New law will take effect Jan. 1 to streamline reports of elder abuse
By Kristina Davis
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
October 19, 2008
Debra Carson's mother never takes off her rings, especially her beloved diamond wedding band.
But on a Memorial Day weekend, when Carson visited the Oceanside nursing home where her mother was living, she noticed the 81-year-old woman's hands were bare.
“I was heartbroken because I knew what had happened,” Carson said.
The diamond ring had been stolen.
“I was kicking myself. She has Alzheimer's. Why didn't I take them off her hands?” Carson said.
Vulnerable men and women regularly fall victim to theft while in nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and even their own homes – often targeted by the caretakers they trust most.
A new state law going into effect Jan. 1 will require police and local ombudsmen for the elderly to immediately report cases of known or suspected elder abuse – including theft – to the District Attorney's Office.
Nursing home administrators say that incidents of theft are few and far between, with most lost items turning up less than 24 hours later.
Hiring independent home health care workers can be especially risky.
“Unfortunately, it's not illegal for a felon to get a job caring for elders,” Carver said.
A nurse's aid at a Lakeside nursing home recently pleaded guilty to stealing several checks from at least three residents, draining about $24,000 from their accounts, Greenwood said.
Niegel Laxamana, 27, faces up to two years in prison.
Abridged
SOURCE: Sign on San Diego
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
October 20, 2008
Elder Abuse: Caregiver Accused of Drug Binge on Woman's Dime (Or. USA)
Caregiver accused of drug binge on woman's dime
Alexander Hughes allegedly used the 62-year-old's ATM card
October 18, 2008
MAXINE BERNSTEIN
The Oregonian Staff
For about a year, Alexander Hughes had been living with and caring for a disabled 62-year-old woman who suffered from a brain injury. On Sept. 28, he left her home, telling the woman he was going to pick up her medications at Walgreens.
But Hughes didn't return.
Now he faces a 49-count criminal indictment, accused of using the woman's ATM card to withdraw more than $600 during a two-day drug binge.
Hughes, 47, faces felony charges, including aggravated identity theft, first-degree criminal mistreatment, and fraudulent use of a credit card. He pleaded not guilty this week to all charges and has a Nov. 26 court date.
The woman never got her medication, and on Oct. 2 she learned from her bank about the numerous and unusual cash withdrawals. Between Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, there were 12 withdrawals totaling $666; on Oct. 2, an attempted withdrawal was declined.
Often, a caretaker or a family member starts stealing from the elderly person, or obtains the power of attorney and abuses it. In this case, the victim came to court using a walker and testified before a grand jury to obtain a criminal indictment, Shoen said.
If you believe someone is experiencing abuse, neglect or is being financially exploited, contact local police or Multnomah County's Aging and Disability Services at 503-988-3646.
Abridged
SOURCE: The Oregonian - OregonLive.com
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Alexander Hughes allegedly used the 62-year-old's ATM card
October 18, 2008
MAXINE BERNSTEIN
The Oregonian Staff
For about a year, Alexander Hughes had been living with and caring for a disabled 62-year-old woman who suffered from a brain injury. On Sept. 28, he left her home, telling the woman he was going to pick up her medications at Walgreens.
But Hughes didn't return.
Now he faces a 49-count criminal indictment, accused of using the woman's ATM card to withdraw more than $600 during a two-day drug binge.
Hughes, 47, faces felony charges, including aggravated identity theft, first-degree criminal mistreatment, and fraudulent use of a credit card. He pleaded not guilty this week to all charges and has a Nov. 26 court date.
The woman never got her medication, and on Oct. 2 she learned from her bank about the numerous and unusual cash withdrawals. Between Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, there were 12 withdrawals totaling $666; on Oct. 2, an attempted withdrawal was declined.
Often, a caretaker or a family member starts stealing from the elderly person, or obtains the power of attorney and abuses it. In this case, the victim came to court using a walker and testified before a grand jury to obtain a criminal indictment, Shoen said.
If you believe someone is experiencing abuse, neglect or is being financially exploited, contact local police or Multnomah County's Aging and Disability Services at 503-988-3646.
Abridged
SOURCE: The Oregonian - OregonLive.com
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Elder Abuse: Undue Influence, Financial Exploitation (Tx. USA)
October 17, 2008
Editor, Jacksboro Gazette News
“Mr. Smith” awoke this morning with only the monotony and isolation of a typical day to look forward to.
At 77 years of age, and a widower, the highlights of the day would be a favorite television show or perhaps the likelihood he’d get a phone call from one of his three children, none of whom live in the same town with him. Ah, but today is Tuesday, and his private-pay provider will come in later this morning. A smile forms on his weathered and lonely face. He’ll have company through lunch, and maybe even through the afternoon—if only she’ll stay a bit longer.
He’s grown attached to her in a unique sort of way, and since she is his only regular form of contact, the bond sometimes overshadows that which he has with his own children. He rationalizes to himself that this is fine because he knows they are busy with their own lives and so the guilt of having assigned his unrelated helper as his power of attorney quickly diminishes. He won’t even have to tell them because his “helper” understands and assures him his children will worry further if they know he needs help with writing checks. She will make sure he and his children don’t have to worry.
Mr. Smith has become a victim. He is a victim of undue influence which is often a part of the scourge associated with elder financial exploitation. In its most simplistic form, undue influence is simply using trust or power as leverage for replacing a person’s desires or wishes with another’s. Sometimes it is subtle, or it can be as profound as “emotional blackmail.”
Sadly, “Mr. Smith’s” situation is only one of countless variations of financial exploitation. In his particular case a properly, but covertly executed legal instrument later proved to be the undoing of a substantial part of his life’s savings. This should have been a warning sign, but it was noticed too late.
There are several red flags – indicators of undue influence or potential exploitation. Isolation is a significant red flag – making the victim an easy target. Another potential warning sign is when an elderly person begins to have financial problems. It’s sometimes a concerned banker who thankfully notices. Perhaps it’s the claim by an elderly individual that things are missing from his house – a matter often dismissed as forgetfulness although later may be discovered to be a caregiver who took a little bit here and there.
Adult Protective Services, a division of the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services is the agency charged with investigating situations such as Mr. Smith’s. Specifically, if abuse, neglect or financial exploitation is suspected of being perpetrated against an individual over age 65, or against a person with disabilities over age 18, then APS will investigate. The alleged perpetrator must be a person related or providing care to, or who has an ongoing relationship with the elderly individual or person with disability.
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the elderly or disabled, please call 1-800-252-5400. Your call can help stop exploitation. You can help protect the unprotected.
Abridged
SOURCE: Jacksboro Gazette News
------------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Editor, Jacksboro Gazette News
“Mr. Smith” awoke this morning with only the monotony and isolation of a typical day to look forward to.
At 77 years of age, and a widower, the highlights of the day would be a favorite television show or perhaps the likelihood he’d get a phone call from one of his three children, none of whom live in the same town with him. Ah, but today is Tuesday, and his private-pay provider will come in later this morning. A smile forms on his weathered and lonely face. He’ll have company through lunch, and maybe even through the afternoon—if only she’ll stay a bit longer.
He’s grown attached to her in a unique sort of way, and since she is his only regular form of contact, the bond sometimes overshadows that which he has with his own children. He rationalizes to himself that this is fine because he knows they are busy with their own lives and so the guilt of having assigned his unrelated helper as his power of attorney quickly diminishes. He won’t even have to tell them because his “helper” understands and assures him his children will worry further if they know he needs help with writing checks. She will make sure he and his children don’t have to worry.
Mr. Smith has become a victim. He is a victim of undue influence which is often a part of the scourge associated with elder financial exploitation. In its most simplistic form, undue influence is simply using trust or power as leverage for replacing a person’s desires or wishes with another’s. Sometimes it is subtle, or it can be as profound as “emotional blackmail.”
Sadly, “Mr. Smith’s” situation is only one of countless variations of financial exploitation. In his particular case a properly, but covertly executed legal instrument later proved to be the undoing of a substantial part of his life’s savings. This should have been a warning sign, but it was noticed too late.
There are several red flags – indicators of undue influence or potential exploitation. Isolation is a significant red flag – making the victim an easy target. Another potential warning sign is when an elderly person begins to have financial problems. It’s sometimes a concerned banker who thankfully notices. Perhaps it’s the claim by an elderly individual that things are missing from his house – a matter often dismissed as forgetfulness although later may be discovered to be a caregiver who took a little bit here and there.
Adult Protective Services, a division of the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services is the agency charged with investigating situations such as Mr. Smith’s. Specifically, if abuse, neglect or financial exploitation is suspected of being perpetrated against an individual over age 65, or against a person with disabilities over age 18, then APS will investigate. The alleged perpetrator must be a person related or providing care to, or who has an ongoing relationship with the elderly individual or person with disability.
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the elderly or disabled, please call 1-800-252-5400. Your call can help stop exploitation. You can help protect the unprotected.
Abridged
SOURCE: Jacksboro Gazette News
------------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Crimes Against Elderly: Retired GP, 92, Attacked in His Own Home (UK)
Retired GP, 92, attacked in his own home
18th October 2008
By Hannah Chapman
POLICE today revealed more details about a horrifying attack on a defenceless former doctor who was punched by raiders as he lay in bed.
Dr William Benson, 92, was subjected to a sustained attack by three young men who had broken into his home in Stanley, County Durham.
The isolated building, Causey Lodge, was targeted shortly after midnight on Friday morning.
Dr Benson, who lives alone, was asleep when the gang broke in.
He was punched in the head as he lay in bed, suffering injuries to his face, as well as bruising and a cut to his arm.
The intruders are thought to have been in the property for up to an hour as they ransacked rooms in their search for cash.
Evidence later suggested they may have left in a hurry after being disturbed.
Police have said Dr Benson lay cold and injured for nearly nine hours before a carer arrived and raised the alarm.
He was taken to Durham University Hospital for treatment and has since been released. He has now taken up temporary residence in a local nursing home.
A spokesman for Durham Police said Dr Benson was a GP in Stanley for 50 years, succeeding his father, who was also a local doctor for 50 years.
He was housebound and has limited mobility after the loss of part of his leg when he was in his 80s.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Goundry, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a cowardly attack by thieves who used unnecessary and excessive violence in their search for money.
"It is likely the intruders had a vehicle, which may have been parked some distance from the house."
Anyone with information can call police on 0345-6060365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.
SOURCE: The Northern Echo
-------------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
18th October 2008
By Hannah Chapman
POLICE today revealed more details about a horrifying attack on a defenceless former doctor who was punched by raiders as he lay in bed.
Dr William Benson, 92, was subjected to a sustained attack by three young men who had broken into his home in Stanley, County Durham.
The isolated building, Causey Lodge, was targeted shortly after midnight on Friday morning.
Dr Benson, who lives alone, was asleep when the gang broke in.
He was punched in the head as he lay in bed, suffering injuries to his face, as well as bruising and a cut to his arm.
The intruders are thought to have been in the property for up to an hour as they ransacked rooms in their search for cash.
Evidence later suggested they may have left in a hurry after being disturbed.
Police have said Dr Benson lay cold and injured for nearly nine hours before a carer arrived and raised the alarm.
He was taken to Durham University Hospital for treatment and has since been released. He has now taken up temporary residence in a local nursing home.
A spokesman for Durham Police said Dr Benson was a GP in Stanley for 50 years, succeeding his father, who was also a local doctor for 50 years.
He was housebound and has limited mobility after the loss of part of his leg when he was in his 80s.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Goundry, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a cowardly attack by thieves who used unnecessary and excessive violence in their search for money.
"It is likely the intruders had a vehicle, which may have been parked some distance from the house."
Anyone with information can call police on 0345-6060365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.
SOURCE: The Northern Echo
-------------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
October 19, 2008
Financial Elder Abuse: Trusted Carer Jailed (Derby, UK)
Trusted carer is jailed for stealing from 91-year-old
October 18, 2008
A CARE worker from Derby who stole more than £21,000 from a 91-year-old woman has been jailed.
Lynn Hudson took the money from accounts belonging to Constance Austin over an 18-month period when she was her personal carer.
Derby Crown Court heard that Mrs Austin, who was partially deaf and needed a wheelchair, "worshipped" Hudson.
But the 45-year-old, of Hollowood Avenue, Littleover, was stealing cash from her, sometimes at the rate of £1,000 a week.
Dominic Shelley, prosecuting, told the court that Hudson had washed, dressed, and cooked for Mrs Austin.
He said: "Her son said she worshipped the defendant for the work she did."
The court was told that Hudson had access to Mrs Austin's bank books and pin numbers and betrayed that trust by making what Mr Shelley described as "regular and relentless withdrawals".
He said the banks had repaid the money but Mrs Austin's health had been affected and she was now living in a nursing home.
Balraj Bhatia, for Hudson, said she had got into financial difficulties and had suffered serious health problems.
He said she had become increasingly depressed and had fallen in with a group of drug users.
"Her remorse is genuine," he said. "She is ashamed and could not be more repentant."
Hudson was sent to prison for 15 months after pleading guilty to theft.
Judge David Price told her: "What you did amounts to a serious breach of trust.
"Mrs Austin was a vulnerable victim. You exploited her for about 18 months."
SOURCE: Derby Evening Telegraph
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
October 18, 2008
A CARE worker from Derby who stole more than £21,000 from a 91-year-old woman has been jailed.
Lynn Hudson took the money from accounts belonging to Constance Austin over an 18-month period when she was her personal carer.
Derby Crown Court heard that Mrs Austin, who was partially deaf and needed a wheelchair, "worshipped" Hudson.
But the 45-year-old, of Hollowood Avenue, Littleover, was stealing cash from her, sometimes at the rate of £1,000 a week.
Dominic Shelley, prosecuting, told the court that Hudson had washed, dressed, and cooked for Mrs Austin.
He said: "Her son said she worshipped the defendant for the work she did."
The court was told that Hudson had access to Mrs Austin's bank books and pin numbers and betrayed that trust by making what Mr Shelley described as "regular and relentless withdrawals".
He said the banks had repaid the money but Mrs Austin's health had been affected and she was now living in a nursing home.
Balraj Bhatia, for Hudson, said she had got into financial difficulties and had suffered serious health problems.
He said she had become increasingly depressed and had fallen in with a group of drug users.
"Her remorse is genuine," he said. "She is ashamed and could not be more repentant."
Hudson was sent to prison for 15 months after pleading guilty to theft.
Judge David Price told her: "What you did amounts to a serious breach of trust.
"Mrs Austin was a vulnerable victim. You exploited her for about 18 months."
SOURCE: Derby Evening Telegraph
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Financial Elder Abuse: Another Carer Accused of Theft from Pensioner (UK)
Carer accused of theft from pensioner
16 October 2008
A carer has gone on trial accused of stealing more than £19,000 from a frail and vulnerable 77 year old women she was supposed to be looking after.
Later, when quizzed about the money Christine Townsend is alleged to have said it was given to her as a wedding present by elderly June Marden.The existence of the money is said to have come to light after Miss Townsend petitioned for bankruptcy.
At Luton crown court Miss Townsend, 54, now of New Road, Clifton but who at the time was living in Saint Francis Court, Shefford, plead not guilty to two counts of stealing money from the pensioner.At the start of the trial the jury heard Mrs Marden, from Sandy, died in January of this year aged 81.Andrew Evans, prosecuting, said the theft of the money took place in April 2004.
Mr Evans, prosecuting the case on behalf of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, formerly known as the Department of Trade and Industry, said since 1996 social services had provided the Mardens with carers.The actual help was provided by a company known as Medico Nursing and Health Care, who employed the defendant as a part time carer.
The pensioner told her daughter she had been upset by the visits and did not like leaving her home because the defendant would be waiting outside.Mr Evans said the visits to Mrs Marden's home were attempts by Miss Townsend to "prime her to come up with a story".The court heard in August 2006 Miss Townsend was interviewed at Ampthill Police station by a D.T.I. investigator and again repeated that Mrs Marden had given her the money as a wedding gift.
Abridged
SOURCE: Biggleswade Today - SG, UK
-------------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
16 October 2008
A carer has gone on trial accused of stealing more than £19,000 from a frail and vulnerable 77 year old women she was supposed to be looking after.
Later, when quizzed about the money Christine Townsend is alleged to have said it was given to her as a wedding present by elderly June Marden.The existence of the money is said to have come to light after Miss Townsend petitioned for bankruptcy.
At Luton crown court Miss Townsend, 54, now of New Road, Clifton but who at the time was living in Saint Francis Court, Shefford, plead not guilty to two counts of stealing money from the pensioner.At the start of the trial the jury heard Mrs Marden, from Sandy, died in January of this year aged 81.Andrew Evans, prosecuting, said the theft of the money took place in April 2004.
Mr Evans, prosecuting the case on behalf of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, formerly known as the Department of Trade and Industry, said since 1996 social services had provided the Mardens with carers.The actual help was provided by a company known as Medico Nursing and Health Care, who employed the defendant as a part time carer.
The pensioner told her daughter she had been upset by the visits and did not like leaving her home because the defendant would be waiting outside.Mr Evans said the visits to Mrs Marden's home were attempts by Miss Townsend to "prime her to come up with a story".The court heard in August 2006 Miss Townsend was interviewed at Ampthill Police station by a D.T.I. investigator and again repeated that Mrs Marden had given her the money as a wedding gift.
Abridged
SOURCE: Biggleswade Today - SG, UK
-------------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Financial Elder Abuse: Nursing Home Carer to Stand Trial (UK)
Nursing home carer for trial
16 October 2008
A NURSING home carer accused of stealing £85 from her employer has appeared at Leicester Crown Court.
At the court last Thursday was Carol Smith (33), of Front Street, Birstall, Leicester, who is charged with four counts of theft of cash from The Lodge nursing home, in Grange Lane, Thurnby, in February this year.
Smith denied the charges and the case was adjourned until December 1 for trial.
Her unconditional bail was extended to that date.
SOURCE: Harborough Mail UK
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
16 October 2008
A NURSING home carer accused of stealing £85 from her employer has appeared at Leicester Crown Court.
At the court last Thursday was Carol Smith (33), of Front Street, Birstall, Leicester, who is charged with four counts of theft of cash from The Lodge nursing home, in Grange Lane, Thurnby, in February this year.
Smith denied the charges and the case was adjourned until December 1 for trial.
Her unconditional bail was extended to that date.
SOURCE: Harborough Mail UK
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
October 18, 2008
Elder Abuse: Tougher Action Needed to Combat E.A. (UK)
"Tougher action needed to combat elder abuse"
16/10/2008
Reacting to the launch of a consultation on its 'No secrets' guidance on protecting vulnerable adults from abuse by the Department of Health, Lizzie McLennan, Senior Social Care Policy Officer, has accused the Government of not making the combating of elder abuse a priority.
“This consultation from the Department of Health is an acknowledgement that the current guidance-based system does not prevent abuse of older people, or encourage prosecution of abusers," she says. "All too often elder abuse is hidden and lack of legislation to protect vulnerable adults sends a message that preventing abuse is not a priority for the Government.
“The consultation will need to look closely at a number of issues including the limited funding and patchy provision of Adult Protection Committees and the lack of agreement on definitions of 'vulnerable adult' and 'abuse'. Ensuring older people can be protected when using social care as well as banks and financial agencies is also essential. “We don’t ever tolerate abuse of children, so we shouldn’t put up with abuse of older people either. Whether it is financial, physical, emotional or psychological, abuse of our older people must not be allowed to continue.”
SOURCE: Mature Times (UK)
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
16/10/2008
Reacting to the launch of a consultation on its 'No secrets' guidance on protecting vulnerable adults from abuse by the Department of Health, Lizzie McLennan, Senior Social Care Policy Officer, has accused the Government of not making the combating of elder abuse a priority.
“This consultation from the Department of Health is an acknowledgement that the current guidance-based system does not prevent abuse of older people, or encourage prosecution of abusers," she says. "All too often elder abuse is hidden and lack of legislation to protect vulnerable adults sends a message that preventing abuse is not a priority for the Government.
“The consultation will need to look closely at a number of issues including the limited funding and patchy provision of Adult Protection Committees and the lack of agreement on definitions of 'vulnerable adult' and 'abuse'. Ensuring older people can be protected when using social care as well as banks and financial agencies is also essential. “We don’t ever tolerate abuse of children, so we shouldn’t put up with abuse of older people either. Whether it is financial, physical, emotional or psychological, abuse of our older people must not be allowed to continue.”
SOURCE: Mature Times (UK)
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Elder Rights: The Elderly Are Still Discriminated Against (Switzerland)
Pro Senectute : les seniors sont encore discriminés en Suisse
Pro Senectute: the elderly are still discriminated against in Switzerland
/ Vendredi
03 Octobre 2008
Alors qu’a eu lieu le 1er octobre dernier la Journée internationale des personnes âgées, dont le thème était cette année « Les droits des personnes âgées », la fondation helvétique Pro Senectute, qui vise à venir en aide aux aînés, estime qu’en Suisse, les seniors sont encore discriminés.
So was held on 1 October the International Day of Older Persons, whose theme this year was "The rights of seniors," the Swiss foundation Pro Senectute, which aims to help seniors, said that Switzerland, the elderly are still discriminated against. Dans un communiqué publié cette semaine, la fondation Pro Senectute (fondée en 1917), estime que les personnes âgées sont encore trop discriminées en Suisse.
In a statement released this week, the Pro Senectute (founded 1917), said that older people are still discriminated against in Switzerland. Dans ce contexte, elle tient à souligner qu’elle s’engage à lutter contre toute les formes de discrimination à l’encontre des aînés. In this context, it wishes to emphasize its commitment to fight against all forms of discrimination against seniors.
Et de rappeler que « les droits de l’homme sont valables pour tout le monde, sans distinction aucune de sexe, d’âge et d’origine.
And remember that "human rights are valid for everyone, without distinction of sex, age and origin. Toutefois, ces dispositions restent à bien des égards lettres mortes et ne peuvent pas être efficaces dans la mesure où il manque une voix en faveur des personnes défavorisées ». However, these provisions remain in many respects dead letter and can not be effective in that it lacks a voice for the disadvantaged. " « Notre Constitution Fédérale interdit toute discrimination pour raisons d’âge, et pourtant notre pays connaît ce genre de discrimination. "Our Federal Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of age, and yet our country is experiencing this kind of discrimination. Elle se produit de manière très subtile sous forme de préjugés, ou autre. It occurs in a very subtle form of prejudice or another. Nous songeons notamment à la difficulté d’accès à des prestations de services publiques, ou aux distributeurs automatiques de billets ou d’argent, dont l’écran est difficilement déchiffrable pour des personnes âgées. We refer in particular to the difficulty of access to public services, or ATMs or money, which is easily readable screen for the elderly. Le fait de ne pas entreprendre un traitement médical en raison de l’âge avancé du patient ou de la patiente appartient clairement à cette catégorie de discrimination » souligne encore la fondation. The failure to undertake medical treatment because of the advanced age of the patient or the patient clearly belongs to this category of discrimination "stresses the foundation.
Abridged
SOURCE: Senior ACTU
(Please go to Source for the Original Article)
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Pro Senectute: the elderly are still discriminated against in Switzerland
/ Vendredi
03 Octobre 2008
Alors qu’a eu lieu le 1er octobre dernier la Journée internationale des personnes âgées, dont le thème était cette année « Les droits des personnes âgées », la fondation helvétique Pro Senectute, qui vise à venir en aide aux aînés, estime qu’en Suisse, les seniors sont encore discriminés.
So was held on 1 October the International Day of Older Persons, whose theme this year was "The rights of seniors," the Swiss foundation Pro Senectute, which aims to help seniors, said that Switzerland, the elderly are still discriminated against. Dans un communiqué publié cette semaine, la fondation Pro Senectute (fondée en 1917), estime que les personnes âgées sont encore trop discriminées en Suisse.
In a statement released this week, the Pro Senectute (founded 1917), said that older people are still discriminated against in Switzerland. Dans ce contexte, elle tient à souligner qu’elle s’engage à lutter contre toute les formes de discrimination à l’encontre des aînés. In this context, it wishes to emphasize its commitment to fight against all forms of discrimination against seniors.
Et de rappeler que « les droits de l’homme sont valables pour tout le monde, sans distinction aucune de sexe, d’âge et d’origine.
And remember that "human rights are valid for everyone, without distinction of sex, age and origin. Toutefois, ces dispositions restent à bien des égards lettres mortes et ne peuvent pas être efficaces dans la mesure où il manque une voix en faveur des personnes défavorisées ». However, these provisions remain in many respects dead letter and can not be effective in that it lacks a voice for the disadvantaged. " « Notre Constitution Fédérale interdit toute discrimination pour raisons d’âge, et pourtant notre pays connaît ce genre de discrimination. "Our Federal Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of age, and yet our country is experiencing this kind of discrimination. Elle se produit de manière très subtile sous forme de préjugés, ou autre. It occurs in a very subtle form of prejudice or another. Nous songeons notamment à la difficulté d’accès à des prestations de services publiques, ou aux distributeurs automatiques de billets ou d’argent, dont l’écran est difficilement déchiffrable pour des personnes âgées. We refer in particular to the difficulty of access to public services, or ATMs or money, which is easily readable screen for the elderly. Le fait de ne pas entreprendre un traitement médical en raison de l’âge avancé du patient ou de la patiente appartient clairement à cette catégorie de discrimination » souligne encore la fondation. The failure to undertake medical treatment because of the advanced age of the patient or the patient clearly belongs to this category of discrimination "stresses the foundation.
Abridged
SOURCE: Senior ACTU
(Please go to Source for the Original Article)
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Elder Care: NY Confab to Confront Gay Elder Issues (USA)
NY confab to confront gay elder issues
by Amy Wooten
Windy City Times
Thursday Oct 9, 2008
In the next 20 or so years, the nation’s senior population is expected to grow substantially. By 2030, elder advocates anticipate that the number of LGBT seniors will jump from 2.5 million to roughly 4.7 million.
While the mainstream aging community has overlooked this special segment of the senior population for decades, the times are changing. In less than a week, the national organization Services & Advocacy for GLBT Seniors ( SAGE ) will hold its 4th National Conference on LGBT Aging in New York. This year is special for two reasons. First, it will help mark SAGE’s 30th anniversary. But more importantly, it is also the first time a mainstream aging organization is sponsoring the event. AARP is sponsoring the conference, titled "It’s About Time: LGBT Aging in a Changing World," which will take place Oct. 12-14.
Although seniors, both straight and LGBT, deal with many similar issues, there are several unique issues that LGBT elders face. According to SAGE, LGBT seniors are twice as likely to live alone; half as likely to have life partners or significant others; half as likely to not have close relatives to call for help; and four times less likely to have children to help them than their heterosexual counterparts.
Many senior services assume that elders have ongoing caregivers and family members on hand to help, which impacts both LGBT and heterosexual seniors who don’t have such a support system. Additionally, because a large number of LGBT seniors might not have anybody to help care for them, they are less likely to go to the doctor or seek medical attention. They are also more likely to be unnecessarily institutionalized.
Abridged
SOURCE: Windy City Times
-------------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
by Amy Wooten
Windy City Times
Thursday Oct 9, 2008
In the next 20 or so years, the nation’s senior population is expected to grow substantially. By 2030, elder advocates anticipate that the number of LGBT seniors will jump from 2.5 million to roughly 4.7 million.
While the mainstream aging community has overlooked this special segment of the senior population for decades, the times are changing. In less than a week, the national organization Services & Advocacy for GLBT Seniors ( SAGE ) will hold its 4th National Conference on LGBT Aging in New York. This year is special for two reasons. First, it will help mark SAGE’s 30th anniversary. But more importantly, it is also the first time a mainstream aging organization is sponsoring the event. AARP is sponsoring the conference, titled "It’s About Time: LGBT Aging in a Changing World," which will take place Oct. 12-14.
Although seniors, both straight and LGBT, deal with many similar issues, there are several unique issues that LGBT elders face. According to SAGE, LGBT seniors are twice as likely to live alone; half as likely to have life partners or significant others; half as likely to not have close relatives to call for help; and four times less likely to have children to help them than their heterosexual counterparts.
Many senior services assume that elders have ongoing caregivers and family members on hand to help, which impacts both LGBT and heterosexual seniors who don’t have such a support system. Additionally, because a large number of LGBT seniors might not have anybody to help care for them, they are less likely to go to the doctor or seek medical attention. They are also more likely to be unnecessarily institutionalized.
Abridged
SOURCE: Windy City Times
-------------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
