Adult Protective Services
For more information and to download the full report, visit
http://www.nccd-crc.org/nccd/dnld/Home/Structuring_Decisions_in_Adult_Protective_Services.pdf
Aging
- Older Americans 2010: Key Indicators of Well-Being
The newest edition of the Federal Interagency Forum of Aging-Related Statistics was released last month. This periodic report describes the overall status of the U.S. population 65 years of age and older. The report includes 37 indicators that are grouped into five sections: Population, Economics, Health Status, Health Risks and Behaviors, and Health Cares. You may download the entire report at http://www.agingstats.gov/agingstatsdotnet/main_site/default.aspx
- GAO Releases Report on OAA Title III Services
On September 7, 2010 the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report entitled, OLDER AMERICANS ACT Preliminary Observations on Services Requested by Seniors and Challenges in Providing Assistance. The GAO is the investigative arm of Congress that audits and evaluates government programs and activities. Highlights include the Title III services most requested by seniors, how state and local agencies reach those most in need, and how agencies have dealt with increasing requests in the current economic environment. To download the full report visit: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d101024t.pdf
Elder Abuse Research, Policy & Program Development
- Article of Interest: UC-Irvine Shines Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Recently posted article to California Healthline highlights the work of UC Irvine's Center of Excellence on Abuse and Neglect and the importance of acting now to secure Elder Justice Act appropriations. Visit http://www.californiahealthline.org/features/2010/uc-irvine-center-shines-spotlight-on-elder-abuse.aspx to read the full article.
- NCJRS Features Elder Abuse
To coincide with Older Americans Month (May 2010), the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) is featuring Elder Abuse on its website http://www.ncjrs.gov/elderabuse. NCJRS is a federally funded resource, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice, which offers information to support research, policy, and program development. It focuses on publications issued by divisions within DOJ, including the National Institute of Justice, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, as well as other federal agencies. Of special interest to elder advocates:
- National Elder Mistreatment Study. National Institute of Justice-Sponsored, March 2009
- Detecting, Addressing and Preventing Elder Abuse in Residential Care Facilities. National Institute of Justice-Sponsored, November 2009
- Mandatory Reporting of Nursing Home Deaths: Markers for Mistreatment, Effect on Care Quality, and Generalizability. National Institute of Justice-Sponsored, March 2008
- Neglect of Older Persons: An Introduction to Legal Issues Related to Caregiver Duty and Liability. American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging, 2007
- Nursing Home Abuse Risk Prevention Profile and Checklist. National Center on Elder Abuse, November 2005
- Role of Forensic Science in Identification of Mistreatment Deaths in Long-Term Care Facilities: Final Report. National Institute of Justice-Sponsored, January 2005
- Preventing Elder Abuse by In-Home Helpers. National Center on Elder Abuse, June 2002
- Developing Training Programs on Elder Abuse Prevention for In-Home Helpers Issues and Guidelines. National Center on Elder Abuse, March 2002
- Preventing Elder Abuse by Family Caregivers Technical Assistance Manual. National Center on Elder Abuse, March 2002
- NCEA Article Considers the Role of Clergy in Elder Abuse Response
In the September issue of e-News the National Center on Elder Abuse published an article entitled Considering the Role of Clergy in Elder Abuse Response. The article highlights the research and findings of Dr. John Rudnick, including his recommendations on how to improve pastoral care with strategies of awareness, knowledge, prevention, and intervention. To download the article, visit http://ncea.aoa.gov/NCEAroot/Main_Site/Resources/Newsletter/2010/1009.pdf
- Special Issue of JEAN Focuses on Archstone Elder Abuse and Neglect Initiative
The Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect (JEAN) (Vol. 22, Issue 3 & 4) features articles highlighting the work of the projects funded by the Archstone Elder Abuse and Neglect Initiative (EANI), a unique 5 year initiative with a goal to improve the quality and coordination of elder abuse and neglect services in California. The EANI serves as a national model for future initiatives and funders. To purchase the entire journal or download specific articles, visit http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~db=all~content=g925755973
Elder Justice Act/New Health Care Law
- Provisions for Older Americans in the New Health Care Law
The Gerontological Society of America's Policy Advisor Brian Lindberg has prepared a summary of
provisions that affect older adults. To learn more, see http://www.geron.org/HCRprovisions.pdf
Of special interest to CEJW members are provisions for:
- The Elder Justice Act
- Nursing Home Transparency
- Criminal Background Checks
- Geriatric Workforce Development
To learn more about the Elder Justice Act, visit the Elder Justice Coalition at http://www.elderjusticecoalition.com/
In-Home Supportive Services Program
- AARP Research Project Safe at Home? Developing Effective Criminal Background Checks and Other Screening Policies for Home Care Workers by Sara Galantowicz, Healthcare and Science business of Thomson Reuters; Suzanne Crisp, Boston College; Naomi Karp and Jean Accius, AARP Public Policy Institute - Source AARP, September 2009
To read the issue brief: http://www.aarp.org/research/ppi/ltc/care/articles/2009-12.html
To read the full report: http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/ppi/ltc/2009-12.pdf
To read the full report visit: http://www.lao.ca.gov/laoapp/PubDetails.aspx?id=2176
- San Francisco Chronicle - In-home care cuts dealt another blow - Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Read more:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/02/BAFR1AT9F6.DTL#ixzz0eKSrAqsB
-
UCLA Center for Health Policy Research Issues Policy Paper on In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research issued a policy paper entitled Budget Proposals Turn Back Clock 30 Years in Long Term Care for California Seniors in response to the proposed cuts to IHSS. Their analysis of nine California counties suggests seniors with the highest level of need will lose services. Members of the CEJW's Steering Committee and Safeguarding the Long-Term Care Subgroup will review review the paper and develop a strategy to respond as appropriate.
Feel free to send us your thoughts on this issue via email.
For more information and to download the full policy paper, visit
http://healthpolicy.ucla.edu/pubs/Publication.aspx?pubID=399
Legal & Financial Issues
- Victims of Identity Theft, 2008
On December 16th, 2010, the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) released Victims of Identity Theft, 2008 based on the first Identity Theft Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The report presents person-level data on the prevalence of identity theft, as well as victim experiences and responses to identity theft. Learn about how the emotional distress experienced by identity theft victims compares to victims of violent crime as well as characteristics of victims of identity theft, financial losses, and victim reporting to the police and other organizations, such as credit card companies or credit bureaus, and the amount of time spent resolving problems associated with the theft. To download the report, visit http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=2222
- Examining Faulty Foundations in Today's Reverse Mortgages
In a report released December 7, 2010, advocates for consumers and seniors are calling for stricter oversight of the reverse mortgage market and new consumer protections for borrowers. Consumers Union released the report in collaboration with California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform’s Prescott Cole and the Council on Aging Silicon Valley’s Shawna Reeves. The report and recommendations for consumers are being issued as the newly authorized Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) examines reverse mortgages and considers whether new safeguards are needed to protect borrowers from abusive industry practices. The Federal Reserve Board is also considering a set of proposed regulations on reverse mortgages.
To download the full report, visit http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/reverse-mortgage-report-2010.pdf
- Study Reveals One in Five Elders Swindled
In early 2010, the Investor Protection Trust (IPT) released the results of the national “IPT Elder Investor Fraud Survey,” which revealed that 7.3 million older Americans – one out of every five citizens over the age of 65 been victimized by a financial swindle. The study was conducted by Infogroup/ORC to gauge the knowledge and behavior of senior investors and the views of adult children. The survey also revealed that many adult children are worried about their elderly parents' ability to handle their finances. IPT is part of a newly formed Elder Investment Fraud and Financial Exploitation prevention project partnership that was created to help medical professionals and Adult Protective Services workers spot financial abuse targeting older Americans and then report it to state securities regulators. It includes the North American Securities Administrators Association and the National Adult Protective Services Association. The group is working in cooperation with the American Academy of Family Physicians, the National Area Health Education Center Organization and the National Association of Geriatric Education Centers. For more information visit http://www.investorprotection.org/learn/research/?fa=eiffeSurvey
The May 2010 issue of Network News, a publication of the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel program, features the article: A Scam Based On Relative-Ity: Would-Be Grandchildren Bilking Honest Grandparents. The article explains how scammers claim to be grandchildren in need of cash to get out of jams. They beg the grandparents to wire the money and keep the request confidential. In some cases, the scammers know the names of family members and manage a convincing impersonation. In others, they trick a grandparent into giving up a grandchild’s name. The article offers suggestions for avoiding getting scammed.
To download in PDF format, visit http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/newsletters/networknews/2010/nnewsv03i02.pdf
- Newly Released Report: Mass Marketing Fraud: A Threat Assessment
The International Mass-Marketing Fraud Working Group just released a report that covers the impact of mass marketing crimes on victims,
including suicides, suicide attempts and threats. To read the full report: http://www.stopfraud.gov/news/immfta.pdf
- National Consumer Law Center report Warns that Reverse Mortgage Market Exposes Seniors and their Equity to Abuses and Abusers from the Subprime Market, October 2009.
To read the full report: NCLC_ReverseMortgage.pdf
- Article of Interest: Protecting the Elderly from Financial Fraud
Recently posted article on Minyanville highlights the “Elder Investment Fraud and Financial Exploitation” prevention campaign which will help doctors and other medical professionals spot elderly people who may be particularly vulnerable to financial abuse. Click here to read the full article.
Long-term Care Network
- California Factsheet Released on CA Proposed 2011-2012 Budget & Impact on Senior-Related Programs
The SCAN Foundation recently released a factsheet on the proposed budget for FY 2011-2012 and what program reductions/cuts will impact seniors. To download the factsheet, visit: http://www.thescanfoundation.org/sites/default/files/California_2011-2012_Proposed_Budget_Fact_Sheet_No_16.pdf
- California Unprepared for the Aging of the Baby Boom: Cutbacks at the California University System Reduce Workforce Readiness
Recent issue brief released by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research in July 2010 describes how state budget cuts to California State University system are affecting gerontological education. Cuts include fewer classes, fewer faculty and less administrative support for that faculty. To download the full issue brief, visit http://www.healthpolicy.ucla.edu/pubs/Publication.aspx?pubID=424
- CA Senate Office of Oversight & Outcomes Releases New Report: Dangerous Caregivers
This newly released report entitled Dangerous Caregivers: State Failed to Cross-Check Backgrounds, Exposing Elderly to Abusive Workers, investigates how the State exposed elderly residents in long-term care facilities to dangerous caregivers by failing to put into practice a 2006 law that called on departments to check each other’s background records. Members of the CEJW's Steering Committee and Safeguarding the Long-Term Care Subgroup are currently reviewing the report and will develop a strategy to respond as appropriate. Lead author John Hill presented at the CEJW CA Elder Abuse Statewide Summit on April 29 & 30. Feel free to send us your thoughts on this issue via email.
For more information and to download the full report visit,
http://www3.senate.ca.gov/deployedfiles/vcm2007/senoversight/docs/dangerouscaregiversreport1.pdf
- Program on Aging & Long-Term Care Policy, Health Science Center - School of Rural Public Health A new report is available on elder abuse in residential care facilities titled Detecting, Addressing & Preventing Elder Abuse in Residential Care Facilities, November 2009.
To read the full report: http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/229299.pdf
- UCLA Center for Health Policy Research A new report is available on the consequences of budget cuts to long-term care titled Community-Based Long-Term Care: Potential Consequence of California's 2009 Budget Cut and the summary policy brief California Budget Cuts Fray the Long-Term Care Safety Net.
To read the policy brief:
http://www.healthpolicy.ucla.edu/pubs/files/LTC%20Budget%20Cuts%20Final%209-22-09.pdf
To read the full report:
http://www.healthpolicy.ucla.edu/pubs/files/LTC%20CA%202009%20Cuts%20Backgrounder%202.pdf
Ombudsman Program
- Feds Launch Study of Northern CA Nursing Homes
In an effort to help improve the quality of life for seniors in the Northern District of California, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recently hired a consultant to gather information about quality-of-care complaints made by nursing home residents or their family members. For more see:
http://www.justice.gov/usao/can/press/2010/2010_10_28_nursinghome.consultant.press.html
- GAO Goes Undercover to Explore Guardianship Problems
A recently released report on guardianship by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) explores abuses by guardians and inadequacies in state guardian certification processes. To test the latter, GAO applied for certification in four states using two fictitious identities --one with bad credit and one with the Social Security number of a deceased person. In the four states it applied to (Illinois, Nevada, New York, and North Carolina), GAO obtained guardianship certification or met certification requirements. None of the courts or certification organizations used by the states checked the fictitious applicants’ credit histories or validated their Social Security numbers, raising questions about the effectiveness of these (and other states’) certification programs. Highlights of the report, Guardianships: Cases of Financial Exploitation, Neglect, and Abuse of Seniors is available at: http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d101046high.pdf.
The full report is available at: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-10-1046.
-
California State Senate Reviews Elder/Dependent Adult Reporting Laws
The California Senate Office of Oversight and Outcomes released a report CA Elder Abuse Investigators: Ombudsman Shackled By Conflicting Laws and Duties at the request of the California State Assembly Committee on Aging And Long-Term Care (CALTC). The report raises questions about the role of Ombudsmen in investigating reports of abuse in LTC facilities and makes recommendations for changes to California’s reporting statutes.
To read the full report: http://www3.senate.ca.gov/deployedfiles/vcm2007/senoversight/docs/final%20ombudsman%20report%2010.30.pdf
-
Victimized Twice: Abuse of Nursing Home Residents, No Criminal Accountability for Perpetrators
Disability Rights California’s Investigations Unit has just released a 40 page report that found abuse by nursing home staff often is not treated as a criminal matter but as licensing or employee concern. They found nearly half of the cases were never reported to law enforcement. Even though the bulk went to long-term care ombudsmen, under federal law, they also can't report to law enforcement or prosecutors unless the victim gives consent, which few residents do. To read the full report: http://www.disabilityrightsca.org/pubs/548801.pdf
Comments (0)
You don't have permission to comment on this page.