San Luis Obispo Man Arrested for Elder Abuse

July 13, 2009

Officers in San Luis Obispo have arrested 43 year old Ronald Perkins for elder abuse.

Officers say on Friday Perkins repeatedly kicked a 65 year old man in the head and the face at the Maxine Lewis Memorial Shelter.

Several bystanders were able to stop Perkins by in turn punching him the head.

Perkins who is on supervised parole with the California State Parole Department was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and elder abuse.

He has been booked into the San Luis Obispo county jail.

SOURCE: KCOY.COM

Health and support listings

By Phyllis Day, Times Staff Writer
July 21, 2009

Elder Abuse Hotline: To report suspected cases of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, or those 60 or older who are being hurt or taken advantage of by someone you know, call toll-free 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) or 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) . Sponsored by the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

By NANCY FOSTER

New Hampshire Union Leader Correspondent

July 18, 2009

Police are investigating concerns about possible elder abuse at a local nursing home involving an 87-year-old man who died last Friday.

According to police Chief Frederick Douglas, detectives were called to the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center on June 28 to investigate concerns raised by staff at the hospital about the condition of the man’s wounds. Investigators will try to determine whether neglect contributed to the death, Douglas said.

The man, whom Douglas refused to identify for reasons of privacy, was a resident at The Elms, a nursing home on Elm Street run by SunBridge Healthcare Corp., based in Rochester, N.Y.

Seniors increasingly targeted by abusers

By NICOLE C. BRAMBILA

THE DESERT SUN

JULY 18, 2009

Mom wasn’t always given a bath and was permitted to wear her pajamas in public. The caretaker, although a live-in, couldn’t always be found in the middle of the night for emergencies. Expensive jewelry, collected over a lifetime, went missing.

The abuse was apparent, but without a power of attorney over her elderly parents’ health care or executive power over the family trust, Kathleen Jonas felt helpless to do anything.

“It was a nightmare. I knew what was going down, but my big mistake was not going to the police. It didn’t occur to me,” said the Palm Desert resident, who has parents that require around-the-clock care.

Jonas’ story is far from unique.

Roughly, 200,000 California seniors are victims of elder abuse each year.

The National Center on Elder Abuse in Newark, Del., estimates that more than 1 million seniors suffer abuse or neglect each year.

Consumers are bilked of nearly $40 million every year in telemarketing scams, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Seniors account for more than half of those scams.

Advocates say being proactive is the best defense.

“Trust your gut,” Walsh said. “That’s the bottom line. If you think something’s wrong, it probably is.”

Break the silence campaign addresses hidden problem of elder abuse

July 15, 2009

Press release submitted by Lori L. Weber, Media Link, Inc.

Break the Silence Campaign Addresses Hidden Problem of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse, the mistreatment of an older person, takes many forms. Abuse can come in the form of physical and emotional abuse, financial exploitation or neglect. But whatever the form, elder abuse hurts – physically, emotionally and socially. The suffering that results can”t be erased, but continued suffering can be reduced with heightened awareness.

That”s why the Illinois Department on Aging designates the month of July to “Break the Silence” about elder abuse. Alternatives for the Older Adult and Protective Service providers across the state of Illinois join this effort to bring attention to the issue and the resources available for help.

She allegedly used her mom’s money for vacations, jewelry, car loan.

By PAT PHEIFER, Star Tribune

July 15, 2009

In a case that Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner called “a heartbreaking example of elder abuse,” a 42-year-old North St. Paul woman has been charged with stealing more than $220,000 from her mother over a two-year period.

Marsha A. Truskolaski is accused of abusing her power of attorney over her 75-year-old mother’s money to pay for vacations, private school tuition for her children and expensive home improvements including an in-ground swimming pool. She was charged Wednesday in Ramsey County District Court with one count of theft by swindle.

Failure to commit to adult protection legislation lambasted

Overwhelming support for legislation in response to No Secrets 20 July 2009

writes Maria Ahmed

Campaigners have criticised the government’s failure to commit to legislation to strengthen protection of adults from abuse in England.

Today, the Department of Health published a report on its consultation on the review of No Secrets, the adult protection guidance introduced in 2000.

More than half of respondents – 68% – supported new safeguarding legislation, and 92% wanted adult safeguarding boards to be placed on a statutory footing, it revealed.

Duty to co-operate wins ‘near unanimous’ support

There was also “near unanimous” support for a wider duty on agencies to co-operate in relation to safeguarding across social care, police and the NHS. The majority also backed giving agencies the power to enter premises where abuse was suspected and introducing a new offence of ill-treating or neglecting a vulnerable adult with capacity.

Liberal Democrat MP Paul Burstow, a campaigner on older people’s issues, claimed the government wanted to avoid the funding implications of radically overhauling the adult protection system.

“Instead of making a policy announcement they have kicked the issue into the long grass,” he said.

Burstow said he would attempt to introduce a private member’s bill on adult safeguarding in the autumn.

Abridged

SOURCE: Community Care.Co.UK

July 14, 2009

by Nick Johnson

For many people, the thought of nursing home neglect is upsetting at the least. For those individuals who have elderly relatives in a home or other elderly care facility, the idea of it is unfathomable.

All too often, however, elder abuse and nursing home neglect take place in this country and in others. For those who do not know how to spot this kind of problem, there are signs and symptoms of neglect to look for. Often, elderly individuals who are victims of neglect or elder abuse do not show the kinds of symptoms that one would always expect, and some of them are also not capable of articulating their problems well enough for their friends and relatives to understand what is really happening to them.

Nursing home neglect and elder abuse have symptoms that are sometimes physical, such as cuts, bruises, and other problems. In addition, however, mental and emotional abuse and neglect can leave marks that are not so easily seen. These can linger and become more problematic as they pray on the mind of the elderly individual.

Jul 14, 2009

Source: County

Suspect took over $50k for work that was never done

Santa Barbara County Detectives have arrested a man suspected of ripping off more than a dozen people who hired him to do landscaping work.

Gilbert Lee Martinez (DOB 3/22/69) is suspected of contacting potential tree trimming clients, quoting a price, taking money up front and then leaving without ever performing any work. Over the past few months the SBSO received several complaints from victims, many who are elderly, who have paid as much as $2,000 for work that was never done.

On Thursday, July 9, 2009 authorities in Arcadia, CA detained Martinez for trying to cash a forged check. They discovered a warrant for Martinez in Santa Barbara County. SBSO Detectives immediately traveled to Arcadia where they took Martinez into custody and brought him to the Santa Barbara County Jail.

SBSO Detectives have linked Martinez to at least fourteen cases in Santa Barbara County alone. He’s believed to have stolen at least $50,000. No money was recovered during his arrest.

He faces charges of Fraud, Grand Theft, and Fiduciary Elder Abuse. He’s currently in the Santa Barbara County Jail on $50,000 bail. However, he will remain in jail on a no bail warrant in San Luis Obispo County. His arraignment is scheduled for Friday, July 17, 2009 in North Santa Barbara County.

If you or someone you know was a victim of Martinez and have not reported it, you are encouraged to contact SBSO Detective Charles Cooley at 805-934-6176.

Former Jackson County attorney will serve at least six years in prison for embezzlement

by Danielle Quisenberry | Jackson Citizen Patriot

July 17, 2009

Former Jackson County lawyer Richard McQuillan said he considers it a “lifelong obligation” to pay back the heirs of an estate he said he plundered to help people in the Dominican Republic.

“It is my sincere desire to get out, to work and earn this,” said McQuillan, 55, who earlier pleaded guilty to three counts of embezzling more than $20,000 from the estate of Robert Howard, who died in December 2006 at age 84.

First, McQuillan is to serve at least six years in prison.

Jackson County Circuit Judge John McBain went well beyond state sentencing guidelines, which called for 10 to 23 months in prison or jail, and sentenced McQuillan on Thursday to six to 10 years in prison.

McBain said the guidelines did not adequately reflect the amount of money stolen — more than $800,000 — and McQuillan’s abuse of his position of trust.

“Action of an attorney like you, it damages the reputation of every attorney in the country,” McBain said.

By Lois Goldrich • Local

17 July 2009

As nationwide media reports highlight the symbiotic relationship between elder abuse and the economic recession, area experts say that while they have not seen an uptick in elder abuse cases in the Jewish community here, the number may well be expected to rise.

Joy Solomon, director and managing attorney of The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home in Riverdale, sees a correlation between elder abuse and the fact that “people have fewer economic choices.”

Not only are more family members living under one roof, Solomon told The Jewish Standard, but worsening circumstances may lead to alcoholism and substance abuse — “all risk factors for abuse.”

Together with the Bergen County Freeholders Division of Senior Services, Bergen County Community Development, and the Bergen County City Police Chief Association, SAAFE will sponsor a conference on elder abuse, to be held Oct. 30 at Bergen Community College.

Health and support listings

By Phyllis Day, Times Staff Writer
July 21, 2009

Elder Abuse Hotline: To report suspected cases of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, or those 60 or older who are being hurt or taken advantage of by someone you know, call toll-free 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) or 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) . Sponsored by the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Certified guardians protect elderly from abuse

By AUDREY PARENTE
Staff Writer

Casey Holly of Ormond Beach said his 83-year-old father had always been an “independent fellow,” and no one realized he had become the victim of elder abuse until authorities called.

It threw the family into a sort of “hurricane,” Holly said.

“My father is 83, retired for a long time from working for the state and county. He’s a World War II Infantry vet. But he had a bit of dementia, and people took advantage of him,” Holly said. “I didn’t realize what was happening, but we found out from the police that we needed to get there right away.”

Holly learned his father had been taken advantage of financially, and was left ill and confused.

The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that more than 500,000 people over 60 become victims of abuse every year, and only a small percentage of incidents are ever reported to authorities. Given the significant underreporting, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging recently estimated as many as 5 million older Americans may be victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation every year.

As a result, a fledgling field of practice is evolving.

“A developing practice of third-party guardianship is being driven by social and economic dynamics, causing courts to turn to professional guardians,” said Terry Hammond, executive director of the National Guardianship Association, which has 900 members.

(Press Release)

The Nursing Home Complaint Center Intends To Team Up With Personal Injury Law Firms To Stop Nursing Home Abuse & Medicare Fraud In Each State.

The Nursing Home Abuse Center wants to assist personal injury law firms go after nursing homes, for elder abuse, and wrongful death in every state, by teaming up with established personal injury law firms that have a passion about elder abuse issues, in their specific state. The Nursing Home Complaint Center also wants to work with law firm that also have an interest in Medicare-Medicaid fraud, Class actions, and employee wage and hour issues. According to the group, “We want to team up with larger personal injury law firms in specific cities, where we know nursing home abuse, Medicare or Medicaid fraud, and employee wage, and hour issues are wide spread, to stop these types of practices.” Personal Injury Law Firms, class action law firms, or employment law firms that might have an interest in this are welcome to call the group at 866-714-6466, or visit their web site at http://NursingHomeComplaintCenter.com.

The group says, “Our nursing home initiative is the real deal, that will dramatically change the landscape of elder abuse, wrongful death, possible class action issues, and wage and hour issues in our nations nursing homes. We want to work with one, or a maximum of two personal injury law firms in each state, or at least one in our nations top 100 metro areas.” The Nursing Home Complaint Center says, “Our initiative is ethical, and it will be a win-win for the patients, the victims, & the participating personal injury law firms.”

San Luis Obispo Man Arrested for Elder Abuse

July 13, 2009

Officers in San Luis Obispo have arrested 43 year old Ronald Perkins for elder abuse.

Officers say on Friday Perkins repeatedly kicked a 65 year old man in the head and the face at the Maxine Lewis Memorial Shelter.

Several bystanders were able to stop Perkins by in turn punching him the head.

Perkins who is on supervised parole with the California State Parole Department was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and elder abuse.

He has been booked into the San Luis Obispo county jail.

SOURCE: KCOY.COM

Discovery Bay caretaker arrested in death of elderly man

By Robert Salonga
Contra Costa Times

07/20/2009

A live-in caretaker was arrested after an elderly man was found dead in his home and his wife was hospitalized because of heat-related ailments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office said.

Investigators suspect that the woman, who has been caring for the wife for less than a year, did not turn on the home’s air conditioning in 100-degree weather, said sheriff’s spokesman Jimmy Lee.

Sheriff’s deputies went to a home in the 1200 block of Discovery Bay Boulevard about 11:15 p.m. Saturday, where an elderly man was reported as not breathing. Firefighters and an ambulance were already there and George Brim, 90, was pronounced dead in an upstairs bedroom. His 85-year-old wife, Shirley Brim, was hospitalized with heat-related ailments.

While an investigation is in its early stages, Lee said it was apparent to investigators that the air conditioning in the home, which was to be monitored by the caretaker, had not been turned on in some time. The windows of the bedroom where the man was found dead were closed when emergency crews arrived.

How to detect nursing home abuse

07/17/2009

By Dan Churney

As economy worsens, swindling of elders increases

By Michelle Singletary

July 16, 2009

Fraud is bad enough, but when you have family members or caregivers who are financially abusing their elderly relatives or patients, that’s downright despicable.

And yet, in most of the cases of elder financial abuse, the perpetrators are not strangers. Family, friends, neighbors and caregivers are the culprits in 55 percent of the cases, according to a report, “Broken

Trust: Elders, Family, and Finances, “ released by the MetLife Mature Market Institute. The report was produced in conjunction with the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and Virginia Tech University.

Law enforcement and securities officials say the recession is pushing more people to steal from well-off seniors.

By Charles D. Johnson

Director, Illinois Department on Aging

July is Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Illinois. During the month of July, communities across Illinois will sponsor events to shed light on the growing and tragic issue of elder abuse.

Your readers, young and old, should be aware that the U.S. Administration on Aging estimates as many as 3.5 million older Americans are abused each year.

And this is only the tip of the iceberg since only one in five cases of elder abuse is ever reported to authorities.

In an effort of preventing elder abuse and neglect, the Illinois Department on Aging is launching its annual public awareness and education campaign, called “Break the Silence.”

Please support these efforts by printing this letter which includes steps we should all take to prevent elder abuse and neglect.

To fight elder abuse:

1. Regularly call or visit an elderly loved one to ask how he or she is doing.

2. Provide a respite break for a caregiver.

3. Ask your bank manager to train tellers on how to detect elder financial abuse.

4. Ask your doctor to ask all senior patients about possible family violence in their lives.

5. Ask your local senior center to present a program on elder abuse.

6. Organize a “Respect Your Elders” essay or poster contest in your child’s school.

7. Ask your religious congregation’s leader to give a talk about elder abuse at a service or to put a message about elder abuse in the bulletin.

8. Volunteer to be a friendly visitor to a nursing home resident or to a homebound senior in your neighborhood.

9. Learn the warning signs of abuse – for more information, visit the Illinois Department on Aging website at: http://www.state.il.us/aging/ or contact your local Elder Abuse Provider Agency to ask about elder abuse.

10. Call the state’s 24 hour Elder Abuse Hotline at (866) 800-1409, if you or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse. Trained professionals are prepared to help.

Thank you for helping to keep our seniors safe.

Pittsburgh based court case ruling gives stronger recourse against elder abuse

July 21, 2009

A recent court case of Sarah Grammer v. John J. Kane Regional Centers-Glen Hazel that a private cause of action does exist under federal civil rights laws gives families who suspect abuse of their elderly loved one more options to bring action against a federally supported nursing care facility.

The Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA) passed in 1987 gave the elderly more specific rights by stating that certain actions, such as restraining a patient, had to have a doctor’s written order. This newest ruling in the Grammer case further empowers the rights of the elderly and the option of the family to pursue civil actions against suspected abuse.

Abridged

SOURCE: The Examiner

Failure to commit to adult protection legislation lambasted

Overwhelming support for legislation in response to No Secrets 20 July 2009

writes Maria Ahmed

Campaigners have criticised the government’s failure to commit to legislation to strengthen protection of adults from abuse in England.

Today, the Department of Health published a report on its consultation on the review of No Secrets, the adult protection guidance introduced in 2000.

More than half of respondents – 68% – supported new safeguarding legislation, and 92% wanted adult safeguarding boards to be placed on a statutory footing, it revealed.

Duty to co-operate wins ‘near unanimous’ support

There was also “near unanimous” support for a wider duty on agencies to co-operate in relation to safeguarding across social care, police and the NHS. The majority also backed giving agencies the power to enter premises where abuse was suspected and introducing a new offence of ill-treating or neglecting a vulnerable adult with capacity.

Liberal Democrat MP Paul Burstow, a campaigner on older people’s issues, claimed the government wanted to avoid the funding implications of radically overhauling the adult protection system.

“Instead of making a policy announcement they have kicked the issue into the long grass,” he said.

Burstow said he would attempt to introduce a private member’s bill on adult safeguarding in the autumn.

Abridged

SOURCE: Community Care.Co.UK

Jul 14, 2009

Source: County

Suspect took over $50k for work that was never done

Santa Barbara County Detectives have arrested a man suspected of ripping off more than a dozen people who hired him to do landscaping work.

Gilbert Lee Martinez (DOB 3/22/69) is suspected of contacting potential tree trimming clients, quoting a price, taking money up front and then leaving without ever performing any work. Over the past few months the SBSO received several complaints from victims, many who are elderly, who have paid as much as $2,000 for work that was never done.

On Thursday, July 9, 2009 authorities in Arcadia, CA detained Martinez for trying to cash a forged check. They discovered a warrant for Martinez in Santa Barbara County. SBSO Detectives immediately traveled to Arcadia where they took Martinez into custody and brought him to the Santa Barbara County Jail.

SBSO Detectives have linked Martinez to at least fourteen cases in Santa Barbara County alone. He’s believed to have stolen at least $50,000. No money was recovered during his arrest.

He faces charges of Fraud, Grand Theft, and Fiduciary Elder Abuse. He’s currently in the Santa Barbara County Jail on $50,000 bail. However, he will remain in jail on a no bail warrant in San Luis Obispo County. His arraignment is scheduled for Friday, July 17, 2009 in North Santa Barbara County.

If you or someone you know was a victim of Martinez and have not reported it, you are encouraged to contact SBSO Detective Charles Cooley at 805-934-6176.

By Eve Glicksman

Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

Older adults may face a higher risk of getting treated improperly. They may be frail and unable to stand up for themselves. Some don’t think as clearly as they used to. Or they may depend on others to manage their bills.

All these things can open the door for people to take advantage of seniors. This could include physical abuse, emotional mistreatment, neglect or financial scams. Sometimes it is the result of a caregiver facing extra stress, but this is still not a reason to abuse you.

If you are a senior, don’t let yourself be a target. Protect yourself from being abused in these ways:

By NANCY FOSTER

New Hampshire Union Leader Correspondent

July 18, 2009

Police are investigating concerns about possible elder abuse at a local nursing home involving an 87-year-old man who died last Friday.

According to police Chief Frederick Douglas, detectives were called to the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center on June 28 to investigate concerns raised by staff at the hospital about the condition of the man’s wounds. Investigators will try to determine whether neglect contributed to the death, Douglas said.

The man, whom Douglas refused to identify for reasons of privacy, was a resident at The Elms, a nursing home on Elm Street run by SunBridge Healthcare Corp., based in Rochester, N.Y.

Pittsburgh based court case ruling gives stronger recourse against elder abuse

July 21, 2009

A recent court case of Sarah Grammer v. John J. Kane Regional Centers-Glen Hazel that a private cause of action does exist under federal civil rights laws gives families who suspect abuse of their elderly loved one more options to bring action against a federally supported nursing care facility.

The Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA) passed in 1987 gave the elderly more specific rights by stating that certain actions, such as restraining a patient, had to have a doctor’s written order. This newest ruling in the Grammer case further empowers the rights of the elderly and the option of the family to pursue civil actions against suspected abuse.

Abridged

SOURCE: The Examiner

Former Jackson County attorney will serve at least six years in prison for embezzlement

by Danielle Quisenberry | Jackson Citizen Patriot

July 17, 2009

Former Jackson County lawyer Richard McQuillan said he considers it a “lifelong obligation” to pay back the heirs of an estate he said he plundered to help people in the Dominican Republic.

“It is my sincere desire to get out, to work and earn this,” said McQuillan, 55, who earlier pleaded guilty to three counts of embezzling more than $20,000 from the estate of Robert Howard, who died in December 2006 at age 84.

First, McQuillan is to serve at least six years in prison.

Jackson County Circuit Judge John McBain went well beyond state sentencing guidelines, which called for 10 to 23 months in prison or jail, and sentenced McQuillan on Thursday to six to 10 years in prison.

McBain said the guidelines did not adequately reflect the amount of money stolen — more than $800,000 — and McQuillan’s abuse of his position of trust.

“Action of an attorney like you, it damages the reputation of every attorney in the country,” McBain said.

San Luis Obispo Man Arrested for Elder Abuse

July 13, 2009

Officers in San Luis Obispo have arrested 43 year old Ronald Perkins for elder abuse.

Officers say on Friday Perkins repeatedly kicked a 65 year old man in the head and the face at the Maxine Lewis Memorial Shelter.

Several bystanders were able to stop Perkins by in turn punching him the head.

Perkins who is on supervised parole with the California State Parole Department was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and elder abuse.

He has been booked into the San Luis Obispo county jail.

SOURCE: KCOY.COM

By NANCY FOSTER

New Hampshire Union Leader Correspondent

July 18, 2009

Police are investigating concerns about possible elder abuse at a local nursing home involving an 87-year-old man who died last Friday.

According to police Chief Frederick Douglas, detectives were called to the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center on June 28 to investigate concerns raised by staff at the hospital about the condition of the man’s wounds. Investigators will try to determine whether neglect contributed to the death, Douglas said.

The man, whom Douglas refused to identify for reasons of privacy, was a resident at The Elms, a nursing home on Elm Street run by SunBridge Healthcare Corp., based in Rochester, N.Y.

Former Jackson County attorney will serve at least six years in prison for embezzlement

by Danielle Quisenberry | Jackson Citizen Patriot

July 17, 2009

Former Jackson County lawyer Richard McQuillan said he considers it a “lifelong obligation” to pay back the heirs of an estate he said he plundered to help people in the Dominican Republic.

“It is my sincere desire to get out, to work and earn this,” said McQuillan, 55, who earlier pleaded guilty to three counts of embezzling more than $20,000 from the estate of Robert Howard, who died in December 2006 at age 84.

First, McQuillan is to serve at least six years in prison.

Jackson County Circuit Judge John McBain went well beyond state sentencing guidelines, which called for 10 to 23 months in prison or jail, and sentenced McQuillan on Thursday to six to 10 years in prison.

McBain said the guidelines did not adequately reflect the amount of money stolen — more than $800,000 — and McQuillan’s abuse of his position of trust.

“Action of an attorney like you, it damages the reputation of every attorney in the country,” McBain said.

Discovery Bay caretaker arrested in death of elderly man

By Robert Salonga
Contra Costa Times

07/20/2009

A live-in caretaker was arrested after an elderly man was found dead in his home and his wife was hospitalized because of heat-related ailments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office said.

Investigators suspect that the woman, who has been caring for the wife for less than a year, did not turn on the home’s air conditioning in 100-degree weather, said sheriff’s spokesman Jimmy Lee.

Sheriff’s deputies went to a home in the 1200 block of Discovery Bay Boulevard about 11:15 p.m. Saturday, where an elderly man was reported as not breathing. Firefighters and an ambulance were already there and George Brim, 90, was pronounced dead in an upstairs bedroom. His 85-year-old wife, Shirley Brim, was hospitalized with heat-related ailments.

While an investigation is in its early stages, Lee said it was apparent to investigators that the air conditioning in the home, which was to be monitored by the caretaker, had not been turned on in some time. The windows of the bedroom where the man was found dead were closed when emergency crews arrived.

Failure to commit to adult protection legislation lambasted

Overwhelming support for legislation in response to No Secrets 20 July 2009

writes Maria Ahmed

Campaigners have criticised the government’s failure to commit to legislation to strengthen protection of adults from abuse in England.

Today, the Department of Health published a report on its consultation on the review of No Secrets, the adult protection guidance introduced in 2000.

More than half of respondents – 68% – supported new safeguarding legislation, and 92% wanted adult safeguarding boards to be placed on a statutory footing, it revealed.

Duty to co-operate wins ‘near unanimous’ support

There was also “near unanimous” support for a wider duty on agencies to co-operate in relation to safeguarding across social care, police and the NHS. The majority also backed giving agencies the power to enter premises where abuse was suspected and introducing a new offence of ill-treating or neglecting a vulnerable adult with capacity.

Liberal Democrat MP Paul Burstow, a campaigner on older people’s issues, claimed the government wanted to avoid the funding implications of radically overhauling the adult protection system.

“Instead of making a policy announcement they have kicked the issue into the long grass,” he said.

Burstow said he would attempt to introduce a private member’s bill on adult safeguarding in the autumn.

Abridged

SOURCE: Community Care.Co.UK

July 14, 2009

by Nick Johnson

For many people, the thought of nursing home neglect is upsetting at the least. For those individuals who have elderly relatives in a home or other elderly care facility, the idea of it is unfathomable.

All too often, however, elder abuse and nursing home neglect take place in this country and in others. For those who do not know how to spot this kind of problem, there are signs and symptoms of neglect to look for. Often, elderly individuals who are victims of neglect or elder abuse do not show the kinds of symptoms that one would always expect, and some of them are also not capable of articulating their problems well enough for their friends and relatives to understand what is really happening to them.

Nursing home neglect and elder abuse have symptoms that are sometimes physical, such as cuts, bruises, and other problems. In addition, however, mental and emotional abuse and neglect can leave marks that are not so easily seen. These can linger and become more problematic as they pray on the mind of the elderly individual.

Health and support listings

By Phyllis Day, Times Staff Writer
July 21, 2009

Elder Abuse Hotline: To report suspected cases of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, or those 60 or older who are being hurt or taken advantage of by someone you know, call toll-free 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) or 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) . Sponsored by the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Jul 14, 2009

Source: County

Suspect took over $50k for work that was never done

Santa Barbara County Detectives have arrested a man suspected of ripping off more than a dozen people who hired him to do landscaping work.

Gilbert Lee Martinez (DOB 3/22/69) is suspected of contacting potential tree trimming clients, quoting a price, taking money up front and then leaving without ever performing any work. Over the past few months the SBSO received several complaints from victims, many who are elderly, who have paid as much as $2,000 for work that was never done.

On Thursday, July 9, 2009 authorities in Arcadia, CA detained Martinez for trying to cash a forged check. They discovered a warrant for Martinez in Santa Barbara County. SBSO Detectives immediately traveled to Arcadia where they took Martinez into custody and brought him to the Santa Barbara County Jail.

SBSO Detectives have linked Martinez to at least fourteen cases in Santa Barbara County alone. He’s believed to have stolen at least $50,000. No money was recovered during his arrest.

He faces charges of Fraud, Grand Theft, and Fiduciary Elder Abuse. He’s currently in the Santa Barbara County Jail on $50,000 bail. However, he will remain in jail on a no bail warrant in San Luis Obispo County. His arraignment is scheduled for Friday, July 17, 2009 in North Santa Barbara County.

If you or someone you know was a victim of Martinez and have not reported it, you are encouraged to contact SBSO Detective Charles Cooley at 805-934-6176.

Seniors increasingly targeted by abusers

By NICOLE C. BRAMBILA

THE DESERT SUN

JULY 18, 2009

Mom wasn’t always given a bath and was permitted to wear her pajamas in public. The caretaker, although a live-in, couldn’t always be found in the middle of the night for emergencies. Expensive jewelry, collected over a lifetime, went missing.

The abuse was apparent, but without a power of attorney over her elderly parents’ health care or executive power over the family trust, Kathleen Jonas felt helpless to do anything.

“It was a nightmare. I knew what was going down, but my big mistake was not going to the police. It didn’t occur to me,” said the Palm Desert resident, who has parents that require around-the-clock care.

Jonas’ story is far from unique.

Roughly, 200,000 California seniors are victims of elder abuse each year.

The National Center on Elder Abuse in Newark, Del., estimates that more than 1 million seniors suffer abuse or neglect each year.

Consumers are bilked of nearly $40 million every year in telemarketing scams, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Seniors account for more than half of those scams.

Advocates say being proactive is the best defense.

“Trust your gut,” Walsh said. “That’s the bottom line. If you think something’s wrong, it probably is.”

Brooke County Man Charged With Elder Abuse

July 20, 2009

A man who police said was involved in the abduction of a Brooke County woman has been charged after he showed up at the nursing home where she lives.

David Matthews was arrested over the weekend on a felony count of abuse and neglect of an elder and incapacitated person.

Discovery Bay caretaker arrested in death of elderly man

By Robert Salonga
Contra Costa Times

07/20/2009

A live-in caretaker was arrested after an elderly man was found dead in his home and his wife was hospitalized because of heat-related ailments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office said.

Investigators suspect that the woman, who has been caring for the wife for less than a year, did not turn on the home’s air conditioning in 100-degree weather, said sheriff’s spokesman Jimmy Lee.

Sheriff’s deputies went to a home in the 1200 block of Discovery Bay Boulevard about 11:15 p.m. Saturday, where an elderly man was reported as not breathing. Firefighters and an ambulance were already there and George Brim, 90, was pronounced dead in an upstairs bedroom. His 85-year-old wife, Shirley Brim, was hospitalized with heat-related ailments.

While an investigation is in its early stages, Lee said it was apparent to investigators that the air conditioning in the home, which was to be monitored by the caretaker, had not been turned on in some time. The windows of the bedroom where the man was found dead were closed when emergency crews arrived.

July 14, 2009

by Nick Johnson

For many people, the thought of nursing home neglect is upsetting at the least. For those individuals who have elderly relatives in a home or other elderly care facility, the idea of it is unfathomable.

All too often, however, elder abuse and nursing home neglect take place in this country and in others. For those who do not know how to spot this kind of problem, there are signs and symptoms of neglect to look for. Often, elderly individuals who are victims of neglect or elder abuse do not show the kinds of symptoms that one would always expect, and some of them are also not capable of articulating their problems well enough for their friends and relatives to understand what is really happening to them.

Nursing home neglect and elder abuse have symptoms that are sometimes physical, such as cuts, bruises, and other problems. In addition, however, mental and emotional abuse and neglect can leave marks that are not so easily seen. These can linger and become more problematic as they pray on the mind of the elderly individual.

As economy worsens, swindling of elders increases

By Michelle Singletary

July 16, 2009

Fraud is bad enough, but when you have family members or caregivers who are financially abusing their elderly relatives or patients, that’s downright despicable.

And yet, in most of the cases of elder financial abuse, the perpetrators are not strangers. Family, friends, neighbors and caregivers are the culprits in 55 percent of the cases, according to a report, “Broken

Trust: Elders, Family, and Finances, “ released by the MetLife Mature Market Institute. The report was produced in conjunction with the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and Virginia Tech University.

Law enforcement and securities officials say the recession is pushing more people to steal from well-off seniors.

By NANCY FOSTER

New Hampshire Union Leader Correspondent

July 18, 2009

Police are investigating concerns about possible elder abuse at a local nursing home involving an 87-year-old man who died last Friday.

According to police Chief Frederick Douglas, detectives were called to the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center on June 28 to investigate concerns raised by staff at the hospital about the condition of the man’s wounds. Investigators will try to determine whether neglect contributed to the death, Douglas said.

The man, whom Douglas refused to identify for reasons of privacy, was a resident at The Elms, a nursing home on Elm Street run by SunBridge Healthcare Corp., based in Rochester, N.Y.

Brooke County Man Charged With Elder Abuse

July 20, 2009

A man who police said was involved in the abduction of a Brooke County woman has been charged after he showed up at the nursing home where she lives.

David Matthews was arrested over the weekend on a felony count of abuse and neglect of an elder and incapacitated person.

By Eve Glicksman

Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

Older adults may face a higher risk of getting treated improperly. They may be frail and unable to stand up for themselves. Some don’t think as clearly as they used to. Or they may depend on others to manage their bills.

All these things can open the door for people to take advantage of seniors. This could include physical abuse, emotional mistreatment, neglect or financial scams. Sometimes it is the result of a caregiver facing extra stress, but this is still not a reason to abuse you.

If you are a senior, don’t let yourself be a target. Protect yourself from being abused in these ways:

San Luis Obispo Man Arrested for Elder Abuse

July 13, 2009

Officers in San Luis Obispo have arrested 43 year old Ronald Perkins for elder abuse.

Officers say on Friday Perkins repeatedly kicked a 65 year old man in the head and the face at the Maxine Lewis Memorial Shelter.

Several bystanders were able to stop Perkins by in turn punching him the head.

Perkins who is on supervised parole with the California State Parole Department was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and elder abuse.

He has been booked into the San Luis Obispo county jail.

SOURCE: KCOY.COM

Nurses ignored me, says patient

An elderly Dundee woman, who has been battling a rare form of terminal cancer for four years, has hit out at the “lack of care” she received at Ninewells Hospital after her latest hip operation (writes Kirsten Johnson).

The 72-year-old former nurse, who asked not to be named, underwent surgery to replace a hip joint.

The pensioner’s health was already a cause for the concern before the operation and on the advice of her consultant she was sent to Ninewells —rather than her first choice, Stracathro Hospital — because of the levels of expertise and aftercare available.

However, the woman, who has leukaemia, claims the nursing staff “left her to her own devices” and that she was forced to clean her own wound for fear of infection.

Maggie Simpson, NHS Tayside director of nursing for the delivery unit, apologised for the situation. “We are sorry this patient has raised concerns about her care and I am more than happy to discuss any issues,” she said.

She added, “She can also contact the complaints and advice Team on 0800 027 5507.”

Seniors increasingly targeted by abusers

By NICOLE C. BRAMBILA

THE DESERT SUN

JULY 18, 2009

Mom wasn’t always given a bath and was permitted to wear her pajamas in public. The caretaker, although a live-in, couldn’t always be found in the middle of the night for emergencies. Expensive jewelry, collected over a lifetime, went missing.

The abuse was apparent, but without a power of attorney over her elderly parents’ health care or executive power over the family trust, Kathleen Jonas felt helpless to do anything.

“It was a nightmare. I knew what was going down, but my big mistake was not going to the police. It didn’t occur to me,” said the Palm Desert resident, who has parents that require around-the-clock care.

Jonas’ story is far from unique.

Roughly, 200,000 California seniors are victims of elder abuse each year.

The National Center on Elder Abuse in Newark, Del., estimates that more than 1 million seniors suffer abuse or neglect each year.

Consumers are bilked of nearly $40 million every year in telemarketing scams, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Seniors account for more than half of those scams.

Advocates say being proactive is the best defense.

“Trust your gut,” Walsh said. “That’s the bottom line. If you think something’s wrong, it probably is.”

By NANCY FOSTER

New Hampshire Union Leader Correspondent

July 18, 2009

Police are investigating concerns about possible elder abuse at a local nursing home involving an 87-year-old man who died last Friday.

According to police Chief Frederick Douglas, detectives were called to the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center on June 28 to investigate concerns raised by staff at the hospital about the condition of the man’s wounds. Investigators will try to determine whether neglect contributed to the death, Douglas said.

The man, whom Douglas refused to identify for reasons of privacy, was a resident at The Elms, a nursing home on Elm Street run by SunBridge Healthcare Corp., based in Rochester, N.Y.

By Charles D. Johnson

Director, Illinois Department on Aging

July is Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Illinois. During the month of July, communities across Illinois will sponsor events to shed light on the growing and tragic issue of elder abuse.

Your readers, young and old, should be aware that the U.S. Administration on Aging estimates as many as 3.5 million older Americans are abused each year.

And this is only the tip of the iceberg since only one in five cases of elder abuse is ever reported to authorities.

In an effort of preventing elder abuse and neglect, the Illinois Department on Aging is launching its annual public awareness and education campaign, called “Break the Silence.”

Please support these efforts by printing this letter which includes steps we should all take to prevent elder abuse and neglect.

To fight elder abuse:

1. Regularly call or visit an elderly loved one to ask how he or she is doing.

2. Provide a respite break for a caregiver.

3. Ask your bank manager to train tellers on how to detect elder financial abuse.

4. Ask your doctor to ask all senior patients about possible family violence in their lives.

5. Ask your local senior center to present a program on elder abuse.

6. Organize a “Respect Your Elders” essay or poster contest in your child’s school.

7. Ask your religious congregation’s leader to give a talk about elder abuse at a service or to put a message about elder abuse in the bulletin.

8. Volunteer to be a friendly visitor to a nursing home resident or to a homebound senior in your neighborhood.

9. Learn the warning signs of abuse – for more information, visit the Illinois Department on Aging website at: http://www.state.il.us/aging/ or contact your local Elder Abuse Provider Agency to ask about elder abuse.

10. Call the state’s 24 hour Elder Abuse Hotline at (866) 800-1409, if you or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse. Trained professionals are prepared to help.

Thank you for helping to keep our seniors safe.

Tributes to Bracken Bank attack victim

14th July 2009

By Lisa Campbell

Tributes have been paid to an elderly woman who died following a serious assault in Bracken Bank.

Minnie Keat, 86, died in Airedale Hospital on Sunday following an attack the previous Monday.

Her son Barry Keat, 58, from Keighley, has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Mrs Keat was described as a frail but “lovely” person who would do “anything for anybody”.

Mr Keat appeared before Bradford magistrates last Wednesday and was remanded in custody.

He is due to appear before Bradford Crown Court this Thursday via a video link from prison.