NCEA Newsfeed – Tuesday, April 23, 2013 – 52 days until World Elder Abuse Awareness Day!
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.
***************************************************************************************
ELDER ABUSE NEWSFEED
1. NATIONAL, Forbes, April 22, 2013
Is A Family Member Ripping Off Your Aging Parent?
http://www.forbes.com/sites/carolynrosenblatt/2013/04/22/is-a-family-member-ripping-off-your-aging-parent/
Carolyn Rosenblatt of AgingParents.com discusses several red flags that could indicate that an older adult has fallen victim to financial abuse. She also directs readers on how to report these suspicions, and gives an overview of the scope of the problem.
2. NATIONA, Forbes, April 23, 2013
Senior “Specialists” Often Swindlers
http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnwasik/2013/04/23/senior-specialists-often-swindlers/?ss=personalfinance
For years, regulators have been monitoring brokers who use titles like “retirement planning specialist.” It’s hard to say which of these designations are meaningful since they are so loosely regulated. In many cases, the financial services industry doesn’t want customers to know that little training or expertise is involved. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently issued a report on these titles, which helps to illuminate a specialized form of financial abuse.
3. NATIONAL, Wall Street Journal, April 21, 2013
Could You Fall for Such a Scam? The Warning Signs and How to Protect Yourself
http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130423-914918.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Recently, 109 Jamaicans were charged under a cooperative effort between the U.S. and Jamaica to crack down on phone scams specifically targeting the elderly. Jamaica is finally letting Americans know that it recognizes it has a problem and is trying to do something about it. Jamaican scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, belligerent -- and effective -- at talking retirees out of their hard earned nest egg, often in the $100,000s. But we don't have to look to Jamaica to discover fraud.
4. ALABAMA (Alabaster), AL.com, April 22, 2013
State Sen. Cam Ward stirs support for elderly abuse legislation in Alabaster
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2013/04/state_sen_cam_ward_stirs_suppo.html
As the Alabama Legislature approaches its home stretch, state Sen. Cam Ward of Shelby County and others at a press conference this morning stirred support of a bill he sponsored that protects seniors from criminal abuse. Ward has sponsored Senate Bill 29 that expands the opportunity for prosecution as well as the penalties associated with cases of neglect, mistreatment and financial abuse of elderly. A virtually identical bill in the House sponsored by Rep. Paul DeMarco of Homewood is also awaiting passage.
5. ALABAMA (Birmingham), My Fox Alabama, April 22, 2013
Lawmakers push new elder abuse bill
http://www.myfoxal.com/story/22043261/lawmakers-push-new-elder-abuse-bill
Several Birmingham lawmakers are taking a step toward fighting elder abuse. They joined Senator Cam Ward in Alabaster on Monday to update the progress of new legislation.
6. ALABAMA (Tuscaloosa), Tuscaloosa News, April 21, 2013 (Opinion)
GUEST COLUMNIST: Seniors need improved safeguards
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20130421/NEWS/130429969/1291/SPORTS?Title=GUEST-COLUMNIST-Seniors-need-improved-safeguards&tc=ar
“In Alabama, it's been estimated that as many as 75,000 elder abuse cases occur every year, although only a fraction are ever reported. But thanks to the work of some of our state legislators, we have an opportunity to decrease those numbers and increase the safeguards for our senior citizens.”
7. CALIFORNIA (Grover Beach), KCOY, April 22, 2013
Grover Beach Man Charged with Assault, Elder Abuse
http://www.kcoy.com/story/22047986/grover-beach-man-fighting-for-life-after-alleged-assault
69-year-old Ben Carroll Sr. remains in critical condition after he suffered an apparent heart attack and stopped breathing following what Grover Beach Police say was an assault by a neighbor in front of an address on Beckett Place Sunday afternoon. Mr. Carroll’s 54-year-old neighbor has been arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, battery and elder abuse.
8. CALIFORNIA (Grover Beach), KEYT, April 21, 2013
Grover Beach man arrested for elder abuse and assault
http://www.keyt.com/news/Grover-Beach-man-arrested-for-elder-abuse-and-assault/-/17671600/19839296/-/12fpcxa/-/index.html
A Grover Beach man is facing charges, after police say he assaulted his elderly neighbor. The suspect is accused of pushing the elderly man down. The man went into cardiac arrest. He was rushed to the hospital and is listed in critical condition.
9. CALIFORNIA (Modesto), Modesto Bee, April 19, 2013
Modesto man arrested on elder abuse charges
http://www.modbee.com/2013/04/19/2678245/modesto-man-arrested-on-elder.html
A Modesto man is in jail on suspicion of punching his elderly relative in the face and breaking the victim’s finger.
10. FLORIDA (Ormond Beach), WFTV, April 19, 2013
Ormond Beach nursing home hit with $36K fine after sexual assault allegation
http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/ormond-beach-nursing-home-hit-36k-fine-after-sexua/nXRYR/
An Ormond Beach nursing home was slapped with a $36,000 fine by the state after being accused of failing to report an alleged sexual assault. The report found the Avante nursing home's actions put other residents in danger.
11. MAINE (Bangor), Bangor Daily News, April 21, 2013 (Opinion)
Toughen Maine law to prevent, fight financial exploitation of elderly
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/04/21/opinion/toughen-maine-law-to-prevent-fight-financial-exploitation-of-elderly/
LD 527, sponsored by Rep. Mark Dion, D-Portland, proposes three modifications to the current statutes to better protect vulnerable adults. The first modification is the addition of “dementia or other cognitive impairment” to protect people who are not able to adequately judge their situation and cannot give their consent. The second modification states that consent cannot be given by “undue influence.” The last modification increases the penalties of financial crimes against seniors.
12. PENNSYLVANIA (Harrisburg), Newsworks, April 22, 2013
Pa. high court panel to review means of preventing abuse of elders
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/item/53808-pa-high-court-panel-to-review-strategies-for-preventing-abuse-of-elders?linktype=hp_topstorylist
Citing the state's older population, Pennsylvania's high court has created a task force to study elder abuse and how the courts can prevent it and respond to it. Supreme Court Justice Debra Todd will chair the 38-member panel.
13. PENNSYLVANIA (Harrisburg), The Pennsylvania Record, April 19, 2013
Pa. Supreme Court forms task force to address elder abuse
http://pennrecord.com/news/9803-pa-supreme-court-forms-task-force-to-address-elder-abuse
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has created an Elder Law Task Force charged with studying the growing problems involved with guardianship, abuse and neglect, and access to justice involving the commonwealth’s senior citizens according to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.
14. VIRGINIA (Dublin), Southwest Times, April 22, 2013
Elderly financial abuse costs seniors $2.9 billion annually
http://www.southwesttimes.com/2013/04/elderly-financial-abuse-costs-seniors-2-9-billion-annually/
To combat the ever-growing problem of elder financial abuse, the New River Valley Elder Justice Coalition will sponsor a Community Dialogue on Financial Abuse among Older Adults. The session will be held Tuesday, May 7, at Highland Ridge Rehab Center, Dublin, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
15. INTERNATIONAL (Montreal, Canada), Montreal Gazette, April 19, 2013
Historic settlement reached after abuse allegations at Montreal nursing home
http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Historic+settlement+reached+after+abuse+allegations+Montreal+nursing+home/8268942/story.html
After years of litigation, a Montreal nursing home at the centre of several patient-abuse scandals has agreed to pay record damages for negligence and abuse. The $8.5-million out-of-court settlement for an estimated 600 disabled residents and former residents ends a class-action suit that highlighted systemic abuse at St-Charles Borromée Hospital, a long-term-care institution that changed its name to CHSLD Centre-ville de Montréal and is now part of Centre de santé et des services sociaux (CSSS) Jeanne Mance.
16. INTERNATIONAL (Montreal, Canada), CBC, April 18, 2013
Multi-million-dollar settlement for victims of patient abuse
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/story/2013/04/18/montreal-st-charles-borromee-elder-abuse-seniors-residence-hospital.html
After years of experiencing unspeakable cruelty at the hands of those supposed to be taking care of them, a group of seniors and severely disabled people at a Montreal long-term care facility have emerged victorious. In 1999, a class action lawsuit detailing hundreds of cases of abuse was launched against the St-Charles Borromée hospital in Montreal. But it wasn’t until 2003, when family members of a patient there began secretly recording staff verbally and psychologically abusing their relative, that people began paying attention.
17. INTERNATIONAL (Nanton, Canada), Nanton News, April 22, 2013
Conference to offer education, awareness about senior abuse, support services
http://www.nantonnews.com/2013/04/22/conference-to-offer-education-awareness-about-senior-abuse-support-services
An upcoming conference will highlight elder abuse and available support systems. The Nanton Quality of Life Foundation will be hosting a seniors conference called Shining A Light: A Seniors Conference on May 8. The one-day conference will offer a series of workshops providing education and awareness to help local seniors, family members, service providers, volunteers and the public understand what elder abuse is.
ABUSE OF ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
1. CALIFORNIA (San Diego), NBC San Diego, April 23, 2013
Nurse Convicted of Abusing Autistic Patient
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Nurse-Abuse-Autistic-Patient-Caregiver-Jamie-Oakley-San-Diego-204270061.html
A San Diego registered nurse was convicted Monday of abusing an autistic patient while in his care. Suspicious parents planted a video recorder, catching not one but several instances of mistreatment which a Vista judge found had reached the level of two felonies. The video is graphic and difficult to watch.
2. MINNESOTA (Grand Forks), WDAZ, April 19, 2013
Grand Forks man says ex-girlfriend stole $100,000
http://www.wdaz.com/event/article/id/17422/group/homepage/
A Warroad, Minn., woman is in jail in Thief River Falls, accused of stealing $22,000 in cash from a Grand Forks man who prosecutors said is a vulnerable adult.
3. INTERNATIONAL (Edmonton, Canada), Edmonton Journal, April 19, 2013
Sentencing postponed for Edmonton-area couple in death of disabled relative
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Sentencing+postponed+Edmonton+area+couple+death+disabled+relative/8266393/story.html
A sentencing hearing scheduled for Friday has been adjourned for a Strathcona County couple who’ve admitted to putting a developmentally disabled relative through weeks of severe abuse, isolation and humiliation leading up to her death in November 2009.
4. INTERNATIONAL (Cavan, Ireland), The Independent, April 22, 2013
Disabled mum left stranded after car stolen
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/disabled-mum-left-stranded-after-car-stolen-29211819.html
Heartless thieves targeted a young disabled mother who watched helplessly as they stole her car.
5. INTERNATIONAL (Hull and East Riding, United Kingdom), This is Hull and East Riding, April 23, 2013
Carer husband blinded disabled wife with cigarette
http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/Disabled-woman-loves-husband-blinded-cigarette/story-18778558-detail/story.html#axzz2RKt52PB2
A husband blinded his disabled wife with a cigarette after subjecting her to years of abuse. Robert John Clark, 40, pushed a cigarette into his wife Susan Meakin-Clark's only working eye after she dropped one he had thrown at her. Pushing the cigarette into her eye, Clark shouted: "Can you see it now?"
RELATED ISSUES
1. OKLAHOMA (Oklahoma City), San Francisco Gate, April 22, 2013
Okla. House Oks nursing home camera proposal
http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Okla-House-OKs-nursing-home-camera-proposal-4454275.php
The Oklahoma House has approved a bill that says people can't be denied residence or kicked out of nursing homes if they or their families place cameras in their rooms. The bill passed without opposition Monday. It now goes back to the Senate for further consideration.
***************************************************************************************
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
***************************************************************************************
Upcoming Elder Abuse Conferences/Training Events (in chronological order):
· 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 will be held on August 12-14, 2013 and will be themed, “Aging: New Game – New Rules”
For more information: http://www.fcoa.org/conference.html· The 18th International Conference & Summit on Violence, Abuse & Trauma will be held in San Diego, California on September 8-11, 2013. For more information: http://www.ivatcenters.org/
· The 24th Annual NAPSA Conference to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota October 2-3, 2013, followed by The 4th Annual NAPSA Summit on Elder Financial Exploitation on October 4, 2013. For more information: http://www.napsa-now.org/get-connected/annual-conference/
· The 2nd Annual National Elder Abuse Symposium will be held at the Hyatt Regency Orange County in Anaheim, California on December 3-6, 2013. Stay tuned for more information.
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
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. E-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses. The sender therefore does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message, which arise as a result of e-mail transmission.