The newsfeed includes articles and stories related to abuse of elders and adults with disabilities. Articles related to elders appear in the top half of the newsfeed. Articles related to abuse of adults with disabilities appear towards the bottom. To subscribe to the NCEA listserv, please send an email with your name, occupation, your organization/agency name, city and state, and a statement about your professional interest or expertise in elder abuse to NCEA@UCI.edu. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
Learn what the Administration on Aging is planning for the Year of Elder Abuse Prevention!
http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/Elder_Rights/YEAP/index.aspx
Did you know? A calendar of upcoming elder abuse and neglect events and funding opportunities can be found at the bottom of the newsfeed.
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ELDER ABUSE NEWSFEED
1. NATIONAL, The Examiner, April 10, 2013
Elder abuse is associated with increased hospitalization rates
http://www.examiner.com/article/elder-abuse-is-associated-with-increased-hospitalization-rates
According to the results of a study published in the April 8 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine, older adults who are subject to elder abuse, neglect and exploitation are confronted with a greater risk of being hospitalized than other seniors. Dr. XinQi Dong, a researcher and geriatrician, has said, “Elder abuse is independently associated with increased mortality risk, especially for cardiovascular related mortality. However, the relationship between elder abuse and health services utilization still remains unclear.”
2. NATIONAL, Healio, April 9, 2013
Elder abuse associated with increased risk for hospitalization
http://www.healio.com/psychiatry/violence-trauma/news/online/%7BFFBB7547-A677-441B-8A5F-B8132C901DF2%7D/Elder-abuse-associated-with-increased-risk-for-hospitalization
Elder abuse among a community-dwelling population caused an increased risk for hospitalization, according to recent study findings. “Given the soaring cost of health care in this country, the results may help health care providers focus on clinical screening, prevention and intervention of elder abuse cases in order to devise targeted strategies to reduce unnecessary utilization of health services,” XinQi Dong, MD, MPH, of Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, told Psychiatric Annals.
3. NATIONAL, TopNews.US, April 9, 2013
Elder Abuse Pushes Hospitalization Rate
http://topnews.us/content/254437-elder-abuse-pushes-hospitalization-rate
A recent research has shed light on the gross impact of abuse against older adults. It has been stated that older adults inflicted with abuse, neglect and exploitation are at an escalated risk of getting hospitalized as compared to others.
4. NATIONAL, Red Orbit, April 9, 2013
Increased Rates Of Hospitalization Linked To Elder Abuse
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1112819419/increased-rates-of-hospitalization-linked-to-elder-abuse/
Older adults who are subject to elder abuse, neglect and exploitation face a greater risk of being hospitalized than other seniors, according to the results of a study published in the April 8 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine.
5. NATIONAL, Doctors Lounge, April 8, 2013
Elder Abuse Tied to Higher Hospitalization Rates
http://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/hd/37070
Older people who are abused or mistreated face much higher odds of being hospitalized than those who are not, a new study confirms.
6. ALABAMA (Gadsden), Gadsden Times, April 9, 2013
OUR VIEW: Targeting elder abuse
http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20130409/NEWS/130409788?tc=ar
This local newspaper draws attention to the hidden problem of elder abuse, citing a recent local case, statistics from the National Center on Elder Abuse, and the definition of elder abuse according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
7. ALABAMA (Montgomery), Montgomery Advertiser, April 9, 2013
Advocates for elderly applaud bill to protect seniors
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20130409/NEWS02/304090005/Advocates-elderly-applaud-bill-protect-seniors?nclick_check=1
Area advocates for the elderly applaud legislation in the state Legislature that would strengthen laws against exploiting the assets of elderly people. The House and Senate both have passed versions of the bill. Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, said the two bills are essentially the same and that he expects one of them to pass the Legislature soon.
8. ARIZONA (Phoenix), KVOA, April 9, 2013
Statewide contest to increase awareness about elder abuse
http://www.kvoa.com/news/statewide-contest-to-increase-awareness-about-elder-abuse/
In an effort to make young people aware of the tragedy of elder abuse, Attorney General Tom Horne and the Arizona Elder Abuse Coalition have partnered in the 2013 'Why Should I Care About Elder Abuse?' Junior High School Arts Competition. "This competition has helped increase awareness of elder abuse," said Horne. "While my office continues to prosecute perpetrators of elder abuse, only through awareness can we stop abuse before it begins."
9. CALIFORNIA (Cerritos), Cerritos-Artesia Patch, April 11, 2013
Asm. Garcia’s “Keeping Seniors Safe” Bill Passes Assembly Committee
http://cerritos.patch.com/articles/ab-849-asm-garcia-s-keeping-seniors-safe-bill-passes-assembly-committee
With a unanimous vote, the Assembly Judiciary Committee passed Assembly Bill 849 -- legislation that will extend provisions in state law to protect victims of elder abuse from their abusers. The measure, authored by Assemblymember Cristina Garcia of the 58th Assembly District (which includes Cerritos and Artesia), will allow a victim of elder abuse or dependent adult abuse to enroll in California’s address confidentiality program, “Safe at Home,” to shield their home address from their abusers.
10. CALIFORNIA (Irwindale), Baldwin Park Patch, April 10, 2013
Irwindale Police Officer Charged with Grand Theft, Elder Abuse
http://baldwinpark.patch.com/articles/irwindale-police-officer-charged-with-grand-theft-elder-abuse
An Irwindale police officer pleaded not guilty today to grand theft, second-degree burglary and elder abuse for allegedly taking $250,000 in cash that was hidden in his elderly father's detached garage, the District Attorney’s Office announced. If convicted, the suspect faces up to four years in county jail.
11. CALIFORNIA (Sacramento), Sacramento Bee, April 11, 2013
Ex-cop’s lawyer challenges competency of alleged rape victim
http://blogs.sacbee.com/crime/archives/2013/04/ex-cops-lawyer-challenges-competency-of-alleged-rape-victim.html
The alleged victim in the rape case of a former Sacramento police officer testified briefly today, but the judge deferred a ruling until next week on whether the woman needs to be psychiatrically evaluated to determine if she is competent enough to be a witness at trial.
12. CALIFORNIA (Santa Clara), KLIV, April 11, 2013
Woman Sentenced For Role In Scamming Elderly Santa Clara Woman
http://kliv.com/Woman-sentenced-for-role-in-scamming-elderly-Santa/16027293
A woman involved in scamming an elderly Santa Clara woman out of 45-thousand dollars has been sentenced for her role in the crime. The scam involved telling the elderly woman she had won more than half a million dollars in a sweepstakes, and would have to send a fee to collect. The victim was then contacted by someone impersonating an FBI agent, who told her she'd been scammed, and that she'd have to send more money to get out of legal trouble. Jacqueline Dove was sentenced to nine months in jail, plus three years probation.
13. MISSOURI (Benton), KFVS, April 10, 2013
Cape Girardeau man accused of elderly abuse
http://www.kfvs12.com/story/21937132/cape-girardeau-man-accused-of-elderly-abuse
A Cape Girardeau man is accused of taking $220,000 from an elderly Scott County couple. The suspect was charged with two counts of financial exploitation of the elderly and two counts of forgery.
14. MISSOURI (Cape Girardeau), Southeast Missourian, April 11, 2013
Cape man arrested for financial exploitation in Scott County
http://www.semissourian.com/story/1958247.html
A Cape Girardeau man was arrested on charges of financial exploitation and forgery, according to a news release sent Wednesday by Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter.
15. MISSOURI (Scott County), WPSD Local 6, April 10, 2013
Man charged with financial exploitation of the elderly
http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/home/ticker/Man-charged-with-financial-exploitation-of-the-elderly-202423771.html
A Cape Girardeau man has been charged with two counts of financial exploitation of the elderly and two counts of forgery.
16. NEW YORK (Rochester), WHEC, April 9, 2013
Lifespan receives funding to stop elder abuse
http://www.whec.com/news/stories/S2992416.shtml?cat=565
Lifespan, a local foundation, has received triple its usual funding to protect older adults from elder abuse. Lifespan now has $750,000 to fund education and intervention programs geared toward elder abuse.
17. NEW YORK (Rochester), Your News Now, April 9, 2013
Lifespan Receives Increased Funding to Address Elder Abuse
http://rochester.ynn.com/content/top_stories/654885/lifespan-receives-increased-funding-to-address-elder-abuse/
State politicians were in Brighton on Tuesday to talk about an increase in state funding for a program at Lifespan. The $750,000 for Lifespan's Elder Abuse is being touted as unprecedented. The program includes intervention, education and training for victim assistants. Lifespan says in New York State alone, 250,000 older adults are victims of some sort of abuse each year.
18. NEW YORK (Rochester), 13WHAM, April 9, 2013
Lifespan Gets State Funding Boost To Prevent Elder Abuse
http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story/lifespan-financial-boost/0UfVgz1JvkSGmE8z_9Kiow.cspx
An organization that helps older adults in the Rochester-area received an increase in state funding for a program that protects seniors against elder abuse. Lifespan announced Tuesday that state funding for elder abuse prevention, intervention and education efforts was increased from $245,000 to $750,000.
19. NEW YORK (Rochester), Democrat and Chronicle, April 9, 2013
Elder abuse prevention gets boost from New York budget
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20130409/NEWS01/304090022/Elder-abuse-New-York?nclick_check=1
Prevention of elder abuse received a considerable boost as New York state not only restored funding but increased money for education and outreach. The recently passed budget brought back $245,000 for existing contracts with the Office for the Aging, and allowed $500,000 for additional services.
20. TEXAS (Corpus Christi), KRISTV, April 11, 2013
Former Nursing Home Owner Facing Abuse Charges Today
http://www.kristv.com/news/former-nursing-home-owner-facing-abuse-charges-today/
A woman charged with injury to an elderly person will be in Judge Medary's 347th Court this morning for a docket hearing. Prosecutors say the woman owned a Flour Bluff day care center and that she put bags filled with urine and feces around the necks of two elderly patients. The state shut down The Affordable Quality Care Assisted Living Center in 2011 after investigating allegations of patient abuse. The woman agreed not to open another elderly care business and paid the state $350,000 in fines and attorney fees.
21. VERMONT (Montpelier), The Barre Montpelier Times Argus, April 11, 2013 (Opinion)
Reach out to prevent elder abuse
http://www.timesargus.com/article/20130411/OPINION04/704119989
The elder justice specialist for a local Area Agency on Aging appeals to the public with ways to prevent, detect, and report elder abuse.
ABUSE OF ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
1. SOUTH CAROLINA (Easley), Fox Carolina, April 8, 2013
Easley woman accused of abusing vulnerable adult
http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/21912161/police-woman-slapped-woman-saw-her
An Easley woman is accused of abusing a woman unable to take care of herself and witnessing someone else sexually assault the victim, according to police.
2. VERMONT (Georgia), Fox 44 ABC 22, April 9, 2013
Essex Dispatcher Charged With Fraud, Identity Theft & Taking Advantage of a Vulnerable Adult
http://www.fox44abc22yourvoice.com/story/21920102/essex-dispatcher-charged-with-fraud-identity-theft-taking-advantage-of-a-vulnerable-adult
An overnight emergency dispatcher for the Essex Police Department is being charged with identity theft, fraud and taking advantage of a vulnerable adult.
3. INTERNATIONAL (Saskatchewan, Canada), CBC.ca, April 9, 2013
Mom of tortured disabled man sickened by lenient sentences
http://www.cbc.ca/hamilton/news/story/2013/04/08/hamilton-disabled-abuse.html?cmp=rss
A Saskatchewan mother says she's sickened by the knowledge that two Hamiltonians have been given lenient sentences for torturing her developmentally disabled son. The mother says her son suffered brain damage and a stroke after being held and tortured for more than two weeks in 2009.
4. INTERNATIONAL (Toronto, Canada), The Province, April 8, 20123
Ontario couple who tortured disabled man for weeks win appeal to have jail sentences lowered
http://www.theprovince.com/news/Ontario+couple+tortured+disabled+weeks+appeal+have+jail/8216969/story.html
Ontario’s top court has lowered the sentences of a Hamilton couple who held a developmentally disabled man captive and tortured him while draining his bank account to buy drugs and video game equipment.
5. INTERNATIONAL (Lusaka, Zambia), The Zimbabwean, April 9, 2013
Disabled women grapple with gender based violence
http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/news/africa/64869/disabled-women-grapple-with-gender.html
“Women and girls with disabilities are often subject to social, cultural and economic disadvantages which impede their access to sexual reproductive health, education and development.”
RELATED ISSUES
1. INTERNATIONAL (Sydney, Australia), ABC.net.au, April 11, 2013
Hundreds of dementia assaults going unreported
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-11/nursing-home-dementia-assaults-going-unreported/4624374
Industry experts believe hundreds of assaults in nursing homes are going unreported as managers struggle with increasing numbers of violent dementia patients. Aged care companies are not required to report assaults perpetrated by someone with a cognitive impairment such as dementia.
2. INTERNATIONAL (London, United Kingdom), Carehome.co.uk, April 10, 2013
Specialist dementia programme reduces antipsychotic medication in dementia care homes by nearly half
http://www.carehome.co.uk/news/article.cfm/id/1559673/use-of-antipsychotic-medication-in-dementia-care-homes-drops-by-nearly-half-due-to-special-programme
Use of antipsychotic medication in specialised dementia care homes run by Four Seasons Health Care has dropped by nearly a half, due to its PEARL dementia care programme. Data from 16 homes on the programme was analysed and revealed a 48 per cent drop in use of antipsychotic medication plus a reduction in use of a range of other medications. There was also a corresponding improvement in the well-being of care home residents.
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Funding Opportunities:
- April 30/November 1, 2013
- The Lawrence Foundation awards grants in support of the environment, education, human services, disaster relief, and other causes. The foundation awards both program and operating grants with no geographic restrictions to nonprofit organizations that qualify for tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as public schools and libraries.
- For more information: http://www.thelawrencefoundation.org/grants/guidelines.php
- May 1, 2013
- The American Bar Association has announced a further round of grants to be made in 2013 that will promote and support innovation in the delivery of civil legal aid. These grants will go to the state Access to Justice Commissions. The grants will fund projects in seven critical areas of innovation: expanding limited scope representation and other models for affordable services; improving language access and eliminating implicit cultural bias; employing public libraries as point of access for legal aid; enhancing fundraising outside the legal community; creating partnerships with health care and social services providers, government agencies and other new partners; preserving access for low-income people as courts implement e-filing; and increasing web-based delivery of pro bono services for self-represented litigants. Eligible entities are state Access to Justice Commissions, which are formal entities that bring together the highest level of the state's courts, organized bar, and other stakeholders to support the expansion of access to civil justice for low income and disadvantaged people. Applications for Grants to Promote the Creation of new Access to Justice Commissions are due by February 15, 2013; applications for Innovation Grants are due on May 1, 2013.
- Information: www.ATJsupport.org under “grants.” For additional information contact Bob Echols, State Support Consultant, ABA Resource Center for Access to Justice Initiatives, Robert.Echols@comcast.net
- May 15, 2013
- Kendal Charitable Funds (KCF) is seeking proposals for promising innovations that will transform the experience of aging. We are interested in ideas that can enhance the lives of an aging population, whether through services, research, and/or developing new understandings and awareness of the issue and opportunities. We are looking for pilot projects that address one or more of these criteria. We will give priority to opportunities that have the greatest potential for change and replication, for the greatest number of individuals.
- The proposed project must address one or more non-institutionalized populations, focusing on the following topic:
- Elder Abuse: Identification and/or Prevention of one or more of the following
- Financial
- Physical
- Emotional
- Sexual
- For more information: www.kendalcharitablefunds.org
- May 20, 2013
- The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is pleased to announce that it is seeking applications for research and evaluation relating to abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elderly individuals and residents of residential care facilities. This research furthers the Department’s mission by sponsoring research to provide objective, independent, evidence-based knowledge and tools to meet the challenges of crime and justice, particularly at the State and local levels.
- For more information: https://ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl001043.pdf
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Upcoming Elder Abuse Conferences/Training Events (in chronological order):
· The SAFEta Webinar Series will cover three topics this year: Patients with developmental and/or physical disabilities, older patients, and patients who are in the military. The series begins on April 11, 2013. For more information: http://safeta.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=85
· The 13th Annual International Family Justice Center Conference will be held in Ft. Worth, Texas from April 16-18, 2013 at the Worthington Renaissance Forth Worth Hotel. For more information: http://www.familyjusticecenter.org/training-main/annual-conference.html
· Elder Abuse and its Prevention – A Workshop will be hosted by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies April 17-18, 2013 at the Keck Center on Washington, D.C. For more information: http://www.iom.edu/Activities/Global/ViolenceForum/2013-APR-17.aspx
· Registration is now open for Teaming Up Against Elder Financial Exploitation, a course offered in the Orlando area, April 17 – 19, 2013. This course is presented by The Florida Attorney General’s Office (FCPTI) and The Florida Bar Elder Law Section’s Committee on Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation. For more information: http://www.fcpti.com/fcpti.nsf/forms/CF4576CAD96E849C85257A830057911A
· The Academy on Violence and Abuse (AVA) 2013 Scientific Conference will be called “Addressing Violence and Abuse in the Changing Healthcare Environment,” and will take place on April 18-20 in Minneapolis, MN at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Suites. For more information: http://avahealth.nonprofitoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B75FA0828-D713-4580-A29D-257F315BB94F%7D/uploads/avabrochure_P20.pdf
· The Greater Augusta Coalition Against Adult Abuse in partnership with the VA Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and Blue Ridge Community College is sponsoring a free, day long training for Commonwealth Attorneys, Law Enforcement, Social Workers, and related professionals on “Obtaining Convictions and Restitution for Adult Abuse” on Monday, April 29, 2013. For more information, contact Anne See at (540) 433-1830 or asee@brls.org. Click here to register: http://fs21.formsite.com/ascott/form10/index.html?1358267517475
· The 6th Annual Forensic Investigations Conference to be held from May 15-17, 2013 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Seminars will focus on a broad array of emerging forensic practices, in sexual assault, interpersonal violence, child and elder abuse in both an urban and rural environment. For more information https://www.saintlukeshealthsystem.org/event/forensic-conference-1
· The 16th Annual Kern County Elder Abuse Prevention Conference will be themed “Self Neglect Topics: Hoarding & Grief, Loss, and Trauma.” The conference will take place on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Hodel’s Country Dining. For more information: http://www.co.kern.ca.us/aas/pdf/elder-abuse-conf-2013.pdf.
· The National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Annual Training Conference 2013 will take place at the Westin San Diego in San Diego, California and will feature a keynote on Elder Abuse. The conference will take place from May 29-31, 2013. For more info: http://www.nanasp.org/upcomingconferences.html
· The Virginia Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (VCPEA) will hold its 19th annual conference in Virginia Beach at the Virginia Beach Resort and Conference Center on May 29-31, 2013. Conference information was been posted on the VCPEA website at http://www.vcpea.org
· The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Criminal Justice Institute presents an Elder Justice Symposium for attorneys, law enforcement personnel, health care and mental health care professionals, social service providers and victim advocates. The symposium will be on June 27, 2013, at the Almansor Court Banquet Center in Alhambra, California. For more information: http://da.lacounty.gov/cji/ea062713.htm
· The Alzheimer’s Association annual conference, titled “Dementia Care @AAIC: Translating Research to Practice” will be held in Boston, Massachusetts from July 13-18, 2013. Learn more here: http://www.alz.org/aaic/
· Changing Aging, The Florida Conference on Aging
NCEA Newsfeed – Thursday, April 11, 2013