NCEA Newsfeed
– Thursday, May 30, 2013 – 16 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!
Is your
state represented on the national WEAAD map? http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/Get_Involved/Awareness/WEAAD/TakeAStand.aspx
Enter any state to see the map of the U.S. Add your
event at http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/Get_Involved/Awareness/WEAAD/WEAADform.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.
ALABAMA (Franklin County), Franklin County Times, May 29, 2013
New law aims at strengthening elder abuse cases
http://www.franklincountytimes.com/2013/05/29/new-law-aims-at-strengthening-elder-abuse-cases/
Local officials are applauding new laws passed during the recent legislative
session that are aimed at protecting Alabama’s elderly residents from abuse and
neglect. A new bill passed this week extends and strengthens legal protections
from financial exploitation and physical or emotional abuse for all people aged
60 and older.
2.
ALABAMA (Montgomery), Dothan Eagle, May 24, 2013
New laws clamp down on elder abuse
http://www.dothaneagle.com/news/article_7ffc2cd0-c4bf-11e2-ad01-0019bb30f31a.html
A new legislative act will help protect senior citizens from abuse, neglect and
exploitation. The Protecting Alabama’s Elders Act, passed this week by the
Alabama House and Senate, better defines abuse of the elderly and strengthens
financial protection for individuals 60 and older.
3.
CALIFORNIA (Millbrae), Millbrae Patch, May 24, 2013
Millbrae Caretaker to Stand Trial on Assault, Elder Abuse Charges
http://millbrae.patch.com/groups/editors-picks/p/millbrae-caretaker-to-stand-trial-on-assault-elder-abuse-charges
A caretaker accused of hitting an elderly Millbrae man on the head with his own
walker, causing serious injuries, will stand trial on assault and elder abuse
charges, according to San Mateo County prosecutors.
4.
COLORADO (Denver), Denver Post, May 28, 2013
Colorado now has an elder-abuse law
http://blogs.denverpost.com/thespot/2013/05/28/elder-abusecolorado-now-has-an-elder-abuse-law/96800/
Colorado used to be one of three states without an elder-abuse law but not
anymore, thanks to the work of a task force that met last summer and bipartisan
legislation that was signed into law this month. The bill requires
professionals in health care, finance, social work and law enforcement to
report elder abuse.
5.
COLORADO (Fremont), Canon City Daily Record, May 28, 2013
Fremont County Commissioners recognize day to protect elderly
http://www.canoncitydailyrecord.com/ci_23341315/fremont-county-commissioners-recognize-day-protect-elderly
Just as designated professionals are mandated by law to report child
maltreatment, beginning in July 2014, certain individuals also will be mandated
to report abuse and exploitation of the elderly.
6.
FLORIDA (Tallahassee), Keys News, May 26, 2013
Help elderly loved ones avoid financial abuse
http://keysnews.com/node/47856
It's unfortunate, but true: The elderly population may be the most vulnerable
group in our society. In fact, in an effort to call attention to the problems
of physical, emotional and financial abuse of the elderly, the United Nations
has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The author give
several tips to avoid elder abuse.
7.
IOWA (Des Moines), Radio Iowa, May 29, 2013
Department on Aging urges education to prevent elder abuse
http://www.radioiowa.com/2013/05/29/department-on-aging-urges-education-to-prevent-elder-abuse/
The Iowa Department on Aging is trying to make everyone aware of possible abuse
of the elderly. Department spokesperson, Machelle Shaffer, says elder abuse is
the “abuse, neglect and financial exploitation” of anyone who is age 60 or
older. And they are urging people to educate themselves about the problem.
8.
MAINE (Augusta), Kennebec Journal, May 28, 2013
Bill to crack down on financial abuse of elderly passes in Maine House
http://www.kjonline.com/news/Bill-to-crack-down-on-financial-abuse-of-elderly-passes-in-Maine-House.html
A new bill in Maine seeks to give the elderly more protection from financial
abuse — an issue that is expected to mushroom as the state's population
continues to age. The bill, L.D. 527, passed in the Maine House of Representatives
on Tuesday and now awaits votes in the Senate. It would clarify state law to
say those with dementia and other cognitive impairments are unable to consent
to financially abusive conduct by caregivers that would be criminal without the
consent defense.
9.
MICHIGAN (Flint), M Live, May 24, 2013
Flint woman pleads guilty to embezzling from dementia patient to pay for online
shopping, cellphone bills
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2013/05/flint_woman_pleads_guilty_to_e.html
A Flint woman has pleaded guilty to embezzling money from a dementia patient
whose finances she was entrusted with managing. Veronica Pitts, 47, pleaded
guilty Tuesday, May 21, to one count of embezzling $1,000-$20,000 from a
vulnerable adult after she obtained a conservatorship for a man who began
showing signs of dementia around 2006. The charge is punishable by up to five
years in prison.
10.
MINNESOTA (Le Seur County), KEYC, May 27, 2013
Jordan Man Faces Felony Financial Exploitation Charges
http://www.keyc.tv/story/22420144/jordan-man-faces-felony-financial-exploitation-charges
A 46-year-old Jordan man is accused of financially exploiting a vulnerable
adult. According to the criminal complaint filed in Le Sueur County, the
suspect is accused of depositing over $1,600 of the victim's money in his own
banking account and taking roughly $4,500 of social security benefits over nine
months. The victim lives in a nursing facility and suffers from dementia.
Reportedly that nursing home has not been paid and there's a $23,000 bill for
the victim's care.
11.
MONTANA (Colstrip), Billings Gazette, May 30, 2013
Colstrip woman charged with felony elder abuse at veteran’s home
http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/colstrip-woman-charged-with-felony-elder-abuse-at-veteran-s/article_dfa5145a-0d1f-5648-a571-a983e290b114.html
A Rosebud County woman has been charged with four counts of felony elder abuse
related to patients at the Eastern Montana Veteran's Home in Glendive. The
charges stem from a complaint that the director of nursing made to the Glendive
Police on Jan. 29 when she told police that she had been receiving various
email messages from staff who said the suspect was abusing the residents,
according to court documents.
12.
MONTANA (Glendive), SF Gate, May 30, 2013
Woman charged with abusing men at veterans home
http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Woman-charged-with-abusing-men-at-veterans-home-4562717.php
A woman has been charged with abusing four residents at a home for veterans in
Montana, including three in a ward for people with dementia.
13.
MONTANA (Helena), KXLH, May 29, 2013
Montana elder abuse hotline open during regular business hours
http://www.kxlh.com/news/montana-elder-abuse-hotline-open-during-regular-business-hours/
The Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services runs a state
hotline for elder abuse reports that is only manned during regular business
hours. If someone is in immediate danger they recommend calling 911 as soon as
possible.
14.
NEBRASKA (Kearney), Kearney Hub, May 29, 2013
Stop victimizing the elderly
http://www.kearneyhub.com/news/opinion/stop-victimizing-the-elderly/article_20335a32-c887-11e2-bd71-001a4bcf887a.html
The Senior Medicare Patrol, administered by the South Central Nebraska Agency
on Aging, exists to help empower seniors to prevent, detect and report health
care fraud and abuse. Protecting your personal information is the best line of
defense, however, even when you do everything right, there is still a chance
that you could be a target. Every day, seniors get ripped off by scam artists.
It is important to report suspected errors, fraud or abuse immediately.
15.
NEW JERSEY (Trenton), Philly.com,
May 30, 2013
N.J. program to monitor guardians of elderly
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20130530_N_J__program_to_monitor_guardians_of_elderly.html
Amid reports of ongoing financial abuse and spotty oversight, Stuart Rabner,
the chief justice of the state Supreme Court, has launched a statewide program
to monitor court-appointed guardians of the elderly and disabled.
16.
TEXAS (Lubbock), Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, May 30, 2013
Adult Protective Services raises awareness for Elder Abuse Awareness Month
http://lubbockonline.com/local-news/2013-05-27/adult-protective-services-raises-awareness-elder-abuse-awareness-month#.Uafr89LnvTo
An estimated 2,272 cases of elder abuse were confirmed in Region 1 in Texas,
which includes Lubbock, in the latest reporting period from September 2012 to
April 2013.
17.
WISCONSIN (Milton), The Chicago Tribune, May 24, 2013
Northwest Side man charged with elder abuse in Wisconsin
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-05-24/news/chi-northwest-side-man-charged-with-elder-abuse-in-wisconsin-20130524_1_elder-abuse-northwest-side-man-disabled-man
A Northwest Side man hired as a caregiver for an elderly, disabled man faces a
felony abuse charge after police in Milton, Wis., found the disabled man in
unclean conditions and suffering from suspicious injuries, police said. The
victim, a 76-year-old Milton man, was being treated at Mercy Milton Medical
Center in Milton, police said in a news release. Police found the victim had
been left in a soiled diaper and bedclothes saturated with his own urine and
feces. Investigators believe he had been left that way for at least 24 hours.
18. WISCONSIN (Milton), Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, May 24, 2013
Chicago man charged in Wisconsin elder abuse case
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/chicago-man-charged-in-wisconsin-elder-abuse-case-b9918339z1-208808061.html
A Chicago man accused of abusing the 76-year-old Milton man he was supposed to
care for is expected in court Friday, the Wisconsin State Journal reports. The
35-year-old Chicago man was arrested by Milton police Thursday on a tentative
charge of abuse of an individual at risk and one of the allegations is that he
left the elderly man in a soiled diaper for more than one day.
19.
INTERNATIONAL (Brisbane, Australia), The Australian, May 30, 2013
Seniors back elderly abuse laws
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/seniors-back-elderly-abuse-laws/story-e6frgczx-1226653315317
Seniors are backing a coroner's call for the creation of a new criminal offence
to punish carers who neglect the elderly, in the wake of the death of
88-year-old Cynthia Thoresen, a woman left bedridden, covered in feces and
screaming in pain from an undiagnosed broken leg for at least three weeks by
her carer daughter.
20.
INTERNATIONAL (Sydney, Australia), Sacramento Bee, May 26, 2013
Nurse admits murdering 11 in Sydney nursing home
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/26/5450253/nurse-admits-murdering-11-in-sydney.html
A nurse has pleaded guilty to murdering 11 elderly people by setting fire to
the Sydney nursing home where he worked.
21.
INTERNATIONAL (Brampton, Canada), Brampton Guardian, May 29, 2013
Walk to show your support for abused seniors
http://www.bramptonguardian.com/community-story/3241742-walk-to-show-your-support-for-abused-seniors/
Of the 150,000 seniors who live in Peel, it’s estimated at least 15,000 are
dealing with elder abuse, yet, there are no housing units or shelters for them.
It’s a situation Peel Elder Abuse Prevention Network (PEAPN) wants to change.
22.
INTERNATIONAL (Delta, Canada), Delta-Optimist, May 29, 2013
Officer recognized for efforts to protect seniors from fraud
http://www.delta-optimist.com/life/Officer+recognized+efforts+protect+seniors+from+fraud/8448703/story.html
A Delta police officer was recognized this week for his commitment to provide
seniors with the tools to avoid falling victim to fraud. On Monday, Const.
Steve Wilson received the Simon Fraser Gerontology 2013 Elder Abuse Awareness
to Action Award, presented in recognition of outstanding contributions in the
field of elder abuse prevention.
23.
INTERNATIONAL (Montreal, Canada), CJAD, May 30, 2013
Elder abuse cases on the rise
http://www.cjad.com/CJADLocalNews/entry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10551001
There has been a drastic jump in the number of cases of elder abuse the Human
Rights Commission has taken on during the past 5 years. The Journal de Montreal
reports that the commission investigated 104 cases in 2012-2013 compared to
just 11 in 2007.
24.
INTERNATIONAL (Northumberland, Canada), Northumberland View, May 30, 2013
Local News: Seniors Deserve Respect, Dignity And Protection
http://www.northumberlandview.ca/index.php?module=news&type=user&func=display&sid=22573
The Northumberland Elder Abuse Response Network (NEARN) values the
importance of seniors in our community and extends an invitation to seniors and
caregivers to attend its annual educational event to learn about planning ahead
and making decisions to protect their rights and dignity.
25. INTERNATIONAL
(Napier, Wisconsin), Newstalk ZB, May 24, 2013
Elderly Napier woman fused to couch
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/news/nbnat/229989645-elderly-napier-woman-fused-to-couch
There is horror at the case of an elderly Napier woman found fused to furniture
after apparently having been confined to a couch for at least three years. The
woman's daughter, who is aged in her fifties, is facing a charge of failing to
provide the necessaries of life.
26. INTERNATIONAL
(Richmond, New Zealand), Stuff.co.nz, May 30, 2013
Abuse of elderly a growing concern
http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/communities/8735449/Abuse-of-elderly-a-growing-concern
People are vigilant about child abuse but Age Concern Nelson says elder abuse
is an equally big problem. The Richmond-based organization is holding a fashion
show and afternoon tea on June 12 for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, with
clothing by Fashion Central on display.
27. INTERNATIONAL
(Whangarei, New Zealand), Stuff.co.nz, May 28, 2013
Elders often abused by own family
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/northland/whangarei-leader/8722254/Elders-often-abused-by-own-family
Elder abuse has many forms but family members stealing money is the most common
in Whangarei. That's the finding of Whangarei-based elder abuse and neglect
prevention coordinator Heather Campbell from Age Concern New Zealand.
ABUSE OF ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
1.
MARYLAND (Baltimore), Owings Mills Patch, May 28, 2013
Caregiver Guilty of Abusing Disabled Adult in Owings Mills Facility
http://owingsmills.patch.com/articles/caregiver-guilty-of-abusing-disabled-adult-in-owings-mills-facility
A Baltimore man has been found guilty of abusing and assaulting a disabled
adult in an Owings Mills facility. Solomon Oscar Ankrah, 32, of Baltimore,
faces up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine for second-degree assault and
five years in prison and a $5,000 fine for second-degree abuse of a vulnerable
adult, according to a press release sent Friday from Maryland Attorney General
Doug Gansler’s office.
2.
MARYLAND (Baltimore), WBAL TV, May 24, 2013
Man found guilty of abusing vulnerable adult in Baltimore County
http://www.wbaltv.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/man-found-guilty-of-abusing-vulnerable-adult-in-baltimore-county/-/10131532/20292622/-/1kxi20z/-/index.html
A jury has found a 32-year-old Baltimore man guilty of assault on a vulnerable
adult living in a group home. Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler on Friday
said Solomon Oscar Ankrah was found guilty of one count of assault in the
second degree and one count of abuse of a vulnerable adult in the second degree
following a two-day jury trial in Baltimore County Circuit Court.
3.
INTERNATIONAL (Adelaide, Australia), 9 News National, May 29, 2013
Adelaide mum starved disabled daughter to death
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/05/29/10/48/sa-mums-pleads-guilty-to-daughter-s-death
A former school principal has admitted killing her severely disabled
daughter, who weighed just 12 kilograms when she died at the age of 27.
4.
INTERNATIONAL (Sydney, Australia), ABC, May 29, 2013
Mother admits to manslaughter over disabled daughter’s death
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-29/disabled-daughter-manslaughter-angela-puhle-mother/4719952
A woman charged with murdering her severely-disabled daughter has pleaded
guilty to manslaughter in the South Australian Supreme Court.
RELATED ISSUES
1.
CALIFORNIA (Pasadena), CBS Local, May 25, 2013
Elderly Man With Dementia Goes Missing In Pasadena
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2013/05/25/elderly-man-with-dementia-goes-missing-in-pasadena/
Pasadena police Saturday continued to search for a 73-year-old man with
dementia who went missing after walking away from his care facility. Manuel
Rojas was last seen about 10 p.m. Friday in the 1800 block of North Fair Oaks
Avenue, police said in a department statement.
2.
CALIFORNIA (Sacramento), Fox 40, May 24, 2013
Missing Woman with Dementia Found Safe
http://fox40.com/2013/05/24/missing-woman-with-dementia-found-safe/
A 79-year-old woman who was reported missing from her Summer Falls Circle home has
been found safe. Sheriff’s announced that she had been found around 3 p.m.
Friday. She had been missing since 11 p.m. Thursday night.
3. ILLINOIS
(Orland), Orland Patch, May 26, 2013
Police Looking for Missing 62-Year-Old Woman With Dementia
http://orlandpark.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/orland-police-looking-for-missing-country-club-hills-72ad6be9d9
Police are searching for a 62-year-old Country Club Hills woman with dementia
who went missing Saturday at Orland Square Mall, according to the Orland Park
Police Department. Daisy Wells Bright was last seen at around 8 p.m. Saturday,
May 25, sitting outside the Disney Store in the mall, a police press release
stated.
4. MAINE
(Portland), ABC News, May 30, 2013
Elderly Man With Dementia Goes Missing in Maine, Found by Local News Crew
http://abcnews.go.com/US/man-dementia-missing-14-hours-found-news-crew/story?id=19282829#.UafywNLnvTo
A 73-year-old man with dementia went missing in Maine Monday but was found 14
hours later when he approached a news crew that was reporting on his
disappearance.
5. VIRGINIA
(Harrisonburg), WHSV, May 29, 2013
Importance of Heat Safety for the Elderly
http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/Importance-of-Heat-Safety-for-the-Elderly-209414211.html?ref=211
With this month being Elder Abuse Awareness Month, it's a danger that many
forget to consider. "As the body gets older, it just does not modify
itself to exposure to heat very well," said Stephen Phillips, the medical
director at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. Phillips said he's seen a lot of
elderly people go to the emergency room for heat related illnesses.
6.
INTERNATIONAL (Central Okangan, Canada), HQ Kelowna, May 26, 2013
UPDATE: Missing Kelowna man FOUND
http://hqkelowna.com/home/local/news/local/news/v/Local/195485/Kelowna-man-missing-with-Dementia-and-Down-Syndrome
Central Okanagan Search and Rescue had been conducting neighborhood inquiries
which led to a resident checking his neighbor’s property. The resident located
Mr. Jackie Miller in a camper at an area residence not far from where the
missing man lives. Police would like to thank Central Okanagan Search and
Rescue and the public for their assistance in locating this gentleman. This man
is home safe as a result of community volunteers and residents.
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Funding Opportunities:
- 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
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Upcoming Elder Abuse Conferences/Training Events (in chronological order):
· 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 30th Annual Adult Protective Services Conference will be held in San Antonio, Texas from November 19-22, 2013. For more information: https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Adult_Protection/Adult_Protective_Services_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://ncea.posthaven.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