Violent Standoff in Camarillo Sheds Light on Elder Abuse (CA. USA)

Jun 20, 2009

The delivery of a restraining order that led to a violent standoff is shedding new light on a case of elder abuse. 89 year-old Esperanza Boggs says her son cut her off from her whole family before he took his own life.

Camarillo Deputies say 51 year-old David Boggs opened fire on them after they tried to deliver a temporary restraining order last week.

Investigators say David Boggs also cancelled his mother's insurance , and rigged her mobile home to go up in smoke. Lamplighter mobile home park neighbors set up a fire relief fund for Esperanza Boggs at the Santa Barbara Bank and Trust. For now, she is living with her daughter in Northern California.

SOURCE: KEYT News

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Minister Warns of 'Unfortunate Dangers' of Elder Abuse (Trinidad and Tobago)

Minister warns of ‘unfortunate dangers’ of elder abuse

By VENUS HONORE-GOPIE

June 23 2009

“We must all be aware and recognise that elder abuse occurs in many ways,” warned Social Development Minister Dr Amery Browne who was of the view that many people do not realise they are abusing their elderly loved ones.

He was, at the time, speaking yesterday at the Fourth Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The event was held at the Shanghai Experience restaurant at MovieTowne, Invaders Bay, Mucurapo.

“One unfortunate danger of elder abuse” warned the minister, “is that, it may be happening and even the perpetrator may not know.”

According to Browne, statistics reveals that there has been an upsurge in the number of citizens above the age of 60, amounting to approximately 11 percent of the total population.

Dr Carol Boyd-Scobie, United Nations Resident Representative for the Pan American Health Organisation and the World Health Organisation, said this number is expected to grow by the year 2020.

Minister Browne said his ministry, through its Division of Ageing, had embarked on a campaign to bring awareness of the abuse on the elderly.

He said elders can be abused physically, verbally, emotionally, sexually, financially, psychologically, medically, and even socially. Browne said the elderly were “aching” over the actions of the young who engage in criminal activities and this, too, was a form of abuse.

“Seniors in these areas have been paying a heavy psychological price...Terror, fear for life, property and fear for life of offspring,” the minister declared.

SOURCE: Trinidad News - Port of Spain,Trinidad and Tobago

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Elder Care: Home Carers Find Dementia Too Much, According to Duch Report (Netherlands)

22 June 2009

Some 20% of people who look after family members with dementia find the job too tough both mentally and physically, the Volkskrant reports on Monday.

The research is based on interviews with 1,500 people who act as unpaid nurses for loved ones at home.

The paper says the problems facing home carers are set to get worse as the number of people with dementia doubles from 230,000 now to over 500,000 by 2050. Some 70% of people with dementia are cared for at home.

Home carers are also more likely to be sick themselves. 'They don't live as long, they are exhausted, sleep badly and can suffer from depression,' Julie Meerveld of the Dutch Alzheimer's association told the paper.

© DutchNews.nl

SOURCE: Dutch News

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Other studies in the past, have shown that carers' fatigue can result in elder abuse. Let us push for more recognition of the wonderful work done by family carers. Let us also get them the help and assistance required for them to continue with their difficult tasks. The carers' health are well-being are just as important as those being cared for.

............ AC

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Steps to Recognize and Prevent Elder Abuse (MI. USA)

By SHERII SHERBAN

JUNE 21, 2009

The aim of this article is to provide you with a basic overview of elder abuse: what it is, what can be done to help you avoid it and where you - the victim or victim's advocate - can find assistance.

What is elder abuse?

It is the neglect, exploitation or "painful or harmful" mistreatment of anyone who is 65 or older (or any disabled dependent adult age 18 to 64). It can involve physical violence, psychological abuse, isolation, abandonment, abduction, false imprisonment or a caregiver's neglect. It could also involve unlawful taking of a senior's money or property.

In short, elder abuse involves various crimes, such as theft, assault or identity theft. But when the victim is 65 years old or older (or a disabled dependent adult), the criminal faces stiffer penalties.

1. What should I do if I am being abused or if I suspect someone else is being abused?

If the abuse, neglect or exploitation is taking place in a private home, call the Adult Protective Services (APS). Call Michigan Adult Protective Services at 1-800-996-6228.

If the abuse is occurring in a licensed long-term care facility, such as a nursing home, call the local long-term care ombudsman at 1-866-485-9393. Your report will be confidential, and you can remain anonymous.

Or, to report elder abuse of any kind, you can call the Michigan Attorney General 24-hour Health Care Fraud Hotline: 1-800-24-ABUSE/1-800-242-2873.

2. Am I required to report suspected elder abuse?

3. Is there anyone who will check on my elderly father's well-being for me?

4. What can I do to protect myself from an abusive caregiver or spouse?

5. How can I be sure that my mother's caregiver will provide proper in-home care?

6. As a senior, am I more likely to be targeted in a consumer scam?

7. What is identity theft and what should I do if I become a victim?

To keep tabs on your credit, you can request one free credit report annually or visit www.annualcreditreport.com.

8. What if I need an attorney to represent me?

(Sherii Sherban is co-chair of the Calhoun County Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition.)

Abridged

SOURCE: Battle Creek Enquirer - Battle Creek,MI,USA

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Sheril has written a comprehensive article on the above issues. Please go to source for full-text.

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Elderly Abuse No Private Matter (Barbados)

Elderly abuse no private matter

6/21/2009

By Jenique Millington

Some of this country’s elderly are being tied up in homes or placed in abandoned buildings by their families who do not want the responsibility of dealing with them.

Speaking to the Barbados Advocate about a few of these disturbing occurrences, Acting Senior Welfare Officer James Cummins said that while abuse of the elderly is a very real occurrence requiring urgent action from the nation, persons viewed it as a private matter to be dealt with by families.

“In most countries, it is shown that many people do not realise that elderly abuse is an issue because most people see it as a private matter in the same way they view domestic violence as a private matter. But there really is an issue because what we are doing is denying people who have contributed to our country their rights to express themselves, and their right to a freedom of movement,” he said.

“We find there are a lot of cases where because persons do not want to be bothered by [the] elderly, they want to restrain them at home, leaving them at home tied. Some persons put them in the back of old abandoned buildings to live because we don’t want to put them in our nice houses. We have to go in and investigate those matters,” Cummins added.

According to him, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Transformation are aiming to de-institutionalise the elderly “as we have to bring this awareness to the people that we need as individuals and family to care for our own”.

Abridged

SOURCE: Barbados Advocate - Barbados

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Citizens, Service Providers Urged to Report Elder Abuse (KY. USA)

Citizens, Service Providers Urged to Report Elder Abuse

Office of the Attorney General

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and now is the time to value and protect Kentucky’s seniors by reporting possible abuse.

Elder abuse can occur in many forms — physical, financial, emotional, neglect or abandonment — and often several types of abuse can be inflicted at the same time. Financial abuse is considered the most common form of abuse to elders, costing victims an estimated $2.6 billion a year. Investment fraud is an area of particular concern, as victims can see their life savings depleted with little opportunity to recover and achieve financial stability.

To combat this problem, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) are partnering to urge citizens to report possible elder abuse or financial exploitation.

“Elder financial abuse is becoming the crime of the 21st century as the growing senior population is increasingly targeted,” said Attorney General Jack Conway. “Studies show that family members and caregivers are the culprits in more than half of these cases. Anyone can — and should — report abuse of an elderly person, whether it is physical, emotional or financial.”

The Attorney General and DFI are co-sponsors in a coming event to inform financial institutions, attorneys and caregivers when and how to report suspected elder abuse or financial exploitation. The Protecting Vulnerable Adults summit will take place June 24-25 in Frankfort, Ky. Attendees will learn about the effects of abuse and exploitation; current problems and scams; and ways to work together to eliminate abuse in Kentucky. To register for this event, or for more information, call 800-500-0100.

Securities or investment fraud should be reported to DFI’s Securities Division at 800-223-2579. Other types of elder abuse should be reported to your local office of the Department for Community Based Services’ Division of Protection and Permanency at 800-752-6200 or visit http://chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/serviceregions.htm for regional contacts. If an elderly person has been the victim of a consumer scam, they may contact the Office of the Attorney General at 1-888-432-9257. The Office of the Attorney General also operates an Elder Abuse Hotline, 1-877 ABUSE TIP (1-877-228-7384). You may also report abuse through the national Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116.

Abridged

SOURCE: Office of the AG, KY. USA

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Be Aware of Elder Abuse, Every Day of the Year (VA. USA)

Be aware of elder abuse, every day of the year

By Dennis Streets

June 19, 2009

(The writer is director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services within the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services)

The image is not pretty, the examples may make one feel uncomfortable, and some victims may not realize they need help. Elder abuse can take many forms and can sometimes be difficult to recognize.

These are some of the reasons that each June, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized. This year's observance was Monday, but it's a problem that must be addressed every day.
Each year, more than two million vulnerable adults and older adults fall prey to elder abuse in the United States.

Protecting our vulnerable and older adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation is the responsibility of all our citizens. Learning to recognize the signs of abuse and neglect are important factors to ensuring that our seniors and vulnerable adults live their lives in safe environments with dignity and respect.

Some of the signs of elder abuse may include:

• Bruises, burns, cuts, scratches
• Malnutrition
• Untreated medical condition(s)
• Unsafe or unsanitary housing
• Mental anguish and distress
• Mistrust toward others
• Mismanaged property or savings
• Inability to provide needed care

What can you do to help raise awareness about elder abuse?

• Don't ignore this problem. It's not going away.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation to the adult protective services intake unit in the North Carolina county where the adult lives. Contact information for county departments of social services is available at: www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/local
• Volunteer in local programs that provide assistance and support for vulnerable and older adults in your community and at long-term care facilities.
• Educate yourself, family and community about elder abuse by visiting our website at www.ncdhhs.gov/aging

Abridged

SOURCE: Mooresville Tribune - VA,USA

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HSE 'Failing to Help' Victims of Elder Abuse (Dublin, IRELAND)

HSE 'failing to help' victims of elder abuse

By Andrew Phelan

June 19 2009

A wheelchair-bound pensioner, who has suffered four years of abuse at the hands of his wife, is just one case of elder abuse the authorities are powerless to stop, it is claimed.

The Dublin man, who is in his 80s, has refused to make a complaint against his wife, despite being discovered covered in bruises by care workers.

Bruises

A health sector source, shocked by the case, told the Herald this was one example of how the justice system is "miserably failing the victims of elder abuse".

It comes after the latest figures revealed HSE staff had received 2,767 reports of elder abuse in the last two years -- but under-reporting means the real number could be as high as 24,000.

The abuse of the disabled man by his wife only came to light when he went to a respite care centre and staff noticed bruises all over his body.

The source claimed: "He presented with bruises all over, which staff saw when he was having a shower. He broke down and said he had been attacked by his wife.

"When she was confronted, she denied everything. Then he denied it as well. She was hitting him day in, day out.

Health care workers feel victims do not open up to them on home visits because the abuser is present.

Extreme

Age Action Ireland said that many older people suffer abuse in silence, despite the existence of a dedicated support network.

A spokesman said cases requiring garda intervention were "extreme" and rare.

He said: "There are certain areas where there could be more legislation to make it easier for the gardai to move in, but the main thing is we need greater awareness of what elder abuse is about."

Abridged

SOURCE: Herald.ie - Dublin,Ireland

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Nurse's Aide Accused of Abuse in Retirement Community (HI. USA)

Nurse's aide accused of abuse

Man allegedly fondled 3 residents of E. Oahu retirement community

June 19, 2009

Police have arrested a man who allegedly fondled three elderly women when he worked as a certified nursing assistant at Kahala Nui, an upscale East O'ahu retirement community.

Mark Genetiano, 24, of Kalihi, remained in police custody last night. He was arrested Wednesday for investigation of five counts of third-degree sexual assault. Charges were pending.

Two of the women are 92 and one is 89 years old. They were allegedly fondled by Genetiano in Kahala Nui's skilled nursing center, where they live, from May 1 to June 1, police said.

Kahala Nui said it fired Genetiano and reported the incident to police and to the state Department of Health. Kahala Nui administrators have reminded the staff of its policies and procedures in the event of abuse, CEO Pat Duarte said in a written statement.

John McDermott, state long-term-care ombudsman at the Executive Office on Aging, said of the abuse allegation: "If it's true, it's disgusting. Our seniors in long-term-care facilities are often chosen as targets because they cannot identify their attackers either because of memory problems or vision and their attackers know this.

Hawai'i law states that third-degree sexual assault involves sexual contact with a person who is mentally defective, mentally incapacitated or physically helpless.

A new law going into effect July 1 will require anyone who works in an adult residential care facility who suspects abuse to report it to the Adult Protective Services Division of the state Department of Human Services and to the state Department of Health, McDermott said.

"We want to make sure people report things immediately because witnesses may forget and evidence changes, bruises heal, a roommate may die or go to the hospital," he said. "It's critical that the Adult Protective Services gets involved immediately."

Abridged

SOURCE: Honolulu Advertiser - Honolulu,HI,USA

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Pair Accused of Neglecting Elderly Grandfather (MI. USA)

Pair accused of neglecting elderly grandfather

By Dawn Jones

06/18/09

Two brothers were in the Genesee County jail Thursday afternoon, accused of neglecting their elderly grandfather.

Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell says the 70-year-old man was living in filth when investigators found him.

The sheriff says it is a case of elder neglect by the two brothers, 17 and 20 years old respectively. But neighbors paint a different picture.

Pickell says a fight between two brothers is what drew their attention to the case.

"The two brothers, Randy and Travis, were fighting on the lawn and they were fighting over who would sell the Vicodin pills," he said.

The sheriff says on the street, the pain pills can go for up to $8 each.

They were prescribed to the grandfather of 20-year-old Travis Brooks and his 17-year-old brother Randy Brooks.

The two brothers were caring for their grandfather inside a Tuxedo Avenue home in what the sheriff calls deplorable living conditions.

"Cat urine, hundreds and hundreds of bugs, a strong order of just trash all over the home," Pickell said.

The accused face up to four years in prison if convicted on a vulnerable adult abuse charges.

If you think an elderly person is being abused, contact the Genesee County Elder Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Team.

Abridged

SOURCE: BC12.com - Flint,MI,USA

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