Newsfeed – Tuesday, April 1, 2014
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! An archived collection of previous newsfeeds is available here: http://ncea.posthaven.com/
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
NATIONAL, Sun Herald, March 30, 2014
Dear Annie: Reckless conversation causes family strife
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/03/30/5456936/annie-reckless-conversation-causes.html
A concerned woman writes to Dear Annie about her children's grandmother possibly experiencing abuse from her grandson. Annie suggests that if they suspect that the grandmother is being intimidated, then the family needs to contact Adult Protective Services in their area.
NATIONAL, Burlington County Times, April 1, 2014
Elder abuse on the rise
A survey by the National Investor Protection Trust found 20 percent of Americans 65 and up — 7.3 million people nationwide — have been victimized by financial swindles. The survey found more than one out of three seniors has been approached by people asking for money, bail, or fees to claim supposed lottery winnings, among other schemes. Despite a growing number of reports of all types of elder abuse, Richard Strobel, chief counsel for the Burlington County Board of Social Services, said the largest number of abuse reports stem from cases of self-neglect.
CALIFORNIA (Santa Barbara), Edhat, March 27, 2014
Receiving Stolen Property and Elder Abuse Arrest
http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?nid=131568
Pablo Sela age 49, of Santa Barbara, was arrested for receiving stolen property, elder abuse, and drug offenses arising from an ongoing burglary investigation being conducted by the Santa Barbara Police Department's Property Crimes Unit. Due to declining heath, in recent months the 83-year old owner of the store and victim in this case has been unable to maintain a regular presence at the business. Investigation indicates that over the course of 3 to 4 months a suspect or suspects exploited the owner's absence and stole approximately 1.5 to 2 million dollars worth of antiques from a locked storage room at that location.
CALIFORNIA (San Diego), UT San Diego, March 30, 2014 (Opinion)
Judge hands out weak assist to the most vulnerable
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/Mar/30/roses-raspberries-judge-weak-assist/
The article states that Judge Blaine K. Bowman went light in the sentencing of a father and a son convicted of elder abuse leading to the death of an 85-year-old man under their “care” in Bonair Rest Home in Vista. Instead of serious prison time (up to 10 years) urged by prosecutors, Bowman meted out four years of probation, minor fines and brief custody for Raymundo Pura and his son, Alexander, operators of the assisted-living facility.
FLORIDA, Association of Corporate Counsel, March 27, 2014
Assisted living facility reform likely in 2014
http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=ba681991-62bb-420e-947c-5eab92873615
Reform of assisted living facilities (ALFs) has returned for the 2014 Florida Regular Session. The major reforms proposed seek to improve accountability, transparency, and regulation of ALF operations. The article has a summary of the major reforms proposed, effective July 1, 2014, unless otherwise noted.
FLORIDA (Orange County), WESH Orlando, March 28, 2014
$2.8 million stolen by man's family members, deputies say
http://www.wesh.com/news/28-million-stolen-by-mans-family-members-deputies-say/25215142#!CqYOC
Three family members are charged with grand theft and elderly exploitation for stealing $2.8 million from an 80-year-old man, deputies said. Deputies said the victim's daughter, Cynthia Lane Thomas, and her husband, Richard Henry Thomas, were the primary caregivers for the victim and had power of attorney.
INDIANA (Jasper), SF Gate, March 31, 2014
Nursing home administrators won't face charges
http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Nursing-home-administrators-won-t-face-charges-5362399.php
Criminal charges have been dismissed against two southern Indiana nursing home administrators accused of failing to investigate a patient's abuse. Dubois County Prosecutor Kevin Crouse filed motions to dismiss misdemeanor charges of failure to report victimization of an endangered adult against Katrina L. Patterson and Sheryl A. Rockett.
IOWA, Press-Citizen, March 30, 2014 (Opinion)
State adding protections for elderly Iowans
The author states that they have long found it frustrating that Iowa, a state with a rapidly growing senior and elderly population, doesn’t already have a law focused on elder abuse — that is, a comprehensive law that specifically addresses the unique needs of all older adults who are victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
IOWA (Des Moines), Fairfield Citizen, March 29, 2014
Iowa lawmakers seek to protect elders from abuse
As Iowa's population grows older, lawmakers are trying to determine the best policies and practices to protect the state's elderly population from financial exploitation and other abuses. The state Senate and House have approved different versions of a bill intended to create penalties for financially exploiting elderly people and to establish better protections for vulnerable adults.
MINNISOTA (Minneapolis), The Spec, April 1, 2014
Senior’s rape sheds light on problems in assisted-living homes
The article states that at the Edgewood Vista senior home in Hermantown, Minn., elderly residents were stunned, even incredulous, over the recent revelation that an 89-year-old fellow resident was drugged and raped in her bed last year by a young caregiver. At Edgewood Vista, a review of hundreds of pages of inspection records suggests that maltreatment and neglect have been persistent issues.
MISSOURI (Branson), Branson Tri-Lakes News, March 28, 2014
Man accused of elder abuse, 33 gun felonies now charged with public assistance abuse
http://bransontrilakesnews.com/news/article_88f0ae7a-b6a3-11e3-a4c2-001a4bcf887a.html
A Branson man who is facing accusations of elder abuse and 33 individual felony gun charges is now facing charges that he unlawfully obtained more than $50,000 in public assistance benefits.
NEW YORK, West Fair Online, March 29, 2014
Granny snatchers beware: State adopts uniform adult guardianship act
http://westfaironline.com/61827/granny-snatchers-beware-state-adopts-uniform-adult-guardianship-act/
“Granny snatching” typically occurs when, during a familial dispute, a senior suffering from dementia or another incapacity is moved from his or her home by a child or other family member to another state. Once this happened, the senior’s legal guardian was no longer legally recognized. By adopting the UAGPPJA, New York will now recognize adult guardianship orders from 37 other states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, with the jurisdictions being required to recognize a guardianship order from the state of New York.
NORTH CAROLINA, JD News, March 28, 2014
Efforts underway to reduce elder abuse
http://www.jdnews.com/opinion/letters/efforts-underway-to-reduce-elder-abuse-1.297300
The North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature (STHL) convened in Raleigh March 20-21 for its first meeting of 2014. During the meeting, leaders shared information regarding the rise in elder abuse cases in North Carolina. Dennis Streets, director of the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), stated that the total APS reports increased by 54 percent from 2007 to 2013; from about 14,200 to nearly 21,800.
NORTH CAROLINA (Winston-Salem), March 28, 2014
Niece accused of exploiting $66K from sick, elderly aunt
http://myfox8.com/2014/03/28/woman-accused-of-financially-exploiting-elderly-aunt-out-of-66k/
Lewisville woman has been charged after detectives say she financially exploited her aunt out of more than $66,000. Detectives say the woman had been appointed power of attorney to oversee her elderly aunt’s affairs while her health was declining.
OHIO (Erie County), Sandusky Register, March 28, 2014
Police investigate suspected elder abuse
http://www.sanduskyregister.com/article/sandusky-police/5470551
An Erie County Job and Family Services worker contacted Sandusky police when they learned a 66-year-old Jackson Street man had bruising on his lower back and scratches on his face, according to a police report. A home health care nurse has also noticed problems in the home.
PENNSYLVANIA (Bucks County), Bucks County Courier Times, April 1, 2014
Elder abuse on the rise
Reports of elder abuse in Bucks County have more than tripled over the last decade. “In 2000, we were getting 150 reports a year, if that,” said Chuck Danfield, older adult protective services supervisor for Bucks County. “This year, we expect that number to be closer to 480.” Using phone scams or exploitative relationships, criminals drained Pennsylvania’s aging population of $2.5 million last year, said Brian Duke, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging.
PENNSYLVANIA (Tinicum), Bucks County Courier Times, March 31, 2014
Elder abuse on the rise
A 91-year-old, who has Alzheimer’s, couldn’t get out of bed to get another blanket and was soaked in her own urine. When police arrived the temperature inside her house was in the 40s. They said the caregiver had neglected the woman for more than a year and spent more than $300,000 of the victim's money (including buying a house) during that time.
WASHINGTON (Kitsap County), Medical Daily, March 28, 2014
Elderly Abuse: Daughter Lets 96-Year-Old Dad Rot In Garbage And Feces-Infested Home
A 96-year-old man was dead for several days before his daughter, who was his caregiver, reported it to the Kitsap County police. Now the daughter faces a second degree murder charge for allegedly starving her father and letting him die in a garbage and feces-infested home.
WASHINGTON (Olympia), Insurance News Net, March 28, 2014
State Revokes, Suspends Licenses, Certifications, Registrations of Health Care Providers
The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states. The department's Health Systems Quality Assurance Division works with boards, commissions and advisory committees to set licensing standards for more than 80 health care professions (e.g., medical doctors, nurses, counselors).
WEST VIRGINIA, Digital Journal, March 29, 2014
Nursing home appeals $91 million neglect and abuse verdict
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1819522
The West Virginia Supreme Court recently heard positions on a matter concerning a $91 million judgment against a Charleston nursing home. In 2011, a jury found out that Heartland of Charleston did not adequately feed and care for one of its residents, who stayed at the nursing home for approximately 21 days. Eighteen days after the resident's release from the facility, the 87 year-old woman passed away.
INTERNATIONAL (Napier, New Zealand), News Talk ZB, March 31, 2014
Gruesome details in elder abuse case
A court has heard gruesome details on the neglected state an elderly mother was left in by her daughter. Crown lawyer Steve Manning opened the case this morning saying the 82 year old was found on a couch in a Napier house in a filthy state.
INTERNATIONAL (United Kingdom), The Telegraph, March 31, 2014 (Opinion)
Private care homes: Only cameras in rooms will end patient abuse
The author states that two care assistants in a private care home that came to light last week has once again brought to the fore concerns over abuse and neglect in institutions. Rita Page and Lynette Crook, two carers at Priory Highbank hospital in Greater Manchester, were secretly filmed slapping, jabbing and taunting a brain-damaged man as he lay groaning in his bed.
ABUSE OF ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
FLORIDA (Tallahassee), WOKV, March 31, 2014
Jacksonville "group home" owner charged with neglecting disabled adult
http://www.wokv.com/news/news/local/jacksonville-group-home-owner-charged-neglecting-d/nfPcL/
The owner of a Jacksonville group home is now charged with neglecting a disabled adult. Investigators say the pair “failed to provide medical attention to a disabled resident in the group home.” That resident has to have surgery, but is now recovering.
INDIANA (Wayne County), Pal-item, March 27, 2014
2-year sentence handed down in beating of disabled adult, infant
Wayne County Superior Court III Judge Darrin Dolehanty on Thursday sentenced a Richmond woman to two years in prison for beating a mentally disabled adult female and the victim’s infant. Dolehanty sentenced Karen Ward to 1½ years in prison for beating the adult female and two years for beating the infant. The sentences are to run concurrently.
MINNESOTA (Moorhead), In Forum, March 28, 2014
Moorhead grandma accused of stealing from her granddaughter
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/430706/
A Moorhead grandmother faces two felony charges after allegedly stealing room and board money from her 23-year-old developmentally delayed granddaughter. The representative told the detective that the grandmother, who is her granddaughter’s legal guardian, admitted using the money for other things, including paying her own bills.
TENNESSEE (Greeneville), ABC WATE, March 27, 2014
Former Greeneville caregiver arrested, charged with assaulting impaired man
The Tennessee Bureau of investigation tells News Channel 11 a Greeneville man has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault, abuse, neglect and exploitation of an impaired adult after he allegedly assaulted a man in his care. Officers found the caregiver with his forearm on the victim’s throat, choking him to the point that his airflow was being restricted.
RELATED ISSUES
NEW YORK (Suffolk County), Nyack-Piermont Patch, March 30, 2014
UPDATE: Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert
http://nyack.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/missing-vulnerable-adult-alert
At the request of the Suffolk County Police Department, a New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert has been issued relating to the disappearance of the 33-year-old man.
WISCONSIN (Rice Lake), Burnett County Sentinel, March 28, 2014
Missing woman sought
http://www.presspubs.com/burnett/news/article_34bf3cb6-b6b4-11e3-bcf6-001a4bcf887a.html
The Rice Lake Police Department is looking for the public's help in locating a missing vulnerable adult female age 18, white, 4'10" and 130 pounds. The Rice Lake Police Department is concerned for her safety and has alerted multiple law enforcement agencies through the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network (WCAN) in an attempt to locate her.
INTERNATIONAL (United Kingdom), Nottingham Post, April 1, 2014
Coroner to rule on whether care home death was caused by a sandwich
http://www.nottinghampost.com/Coroner-rule-care-home-death-Lambley/story-20892656-detail/story.html
A Coroner is expected to make recommendations to the care sector on Wednesday, as she delivers her conclusion on the death of a dementia sufferer in a care home. In the 87-year-old woman's case, the court heard she may have eaten a sandwich before she died, a food that she should not have had because she was on a special diet of mashed meals at the old Spring Lane Residential Home, Lambley.
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Upcoming Elder Abuse Conferences/Training Events (in chronological order):
- 14th Annual International Family Justice Conference “The Root of All Crime” is April 2-4, 2014 in San Diego, CA. The conference will include training and interactive peer to peer discussions on issues related to the handling of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, elder abuse and stalking cases with special focus on law enforcement response, criminal prosecution, civil legal assistance, and advocacy. For more information click here: https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/default.aspx?EventID=1231094
· A Webinar on “Nursing Home Admissions Agreements: A Discussion of the Unfair Terms in the Agreements Presented to Elders on Entering a Nursing Home” will be held Wednesday, Apr 2, 2014 2pm EDT. This free webinar is part of a series of National Elder Rights Training Project webinars for the National Legal Resource Center. This webinar will focus on nursing home admissions agreements, identifying the terms that elders and their advocates should be most wary of and explaining the protections that some states afford against enforcement of some of these terms. Though presenters will cover a range of issues, we will focus on arbitration clauses, attempts to hold family members liable for a resident’s bills, purported waivers of a facility’s liability, and improper grounds for eviction. Register here: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/716487744
- The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), and various senior advocacy and criminal justice experts will be speaking on April 10, 2014, for a free, day-long, online event to learn how to spot the warning signs of elder abuse and financial fraud, and how to combat these heinous crimes. This event is available to the public, and seniors, seniors’ caregivers, law enforcement, social services, adult protective services, and people with elderly relatives are highly encouraged to attend. Those who wish to attend can register here: http://engage.vevent.com/index.jsp?eid=2155&seid=268
- 2nd Annual Michigan Elder Justice & At-Risk Adult Summit "The Big Idea" is May 1, 2014, at the Lansing Center in Lansing, MI, presented by the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Human Services. Speakers include; Dr. Scott Model (Victims with Developmental Disabilities), Robert Spada (Current Trends in Vulnerable Adult Abuse Investigation and Prosecution), David Tanay (The Attorney General's Role in vulnerable Adult Abuse Investigation), Catherine Emerson (Human Trafficking of Vulnerable Adults), and Dr. Kevin Foley (The Aging Brain: Cognition and Capacity). For more information click here: http://www.ciclt.net/sn/events/e_signup.aspx?ClientCode=paam&E_ID=500183&RegType=ATT
- The American Psychological Association and American Bar Association will hold a National Conference on Violence, May 1-3, in D.C. This 3-day APA/ABA continuing education national conference will address a broad range of issues related to the exposure of children, youth, and families to violence in and around the home, community, and society. For registration information go here: http://www.apa.org/about/offices/ogc/apa-aba/conference.aspx. For inquiries, email: APAABAViolenceConf@apa.org.
- The 7th Annual Forensic Investigations Conference will be held in the Kansas City Convention Center May 12-17, 2014. The conference will focus on a broad array of emerging forensic issues, including sexual assault, interpersonal violence, ballistics, strangulation, and child and elder abuse in both urban and rural environments. This year’s conference is designed to provide an interactive joint educational opportunity and promising practices when working with victims of violence. To find more information, see here: http://www.saintlukeshealthsystem.org/forensic
- The 3rd World Congress on Adult Guardianship will be convened on May 28-30th , 2014 in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area. It is sponsored by the National Guardianship Network in affiliation with the International Guardianship Network. The theme of the conference is, “Promising Practices to Ensure Excellence in Guardianship Around the World.” Proposals for presentations are due July 31. See http://worldcongressguardianship.org
- The 2014 Consumer Voice Annual Conference will be held in Arlington, Virginia from November 15-19, 2014. There will be speakers in the field, long-term care policy updates from key experts, and tools and resources for advocacy. Registration and the conference agenda details will be coming soon. For questions, contact: info@theconsumervoice.org.
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Funding Opportunities:
- The National Institute of Justice is seeking proposals for research and evaluation related to the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elderly individuals. Research that includes residents of residential care facilities also will be considered. Research proposed may be focused at the state, local, tribal, federal, juvenile justice policy and/or practice level. The closing date for the application is April 25, 2014. Click here for more information: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=251247
● The Office for Victims of Crime released a solicitation yesterday under which it will fund up to ten awards of $150,000 to $750,000 to support organizations that use technology creatively to provide outreach and direct assistance to victims, particularly those who have never been served or for whom services are not readily available, nationally and/or internationally (for Americans abroad). OVC plans to fund three categories of projects: National-Scope Victim Service Initiatives, National Scope Victim Service Initiatives Proposing To Serve Underserved Victims Identified by the Applicant, and Victim Service Initiatives for American Victims of Domestic Violence and/or Sexual Assault Abroad. Deadline: May 15, 2014. Link to the solicitation: http://ojp.gov/ovc/grants/pdftxt/FY14_V21_UsingTechnology.pdf. For questions, see contact information on page 2 of the solicitation.
An archived collection of previous newsfeeds is available here: http://ncea.posthaven.com/
National Center on Elder Abuse
Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse & Neglect
University of California, Irvine
Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology
101 The City Drive South
Orange, CA 92868
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