NCEA Newsfeed – Thursday, June 6, 2013 – 9 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.
***************************************************************************************
ELDER ABUSE NEWSFEED
1. NATIONAL,
Healio, June 4, 2013
Psychological vulnerability increased risk for financial exploitation
http://www.healio.com/geriatric-medicine/assessment/news/online/%7BB33FB3E0-B5AF-4322-93CE-7D258CA2AB21%7D/Psychological-vulnerability-increased-risk-for-financial-exploitation
Older adults with extreme depression symptoms and low social status fulfillment
are at greater risk for financial exploitation, according to new data.
2. ARIZONA
(Prescott), Prescott Enews, June 6, 2013
It Takes A Village
http://www.prescottenews.com/index.php/features/non-profits/better-business-bureau/item/21775-it-takes-a-village#axzz2VU41BZaD
PEAC (Prevention of Elder Abuse Coalition) is hosting an event on June 14th,
Friday, from 9:00 to noon in recognition of the World Elder Abuse Awareness
Day. The free event will take place at the Bob Stump VA Medical Center. The
public will be able to visit with senior service providers who will have
exhibits at the event. Seniors, their families and friends are invited to the
June 14th event at no charge. Refreshments will be provided.
3. CALIFORNIA
(Imperial County), Imperial Valley Press, June 5, 2013
Imperial County agency hosts first-ever elder abuse conference
http://www.ivpressonline.com/news/ivp-imperial-county-agency-hosts-firstever-elder-abuse-conference-20130606,0,2459767.story
In an effort to help combat the problem, the Imperial County Area Agency on
Aging hosted an all-day elder abuse conference in El Centro on Wednesday.
Although the practice of physically restraining seniors is not the problem it
was 20 years ago, “chemical restraint” is now more of a looming concern, said
Anthony Chicotel, staff attorney for the California Advocates for Nursing Home
Reform.
4. CALIFORNIA
(Vallejo), San Francisco Gate, June 6, 2013
Vallejo couple charged in Berkeley elder abuse embezzlement case
http://blog.sfgate.com/inberkeley/2013/06/06/vallejo-couple-charged-in-berkeley-elder-abuse-embezzlement-case/
A married couple has been charged by the Alameda County district attorney’s
office with elder abuse after authorities say they took about $842,000 from
their alleged victim, some of which was spent on tuition at UC Berkeley and an
Audi luxury coupe. Authorities said some of the cash was also spent,
legitimately, on the alleged victim’s own living expenses.
5. HAWAII
(Honolulu), Sacramento Bee, June 6, 2013
Woman repays elderly victim in medical scam
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/06/06/5477129/woman-repays-elderly-victim-in.html
A woman who conned an elderly may into
paying $22,000 for bogus medical care has repaid the money. Katy Sterio, 34,
who has spent nearly a year in jail, repaid the money Wednesday as part of her
plea deal to avoid a prison term of up to 10 years, the Honolulu
Star-Advertiser reported. She remains under investigation and faces an August
court appearance to determine whether she owes additional money that the man's
family says is missing. Sterio pleaded guilty to four counts of financial elder
abuse.
6.
HAWAII (Lihu’e), The Garden Island, June 5, 2013
Elder abuse grows as population matures
http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/elder-abuse-grows-as-population-matures/article_4f86e076-cd9e-11e2-82e4-001a4bcf887a.html
Tuesday, the county’s Office of Elderly Affairs and other representatives of
organizations dealing with the elderly accepted a World Elder Abuse Awareness
proclamation from Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. “We recognize that Kauai has the
largest over 60 years of age population in the state of Hawaii, and with an
aging baby boomer population, the issue of elder abuse will become a greater
problem,” Carvalho said in the proclamation. “An estimated 6 million older
Americans are abused annually, and every five minutes, an older adult is
maltreated.”
7.
MARYLAND (Silver Spring), WUSA9, June 5, 2013
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day has seminars in Silver Spring
http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/262207/189/200-Billion-Is-Scammed-From-Elderly-Yearly
There will be seminars in downtown Silver Spring Wednesday, June 12, World
Elder Abuse Awareness Day, to teach people about neglect, financial abuse and
scams. Montgomery County State's Attorney John McCarthy and Chief of the
Department of Aging, Jay Kenney invite you to join them to learn more about
crimes against the elderly.
8.
MISSOURI (Joplin), South County Mail, June 4, 2013
Financial exploitation charge filed against Joplin man
http://southcountymail.com/news/financial-exploitation-charge-filed-against-joplin-man/article_bf888fb8-a951-5beb-a04b-2819e27dce82.html
An allegation of a paving company accepting two checks with only one signed
contract by the customer has resulted in a Joplin man being charged with a
felony. Financial exploitation of the elderly, a Class B felony, was filed May
16 against the suspect, age 25.
9.
PENNSYLVANIA (McAlester), McAlester News, June 5, 2013
Two McAlester women accused of exploiting elderly
http://mcalesternews.com/local/x1543061900/Two-McAlester-women-accused-of-exploiting-elderly
Two McAlester woman were recently accused of exploiting an elderly woman and
taking over $100,000. The suspects were charged with one felony count of
financial exploitation of the elderly. They are the victim’s daughter and
granddaughter.
10.
PENNSYLVANIA (Weatherly), San Francisco Gate, June 6, 2013
PA dementia patient accused in nursing home death
http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Pa-dementia-patient-accused-in-nursing-home-death-4582444.php
A man with dementia is behind bars amid allegations that he killed another
dementia patient in a central Pennsylvania nursing home. A nurse said at a
hearing that the suspect pushed the victim after an evacuation due to a fire.
The victim hit her head and later died. The suspect is in prison while his
lawyer appeals to a higher court to dismiss the charges.
11.
VIRGINIA (Virginia Beach), Washington Post, June 3, 2013
Virginia Beach hosts training on elder abuse for Medicaid Fraud Control Unit
representatives
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-beach-hosts-training-on-elder-abuse-for-medicaid-fraud-control-unit-representatives/2013/06/04/8db61fd0-cce3-11e2-8573-3baeea6a2647_story.html
More than 150 Medicaid Fraud Control Unit representatives from around the
country are gathering in Virginia Beach for an elder abuse training program.
The program will provide training on how to better spot, investigate and
prosecute elder abuse.
12.
WASHINGTON (Olympia), King5, May 31, 2013
Worker accused of stealing rings off dementia patients
http://www.king5.com/news/cities/olympia/Nursing-aid-accused-of-stealing-rings-jewelry-from-dementia-patients-209725251.html
A nursing assistant is accused of stealing rings and jewelry from at least six
senior citizens at an Olympia home for dementia patients. Thurston County
prosecutors sought $7,500 in bail for the accused jewelry thief, but the judge
released the suspect without bail. The woman was ordered to stay away from the
victims and Garden Courte Memory Center.
13.
WEST VIRGINIA (Charleston), Daily Mail, June 5, 2013
Police allege man financially exploited elderly landlord
http://www.dailymail.com/policebrfs/201306050108
Authorities said a Raleigh County man swindled thousands from an elderly woman
in Fayette County. The suspect was arrested Wednesday and charged with
obtaining money under false pretenses and financial exploitation of the elderly
after a lengthy investigation led by the Fayette Sheriff's Department. Both
charges are felonies.
14.
WEST VIRGINIA (Charleston), WV Record, June 5, 2013
Man sues Beverly Enterprises, alleges nursing home negligence
http://wvrecord.com/news/260434-man-sues-beverly-enterprises-alleges-nursing-home-negligence
A Charleston man is suing Beverly Enterprises Inc. after he claims it engaged
in nursing home negligence that caused injuries. The plaintiff claims the
defendants failed to provide the necessary amount of fluid to Loretta Morton so
as to prevent dehydration and failed to implement a plan of care to prevent and
treat her risk of dehydration.
15.
INTERNATIONAL (Pickering, Canada), Durham Region, June 5, 2013
Durham elder abuse information day Saturday
http://www.durhamregion.com/news/article/1625025--durham-elder-abuse-information-day-saturday
The Durham Elder Abuse Network and Abbeylawn Manor Retirement Home in Pickering
are hosting Rock with Ages Saturday, June 8 at Abbeylawn, featuring music,
food, educational displays, silent auctions, fun and games. A grand prize
features a limo ride and theatre tickets for two from First Glance Limo and
Herongate Barn Theatre.
16.
INTERNATIONAL (Vancouver, Canada), Canada.com, June 5, 2013
18 projects receive federal funding
http://www.canada.com/projects+receive+federal+funding/8480754/story.html
Seniors in Vancouver Island will soon have new opportunities to volunteer,
mentor younger generations and help raise awareness of elder abuse thanks to
funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).
17.
INTERNATIONAL (Wellington, New Zealand), Scoop.co.nz, June 6, 2013
It is time to stop elder abuse
http://community.scoop.co.nz/2013/06/it-is-time-to-stop-elder-abuse/
People must not turn a blind eye if they suspect an older person is being
abused or neglected and Age Concern New Zealand continues to spread this
message. Age Concern has just launched its Always Respected, Never Abused
campaign, ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Saturday June 15.
18.
INTERNATIONAL (Hobart, Tasmania), ABC, June 5, 2013
Elder abuse statistics worry Minister
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-05/elder-abuse-statistics-worry-minister/4735800?section=tas
Tasmania's Minister for Human Services Cassy O'Connor has told a budget
estimates hearing 120 cases of elder abuse had been reported to the abuse
helpline by the end of March. The helpline and awareness campaign were launched
in August last year with more than $100,000 in state funding.
19.
INTERNATIONAL (Leytonstone, United Kingdom), The Guardian, June 4, 2013
Whipps Cross Hospital nurse left dementia patients ‘screaming in pain’
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/wfnews/10461128.Whipps_Cross_nurse_left_dementia_patients_screaming_in_pain/
Dementia patients were left screaming in pain after they were beaten and
neglected by hospital care assistants at Whipps Cross Hospital, a court heard
yesterday. Three suspects now face a total of 16 charges, stretching from
February 27 to April 30 last year.
20.
INTERNATIONAL (Limavady, United Kingdom), BBC, June 5, 2013
Limavady care home staff suspended in abuse probe
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-22777376
A number of staff have been suspended from a Limavady care home while the police
investigate an allegation of abuse of vulnerable adults. In a statement, the
Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) said it has been notified
of an investigation into allegations of abuse at the nursing home under the
Protocol for the Joint Investigation of Alleged and Suspected Cases of Abuse of
Vulnerable Adults.
ABUSE OF ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
1. INTERNATIONAL
(Victoria, Australia), Herald Sun, June 5, 2013
Essendon’s chiropractor charged disabled patients $45,000 for unproven
treatments
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/essendons-chiropractor-charged-disabled-patient-45000-for-unproven-treatments/story-fni5ezdm-1226657449801
Dr Malcolm Hooper was yesterday found to have charged a disabled patient almost
$45,000 for unproven treatments. The Victorian Civil and Administrative
Tribunal found he engaged in professional misconduct by charging a patient with
cerebral palsy for 150 hours of unproven oxygen therapies and by making
unfounded claims about his ability to treat more than 30 conditions, including
cerebral palsy, cancer, multiple sclerosis, infertility and autism.
2. INTERNATIONAL
(St. Blazey, United Kingdom), June 6, 2013
Disabled man ‘devastated’ over canary theft
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-22798850
Thieves have broken into an aviary in mid
Cornwall and stolen six canaries owned by a disabled and partially-blind man.
The neighbors were so upset by the crime that they bought the victim two new
canaries.
RELATED ISSUES
1.
NEW YORK (Glen Cove), Wall Street Journal, June 6, 2013
Police say 1 of 2 found dead in NY home a suicide
http://online.wsj.com/article/AP1206fb434a8b4338afc13f1c10b00071.html
Police say one of two people found dead in a home on Long Island committed
suicide. Nassau County police say the bodies of an 84-year-old woman and a
58-year-old man were discovered Wednesday in a home in Glen Cove after Adult
Protective Services received an anonymous phone call. Lt. John Azzata said
Thursday that the man committed suicide. He said the medical examiner will
determine the woman's cause of death.
2.
NEW YORK (Glen Cove), Long Island News 12, June 6, 2013
Police: 2 found dead at Milford Lane home in Glen Cove
http://longisland.news12.com/news/police-2-found-dead-at-milford-lane-home-in-glen-cove-1.5418703?firstfree=yes
Police say a 58-year-old male was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
It's not confirmed how the 84-year-old female that was also found inside died.
Police believe it may have been from natural causes.
3.
NEW YORK (Glen Cove), Long Island Press, June 6, 2013
Glen Cove Pair Found Dead
http://www.longislandpress.com/2013/06/06/glen-cove-pair-found-dead/
Two people were found dead inside a Glen Cove home after Adult Protective
Services officials responded to check on their well-being on Wednesday morning,
authorities said.
4.
OKLAHOMA (Oklahoma City), KFOR, June 5, 2013
Dementia patient survives four days in the woods
http://kfor.com/2013/06/05/dementia-patient-survives-four-days-in-the-woods/
An 86-year-old man with dementia wandered away from his home and a Silver Alert
was unsuccessful. Four days later, the man was found by a neighbor, having
fended for himself in the woods for four days in inclement weather.
***************************************************************************************
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
***************************************************************************************
Upcoming Elder Abuse Conferences/Training Events (in chronological order):
· 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 National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA), the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), and the Academy for Professional Excellence present the webinar, “Involving Elected Officials in Coalitions,” will be held on June 27th, 2013 at 1pm EDT/Noon CDT/11amMDT/10am PST. More information to follow.
· 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 20th Annual New York State Adult Abuse Training Institute will be held on October 9-10, 2013 at the Albany Marriott Hotel in Albany, New York. Further details to follow.
· 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. Register here: http://www.cdaa.org/training/seminar-conference-registration?regevent_action=register&event_id=154
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