NCEA | Newsfeed Collection

NCEA Newsfeed – Friday, December 21, 2012

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!

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

Calendar of upcoming elder abuse and neglect events can be found at the bottom of the newsfeed.

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ELDER ABUSE NEWSFEED

1.         NATIONAL, AARP, December 20, 2012
Caregivers: Spotting & Preventing Financial Elder Abuse
http://blog.aarp.org/2012/12/20/sally-abrahms-financial-elder-abuse-tips/
Just in time for the holidays, AARP offers tips to caregivers to detect, prevent, and intervene in situations of elder abuse.

2.         CALIFORNIA (El Dorado County), Sacramento Bee, December 20, 2012
El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office investigator to prove elder abuse
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/12/20/5066714/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-office.html
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office has added an investigator to focus on elder abuse. The move follows news that reports of elder abuse have increased 9 percent since 2011 in the county. The county's population of residents 65 and older is 31.6 percent greater than the state's average.

3.         CALIFORNIA (El Dorado County), Cap Radio, December 20, 2012
Detective Position Created To Investigate Elder Abuse
http://www.capradio.org/articles/2012/12/19/detective-position-created-to-investigate-elder-abuse
The Eldorado County Sheriff's Department has created a new detective position to help combat an increase in crimes against seniors.  Sergeant Jim Byers says the nine-percent increase in reported cases of elder abuse over last year likely has several causes, "Some of the financial abuse is increasing because they're considered a relatively easy target and the generation that's now falling into this age category: they have no problem going to law enforcement saying, "Hey, I'm being taken advantage of.  You know, I need help."

4.         CALIFORNIA (El Dorado County), Tahoe Daily Tribune, December 18, 2012
Sheriff’s investigator to focus on elder abuse
http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/article/20121218/NEWS/121219857/1056&parentprofile=1056
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office announced the addition of a new investigator position this week that will focus solely on elder abuse and financial crimes.

5.         MARYLAND (Montgomery County), WJLA, December 18, 2012
‘Salt and Pepper Bandits’ case reminds seniors to stay vigilant
http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/12/-salt-and-pepper-bandits-case-reminds-seniors-to-stay-vigilant-83234.html
They were dubbed the "Salt and Pepper Bandits" because they targeted senior citizens and sometimes even donned disguises to look like seniors. Now this crime spree is being used to teach Montgomery County residents how to avoid similar crimes.

6.         MINNESOTA (Deephaven), Star Tribune, December 18, 2012
Deephaven health aide cleared of abuse charges
http://www.startribune.com/local/183980711.html?refer=y
State investigators have reversed their conclusion that an aide at a Deephaven nursing home sexually assaulted a female resident in March, saying the accuser was found "not to be credible," according to a revised Minnesota Health Department report released Tuesday.

7.         MONTANA (Helena), Billings Gazette, December 19, 2012 (Opinion)
Gazette opinion: Time to update Montana elder abuse law
http://billingsgazette.com/news/opinion/editorial/gazette-opinion/gazette-opinion-time-to-update-montana-elder-abuse-law/article_566c1b0a-9111-58e7-bc99-15b19e833f66.html
Present law requires not only that exploitation or abuse be proven but also that the state prove the victim was “unable to provide personal protection from abuse, sexual abuse, neglect or exploitation because of a mental or physical impairment or because of frailties or dependencies brought on by age.” Elder justice advocates want to delete this clause, and increase minimum penalties for convicted perpetrators.

8.         NEW YORK (Albany), Times Union, December 18, 2012
NY plan for disabled follows 60,000 abuse reports
http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/NY-plan-for-disabled-follows-60-000-abuse-reports-4129486.php
With data showing more than 60,000 alleged incidents of abuse against the disabled in one state agency's care since 2008, New York authorities are set to establish a new prosecutor, inspector general, hotline and other measures next year that Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday will address "long-held injustices."

9.         NORTH CAROLINA (Pinehurst), WRAL.com, December 20, 2012
Caregiver arrested after trying to marry dementia patient
http://www.wral.com/police-caregiver-kidnapped-elderly-pinehurst-man/11903185/
Pinehurst police on Thursday arrested the caregiver of a dementia patient after they say the pair drove to Scotland County to get married. The suspect picked up the 83-year-old man from his rehabilitation center on Monday for a doctor’s visit but never showed up for the appointment. Local attorney Bill Floyd said he saw the two leaving the Register of Deeds Office and realized Aiken was the subject of a Silver Alert that he had read about Wednesday on WRAL.com. The suspect has been charged with one count of false imprisonment.

10.       OKLAHOMA (Oklahoma City), KOCO, December 12, 2012
Caretaker accused of draining elderly woman’s $250,000 bank account
http://www.koco.com/news/oklahomanews/okc/Caretaker-accused-of-draining-elderly-woman-s-250-000-bank-account/-/11777584/17757010/-/uqlya4z/-/index.html
A metro woman tasked with caring for an 88-year-old Nichols Hills woman stole from her instead, investigators said. The suspect has been charged with eight counts of financial exploitation of an elderly person by a caretaker. 

11.       OKLAHOMA (Oklahoma City), News on 6, December 18, 2012
OK Advocates Demand Cameras in Nursing Homes After Abuse Caught On Tape
http://www.newson6.com/story/20375916/ok-advocates-demand-cameras-in-nursing-homes-after-abuse-caught-on-tape
After disturbing nursing home abuse is caught on tape, advocates are demanding cameras be placed in nursing homes. Some Oklahoma lawmakers say they will be looking into proposals this session that would mandate cameras in nursing home rooms and common areas.

12.       PENNSYLVANIA (Philadelphia), CBS News, December 18, 2012
Financial Elder Abuse On The Rise
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/12/18/financial-elder-abuse-on-the-rise/
A recent Consumer Reports’ investigation finds theft and fraud by loved ones is on the rise. Consumer Reports advises seniors to have bank statements sent to a person you trust to monitor accounts — arrange for direct deposit and automatic bill pay — and consult an elder law attorney for legal changes involving children.

13.       TEXAS (Houston), Chron.com, December 19, 2012
Couple who scammed veterans are headed to prison
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Attorney-blamed-for-record-2-3-million-scam-of-4133043.php
The elderly Houston couple responsible for the largest scam ever uncovered in a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' program meant to protect vulnerable veterans will be going to federal prison for 46 months after conspiring to carry out a $2.3 million ripoff of 49 disabled military men.

14.       INTERNATIONAL (New Delhi, India), Mirror.co.uk, December 21, 2012
Banker tells disabled husband they’re going on luxury holiday but dumps him in a slum instead and flies home
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/rich-banker-tells-disabled-husband-1499493
A rich banker persuaded her disabled husband to go to India on the holiday of a lifetime – then dumped him in a slum to save money on care costs. She took him to a poverty-stricken suburb of New Delhi and paid a family £1,500 a month to take him in before jetting home alone to live a life of luxury, a court in Switzerland was told. None months later in September 2008, her 74-year-old husband died due to “lack of care and poor hygiene.” A Zurich court has jailed the man’s widow for four years.

15.       INTERNATIONAL (New Delhi, India), DailyMail, December 20, 2012
Wealthy Swiss banker takes disabled elderly husband on ‘holiday of a lifetime’ to India – and leaves him there because she was fed up paying for care bills
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2251043/Wealthy-banker-takes-disabled-elderly-husband-holiday-lifetime-India--leaves-fed-paying-care-bills.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
A wife who took her handicapped husband on a 'holiday of a lifetime' to India then dumped him there to save on care costs has been jailed for four years in Switzerland.

16.       INTERNATIONAL (Manawatu, New Zealand), Stuff.co.nz, December 19, 2012
Elder abuse to worsen
http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/8098783/Elder-abuse-to-worsen
Policy analyst Julie Macdonald said between 270 and 900 older people in Palmerston North were statistically likely to be victims of abuse. Elder abuse is expected to worsen, as the population of elderly people in Palmerston North is expected to double in the next 20 years.

17.       INTERNATIONAL (Edinburgh, Scotland), Scotsman.com, December 20, 2012
Disabled victim of assault brands ‘scum’ gang 4-year sentences too short
http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/latest-news/disabled-victim-of-assault-brands-scum-gang-4-year-sentences-too-short-1-2700507
A disabled man attacked by a gang of thieves targeting the elderly and vulnerable has branded them “scum” and said their four-year sentences were too short. The three perpetrators admitted a string of offences earlier this year.

ABUSE OF ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

1.         CALIFORNIA (Placer County), CBS Local, December 19, 2012
Man Pleads No Contest to Raping Disabled Woman At Placer County Care Home
http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2012/12/19/man-pleads-no-contest-to-raping-disabled-woman-at-placer-county-care-home/
The man accused of raping a severally mentally disabled woman in a Placer County care home and impregnating her pleaded no contest on Wednesday to one count of rape of an incompetent victim and admitted causing her great bodily injury during the commission of the rape. He will be sentenced to 13 years in state prison, the maximum allowed by law, and will be required to register as a sex offender for life upon his release from prison.

2.         CALIFORNIA (Placer County), KCRA, December 20, 2012
Former caregiver enters plea to impregnating disabled woman
http://www.kcra.com/news/local-news/news-sacramento/Former-caregiver-enters-plea-to-impregnating-disabled-woman/-/12969376/17839238/-/sk1q38z/-/index.html
A former caregiver entered a no-contest plea Wednesday on charges that he injured and raped a severely disabled woman in his care.

3.         CALIFORNIA (Sacramento), Los Angeles Times, December 19, 2012
California senator seeks investigations of abuse of disabled people
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2012/12/california-senator-seeks-investigations-of-abuse-of-disabled-people.html
Concerned about a wave of rapes in California facilities for the disabled and mentally ill, state Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) has proposed mandating the immediate use of kits to collect evidence when allegations of abuse are made.

4.         CALIFORNIA (Sacramento), Hometown Station, December 19, 2012
Developmentally Disabled Victims of Sex Crimes To Be Protected By New Pavley Bill
http://hometownstation.com/news/santa-clarita-news/developmentally-disabled-victims-sex-crimes-be-protected-new-pavley-bill
State Sen. Fran Pavley announced her intent Tuesday to introduce legislation to help protect developmentally disabled victims of sex crimes in California’s state developmental centers and state hospitals. She is working with Disability Rights California, the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA), The Arc of California and United Cerebral Palsy to introduce legislation to require that sexual abuse victims within the state developmental centers and state psychiatric hospitals receive timely forensic medical examinations.

5.         ILLINOIS (Edwardsville), BND.com, December 18, 2012
Judge appoints guardian ad litem for disabled East Alton woman; task force formed
http://www.bnd.com/2012/12/20/2435019/judge-appoints-guardian-ad-litem.html
A 33-year-old East Alton woman, who is developmentally delayed, blind and deaf, was appointed a guardian ad litem after suffering physical abuse and neglect at the hands of her adoptive father and former stepmother. A Madison County judge announced the formation of a special committee to make sure all pertinent information is considered when determining the best care plan for the woman.

6.         MISSISSIPPI (Hattiesburg), WLOX, December 19, 2012
Two arrested in Hattiesburg for keeping mentally challenged adults in deplorable conditions
http://www.wlox.com/story/20386335/two-arrested-in-hattiesburg-for-keeping-mentally-challenged-adults-in-deplorable-conditions
Investigators with the Mississippi Attorney General's office arrested two Hattiesburg residents Wednesday on charges of exploitation of a vulnerable adult, and the misuse of more than $21,000.

7.         UTAH (Murray), KSL, December 19, 2012
Felony charges for chiropractor accused of exploiting disabled woman
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=23446303
A Highland chiropractor who practices in Murray is facing felony charges accusing him of exploiting a disabled woman into signing a $6,000 care contract. The charges state that the woman involved was found by a doctor to be suffering from "mild mental retardation," is unable to manage her finances and personal care without help, and can't make "age-appropriate decisions regarding health/medical and legal issues."

RELATED ISSUES

1.         OHIO (Norwalk), Cleveland.com, December 19, 2012
Missing man with dementia found driving on Detroit Avenue: Lakewood Police Blotter
http://www.cleveland.com/lakewood/index.ssf/2012/12/missing_man_with_dementia_foun.html
A police bulletin was distributed to officers regarding a man with dementia who was missing from Norwalk. While on patrol near West 117th Street, an officer spotted a vehicle with a tail light out entering Cleveland. The driver and the vehicle matched the description of the missing man. When asked to turn off his vehicle the disoriented man, became agitated, but was safely removed from the vehicle. An officer remained with the man at Lakewood Hospital until his son arrived.

2.         TEXAS (Arlington), The Scoop Blog, December 19, 2012
Arlington police ask postal workers, property owners to be on lookout for elderly woman with dementia
http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2012/12/elderly-woman-with-dementia-reported-missing-in-arlington.html/
Maria Arrocha, a 77-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s disease, was last seen Tuesday morning wearing a black sweater and beige pants before she wandered away from her home. Police have handed out fliers with her photo to postal workers, bus drivers and hospitals in Arlington. They’re also asking property owners in the area to check their back yards, garages and sheds. Ms. Arrocha is Hispanic and has black and gray hair and brown eyes. She is about 5-foot-5 and 180 pounds.

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Funding Opportunities:

• Deadline: December 31: Volunteerism (United States)
  • Nominations accepted for the Stand and Deliver Awards given by Merz Aesthetics, a division of Merz Pharma Group. The awards will go to women who are changing their communities one day at a time through their support of a nonprofit organization classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Three finalists will be chosen through online voting open to the public, with one woman winning $10,000 for the charity of her choice.
  • Contact: Merz Aesthetics
    http://www.asclera.com/standanddeliver
• Deadline: January 7: Other (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia)
  • Applications for The Washington Post 2013 Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management, administered by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement and sponsored by The Washington Post. The award recognizes outstanding management at nonprofit organizations in the metropolitan Washington area. One group will receive $10,000 and a scholarship to the Georgetown University Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership. Up to four groups will each receive honorable mentions and $2,500. Additional information is available on the center’s Web site.
  • Who may apply: organizations in the metropolitan Washington area that are classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  • Contact: Center for Nonprofit Advancement
    1666 K Street, N.W., Suite 440
    Washington, D.C. 20006
    (202) 457-0540
    http://www.nonprofitadvancement.org/PostAward2013
• Deadline: February 15, 2013/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 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

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Upcoming Elder Abuse Conferences/Training Events (in chronological order):

·       The Alzheimer’s Association is accepting proposals for their international conferences until February 4, 2013.  Submit proposals here: http://www.alz.org/aaic/care/dementia-care-posters.asp. The conference, titled “Dementia Care @AAIC: Translating Research to Practice” will be in Boston, Massachusetts from July 13-18, 2013. Learn more here: http://www.alz.org/aaic/

·       The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) released their famous 2012 Tool Kit on dementia education on November 1, 2012. http://www.nccdp.org/staff-education-week.htm For the fifth year, they will host Alzheimer’s and Dementia Staff Education Week February 14-21, 2013

·       The 6^th 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

 An archived collection of previous newsfeeds is available here:
http://nceagov.posterous.com/

National Center on Elder Abuse

Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse & Neglect

University of California, Irvine

Program in Geriatrics

101 The City Drive South

Orange, CA 92868

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