.6 per cent), followed by central Delhi (20.8 per cent).
These are among the shocking home truths revealed by the Older Persons Property Victimisation Survey done by HelpAge India for HT. The survey, that took off on June 15, the Elder Abuse Prevention Day, was conducted on a sample size of 1,183 persons aged between 65 and 91 in 46 colonies.
Only 402 seniors agreed to come on record. Lajpat Nagar, Saket and Rajinder Nagar were found to have the highest incidence of harassment of elders. North Delhi emerged the most elderly sensitive zone, with only 5.5 per cent cases being reported from there.
“The incidence of property-related harassment could be even higher among Delhi’s 11 lakh elderly people, as at least 31 per cent of those interviewed admitted facing problems but refused to talk about them,” says Nidhi Raj Kapoor, head of communications, HelpAge India.
The questionnaires were distributed by elderly persons from senior citizen welfare bodies.
Commenting on the findings, M.M. Sabharwal, president emeritus of HelpAge India, who is 85 himself, said: “We have lost our culture and ethos of love and care for the elders.” Supreme Court advocate Geeta Luthra agrees: “I see several property cases in South Delhi in which children are so callous that their parents die even before their death.”
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How true - "....parents who are abused by their own children, die even before their death".
July 30, 2007
Kansas City woman sentenced to 5 years for Elder Abuse
Kansas City woman sentenced to five years for abusing mother
By JOE LAMBE - The Kansas City Star
A Jackson County judge on Friday sentenced a Kansas City woman to five years in prison for beating her 91-year-old mother with a cane and otherwise abusing her.
Carolyn J. Hanks, 54, pleaded guilty previously to assault, armed criminal action, felonious restraint and unlawful use of a weapon.
She also threatened her mother, Ruby Shinn, with a knife and kept her hostage in her home. Shinn escaped and called police.
She also threatened her mother, Ruby Shinn, with a knife and kept her hostage in her home. Shinn escaped and called police.
A police officer testified Friday that the home in the 300 block of East 79th Terrace was the most disgusting situation he had ever seen. Feces, used toilet paper and buckets of urine were all over, and the smell was vile, he said.
Shinn, who had bruises and cuts on her body and a compound fracture of her arm, told police that her daughter was trying to kill her.
At the sentencing, Judge J.D. Williamson told Hanks: “Your conduct was absolutely deplorable. There is no excuse I can conjure up in any way, shape or form that will even mitigate it.”
But he declined to sentence her to the full 10 years allowed by the plea bargain, noting the lack of any other felony, her age and mental illness.
Defense attorney Curt Winegarner, who said his client started treatment for her mental problem in jail after her arrest on April 25, 2006, asked for a sentence of three years. Hanks sometimes muttered to herself during the hearing.
Assistant prosecutor Sydney Wallace asked for the full 10 years. He said Hanks had abused her mother for at least a year and might have killed her if she had not escaped.
“The fact the defendant chose to treat her own mother like this was what is most telling about Ms. Hanks,” Wallace said.
Shinn, who just turned 93, now lives in a nursing home close to other relatives.
By JOE LAMBE - The Kansas City Star
A Jackson County judge on Friday sentenced a Kansas City woman to five years in prison for beating her 91-year-old mother with a cane and otherwise abusing her.
Carolyn J. Hanks, 54, pleaded guilty previously to assault, armed criminal action, felonious restraint and unlawful use of a weapon.
She also threatened her mother, Ruby Shinn, with a knife and kept her hostage in her home. Shinn escaped and called police.
She also threatened her mother, Ruby Shinn, with a knife and kept her hostage in her home. Shinn escaped and called police.
A police officer testified Friday that the home in the 300 block of East 79th Terrace was the most disgusting situation he had ever seen. Feces, used toilet paper and buckets of urine were all over, and the smell was vile, he said.
Shinn, who had bruises and cuts on her body and a compound fracture of her arm, told police that her daughter was trying to kill her.
At the sentencing, Judge J.D. Williamson told Hanks: “Your conduct was absolutely deplorable. There is no excuse I can conjure up in any way, shape or form that will even mitigate it.”
But he declined to sentence her to the full 10 years allowed by the plea bargain, noting the lack of any other felony, her age and mental illness.
Defense attorney Curt Winegarner, who said his client started treatment for her mental problem in jail after her arrest on April 25, 2006, asked for a sentence of three years. Hanks sometimes muttered to herself during the hearing.
Assistant prosecutor Sydney Wallace asked for the full 10 years. He said Hanks had abused her mother for at least a year and might have killed her if she had not escaped.
“The fact the defendant chose to treat her own mother like this was what is most telling about Ms. Hanks,” Wallace said.
Shinn, who just turned 93, now lives in a nursing home close to other relatives.
July 27, 2007
Granny thrown out with the garbage
Granny thrown out with the garbage
Thursday Jul 19 17:44 AEST
An Indian couple found an unwell 75 year old woman lying on a garbage dump, apparently thrown out of her home by her daughter and grandsons who did not want to take care of her, the Hindustan Times reported.
"She never complained about her family's behaviour, only rued the fact that she couldn't move without help," Mohanasundari, one of the rescuers, said.
The "semi-paralysed" Palaniappan told her rescuers her youngest daughter had quarrelled with other family members over who should take care of her. The daughter then got her sons to take their grandmother to the dump in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Sons and daughters have traditionally looked after their elderly parents but sociologists say that the pressures of modern life are seeing more elderly people abandoned by their children or sent to old-age homes.
Politicians expressed outrage over Palaniappan's fate and said they would ask officials to take action against the family.
"I have asked the collector (a local official) to take care of the old lady, and take legal action against the children," state Social Welfare Minister Poongothai, who like many in Tamil Nadu goes by one name, was quoted as saying.
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Such an article grabs every one's attention. There are, however, many cases in developed countries where an elderly person may not have been physically thrown out by their adult children; but are deliberately isolated or abandoned. That sort of actions are usually used as a blackmail. " Do as you are told ... or else.."
Please let me know if you , or some one you know, are in this sort of situation. I'll be happy to highlight such cases on this blog.
Thursday Jul 19 17:44 AEST
An Indian couple found an unwell 75 year old woman lying on a garbage dump, apparently thrown out of her home by her daughter and grandsons who did not want to take care of her, the Hindustan Times reported.
"She never complained about her family's behaviour, only rued the fact that she couldn't move without help," Mohanasundari, one of the rescuers, said.
The "semi-paralysed" Palaniappan told her rescuers her youngest daughter had quarrelled with other family members over who should take care of her. The daughter then got her sons to take their grandmother to the dump in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Sons and daughters have traditionally looked after their elderly parents but sociologists say that the pressures of modern life are seeing more elderly people abandoned by their children or sent to old-age homes.
Politicians expressed outrage over Palaniappan's fate and said they would ask officials to take action against the family.
"I have asked the collector (a local official) to take care of the old lady, and take legal action against the children," state Social Welfare Minister Poongothai, who like many in Tamil Nadu goes by one name, was quoted as saying.
-----------------------------------------
Such an article grabs every one's attention. There are, however, many cases in developed countries where an elderly person may not have been physically thrown out by their adult children; but are deliberately isolated or abandoned. That sort of actions are usually used as a blackmail. " Do as you are told ... or else.."
Please let me know if you , or some one you know, are in this sort of situation. I'll be happy to highlight such cases on this blog.
July 26, 2007
Protection Plan for Elderly in South Australia
Protection for elderly
By Greg Kelton, State Editor ‘Adelaide Now’
July 16, 2007
A NEW protection plan, involving greater community awareness and better education, is being developed by the State Government to prevent abuse of the elderly.
More than $2 million has been set aside for the plan, which could result in law changes.
Minister for Ageing Jay Weatherill said yesterday the abuse of the elderly was "an extraordinarily difficult issue to find out about because many of the elderly people affected are reluctant to speak out about it".
The Government's action plan involves:
CAPITALISING on the natural advantage of SA's ageing population.
SUPPORTING and encouraging older people to make the most of opportunities available.
PROVIDING safety, security and protection.
EDUCATING professions, workers, the community and older people on their rights.
The Office of the Ageing is working with a team from the University of SA, led by Associate Professor Dale Bagshaw, in developing the action plan.
"This kind of policy is extremely important because older people are among the most vulnerable in our society," Professor Bagshaw said.
"Where there's one form of abuse, there's often other forms of abuse and, more often than not, it's someone the victim knows, such as adult children, other family members and carers."
Source Link: AdelaideNow
-----------------------------
It is important that government in every state promote community awareness and education of this growing problem.
By Greg Kelton, State Editor ‘Adelaide Now’
July 16, 2007
A NEW protection plan, involving greater community awareness and better education, is being developed by the State Government to prevent abuse of the elderly.
More than $2 million has been set aside for the plan, which could result in law changes.
Minister for Ageing Jay Weatherill said yesterday the abuse of the elderly was "an extraordinarily difficult issue to find out about because many of the elderly people affected are reluctant to speak out about it".
The Government's action plan involves:
CAPITALISING on the natural advantage of SA's ageing population.
SUPPORTING and encouraging older people to make the most of opportunities available.
PROVIDING safety, security and protection.
EDUCATING professions, workers, the community and older people on their rights.
The Office of the Ageing is working with a team from the University of SA, led by Associate Professor Dale Bagshaw, in developing the action plan.
"This kind of policy is extremely important because older people are among the most vulnerable in our society," Professor Bagshaw said.
"Where there's one form of abuse, there's often other forms of abuse and, more often than not, it's someone the victim knows, such as adult children, other family members and carers."
Source Link: AdelaideNow
-----------------------------
It is important that government in every state promote community awareness and education of this growing problem.
July 24, 2007
Elder Abuse - "The Forgotten Victims"
Unfortunately, victims of elder abuse in the general community often miss out on services provided by governments and other organizations. Particularly, if the victims are living in their own homes, are financially independent and are not using any care services provided by the local government.
I refer to them as the "Forgotten Victims". Elders in this category are also exposed to abuses, often by a spouse or their adult children. However, as they are independent of government assistance and care services (e.g. home help and/or nursing services) they miss out. It is quite amazing when you realise that these are often the people who had worked hard to be financially independent, paid their taxes all their working lives etc.
Victims of Elder Abuse in this group often refuse to tell anyone about the abuses. They feel ashamed and threatened. Unless a caring friend, neighbour or relative report incidents of of abuse; they will never get help.
This is when a Helpline for reporting elder abuse becomes crucial.
Many researches from around the world have indicated that Elder Abuse (particularly, those perpetrated by spouses or adult children) is a growing global problem.
Let us be vigilant!
I refer to them as the "Forgotten Victims". Elders in this category are also exposed to abuses, often by a spouse or their adult children. However, as they are independent of government assistance and care services (e.g. home help and/or nursing services) they miss out. It is quite amazing when you realise that these are often the people who had worked hard to be financially independent, paid their taxes all their working lives etc.
Victims of Elder Abuse in this group often refuse to tell anyone about the abuses. They feel ashamed and threatened. Unless a caring friend, neighbour or relative report incidents of of abuse; they will never get help.
This is when a Helpline for reporting elder abuse becomes crucial.
Many researches from around the world have indicated that Elder Abuse (particularly, those perpetrated by spouses or adult children) is a growing global problem.
Let us be vigilant!
Australia - Ageing, Ageism & Abuse Seminar & Workshops
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Ageing, Ageism & Abuse Seminar & Workshops in Victoria
On 2-3 August 2007Featured speakers:Jo Pearson speaking on ageism in the media and in society as a causative factor of elder abuseBrian Herd speaking on undue influence and the dynamics within the family setting, resulting in abuse & financial exploitationLillian Jeter speaking on the profile of the offenders - those who commit sexual assaults & physically abuse as well as others who mistreat older residents, neglect, and psychologically abuse. What goes on in these offenders' minds?Dr. Yvonne Wells speaking on the psychological issues surrounding elder abuse with a review of the research literatureColleen Williams speaking on the "culture" within residential care facilitiesWe have the pleasure to announce two additions to our program:Norman Aisbett, senior journalist with The West Australian will be moderating our panel discussion. Norman has been a journalist for more than thirty-five years and his career has been distinguished by his concern for social justice issues, both within Australia and in the Asia-Pacific region.Gail Chilianis & Deb Chapman will speak about their personal experiences following the alleged sexual assault of their grandmother in a nursing home on the Mornington Peninsula. Gail & Deb were featured on Lateline on the 20th of February 2006 and will provide a sensitive & emotional portrayal from a family's perspective.Further details Venue:Melbourne Exhibition and Convention CentreCost:See flyer for registration feesRSVP:See registration form
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A reminder about this important seminar in Melbourne.
July 21, 2007
Active Living - Important to Prevent Elder Abuse
We must keep active and connected to stop social vultures from acting out their elder abuse schemes.
Australian Government: Online services for Seniors
Some of the activities and services offered by states in Australia:
Victoria: Office of Senior Victorians – Activities for Seniors
Go For Your Life site
New South Wales: State Govt.
South Australia: Healthy SA
Western Australia: Seniors Recreation Centre
Northern Territory: Health & Social Services
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Add life to your years, and years to your life.
Australian Government: Online services for Seniors
Some of the activities and services offered by states in Australia:
Victoria: Office of Senior Victorians – Activities for Seniors
Go For Your Life site
New South Wales: State Govt.
South Australia: Healthy SA
Western Australia: Seniors Recreation Centre
Northern Territory: Health & Social Services
----------------
Add life to your years, and years to your life.
July 20, 2007
State-by-State Elder Abuse Resource List
Compiled by Christopher J. Gearon AARP bulletin online
July-August 2007
Elder abuse is a serious and common reality for too many older adults, and reports of such crimes are on the rise. Nearly 566,000 reports of elder abuse were made nationally in 2003, almost 20 percent more than in 2000. Elder abuse can take many forms of mistreatment—including physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse, as well as neglect.
If you are a victim of elder abuse or know of someone who has been or is being victimized, it's important to report such crimes. Help is available. And laws protect those reporting suspected cases of abuse.
In an emergency, call 911 or the local police. Meanwhile, each state has a lead agency responsible for investigating reports of elder abuse and various subagencies that take on different types of cases.
Adult protective services (APS) is the lead agency in most states. Many APS agencies have toll-free numbers that are available so individuals both in state and out of state can report suspected abuse. APS typically contacts other relevant agencies, such as law enforcement.
State long-term care ombudsman investigate reports of abuse in nursing homes and other residential care facilities and in most states, state attorneys general (AG) investigate and prosecute patient abuse or neglect. Most AG offices do this through their Medicaid Fraud Control Units, investigating reports of fraud and patient abuse that occur in Medicaid-funded health care facilities.
AARP Bulletin Online provides a convenient interactive resource that can help individuals find appropriate elder abuse resources in each state. Other resources include the national Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116), a publicly funded resource that matches seniors with appropriate community resources; the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse; and the National Center on Elder Abuse.
To quickly find the best elder abuse resources in your state, select the pertinent state:
Abridged Article. For full details: AARP BULLETIN ONLINE
Excellent idea for compiling such a list. Well Done! I've approach the Federal Government in Australia to make available such a list to me so that I can publicize it on this blog. NO reply as yet.
July-August 2007
Elder abuse is a serious and common reality for too many older adults, and reports of such crimes are on the rise. Nearly 566,000 reports of elder abuse were made nationally in 2003, almost 20 percent more than in 2000. Elder abuse can take many forms of mistreatment—including physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse, as well as neglect.
If you are a victim of elder abuse or know of someone who has been or is being victimized, it's important to report such crimes. Help is available. And laws protect those reporting suspected cases of abuse.
In an emergency, call 911 or the local police. Meanwhile, each state has a lead agency responsible for investigating reports of elder abuse and various subagencies that take on different types of cases.
Adult protective services (APS) is the lead agency in most states. Many APS agencies have toll-free numbers that are available so individuals both in state and out of state can report suspected abuse. APS typically contacts other relevant agencies, such as law enforcement.
State long-term care ombudsman investigate reports of abuse in nursing homes and other residential care facilities and in most states, state attorneys general (AG) investigate and prosecute patient abuse or neglect. Most AG offices do this through their Medicaid Fraud Control Units, investigating reports of fraud and patient abuse that occur in Medicaid-funded health care facilities.
AARP Bulletin Online provides a convenient interactive resource that can help individuals find appropriate elder abuse resources in each state. Other resources include the national Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116), a publicly funded resource that matches seniors with appropriate community resources; the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse; and the National Center on Elder Abuse.
To quickly find the best elder abuse resources in your state, select the pertinent state:
Abridged Article. For full details: AARP BULLETIN ONLINE
Excellent idea for compiling such a list. Well Done! I've approach the Federal Government in Australia to make available such a list to me so that I can publicize it on this blog. NO reply as yet.
July 19, 2007
Elder Abuse - Are we in 21st Century?
Neglect and total disregard by this victim's adult children resulted in the 77 year old man living in those conditions for over 8 years! With such living conditions, he was really ISOLATED!
May be that was the plan!
Please click Play Button TWICE to activate video.
May be that was the plan!
Please click Play Button TWICE to activate video.
July 18, 2007
Elder Abuse - A Public Plea
Please help to publicize elder abuse cases. Laws have to be enacted to protect the rights of older people. It is a human rights issue. Do not be complacent. We can only speculate on the causes of elder abuse cases. Get involved! We should not sensationalize.
Imagine the pains of getting abused in your twilight years. Stripped of money and dignity. According to many published researches majority of elder abuses occurred in private homes and are perpetrated by the spouse or adult children.
We are outraged by child abuse, violence against women and other abuses and violations of human rights. Let us be outraged. Let us be united in our efforts to help the voiceless.
Check out the various links listed here or on other EA blogs. We need your help.
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