July 1, 2009

Two weeks ago, I wrote about how difficult it was for our family to stop con artists from scamming an elderly relative who was convinced that he was on the verge of winning big lottery and sweepstakes prizes.

Digging into our family’s experience yielded another surprise: Some common business practices may have actually helped the scams continue, such as the sale of direct marketing lists and banks’ moves to automatically cover overdrafts—an issue that President Barack Obama has flagged for attention under his proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency.

When our relative began to fall behind on bills, he agreed to give power of attorney to a son, who started paying the mortgage and other big bills, as well as reducing the amount available in his dad’s checking account. What the son didn’t count on was that the bank would automatically cover up to several hundred dollars a month of his father’s overdrafts, which essentially gave him more money to send to scammers. In addition, he was charged $33 for every overdraft—running up hundreds of dollars in fees. When the son called Sovereign Bank, his father’s longtime bank, he was told that the protection was standard and that he couldn’t turn it off.

Steven Mantelli, Sovereign’s senior vice president for retail banking, says the bank provides overdraft protection “on a courtesy basis” for customers, and it isn’t typically shut off. But in isolated situations, he says, the bank will stop it.

Elder Financial Abuse is On the Rise

Elder financial abuse is on the rise, as many children now turn to their elderly parents for a quick fix to get out of the financial jam caused by the current economic crisis.

Unfortunately, it’s the children who most frequently rip-off the elderly. It makes sense: the kids know what their parents’ estates are worth, they have the easiest access to mom and dad, and friends and neighbors are reluctant to intervene in “family matters”. One of the children may recently have lost their job and becomes desperate to save their home from foreclosue or their car from being repossessed.

Promoting bill to combat elder abuse

Last year, over 16,000 adults were abused, and it’s estimated that 73,000 adult abuse cases go unreported every year.

June 29, 2009

UP legislators are in Marquette Monday promoting a bill that would combat elder neglect, emotional, and physical abuse.

The bill would also focus on financial exploitation of the elderly.

It proposes tougher punishment for those committing offenses.

The legislators conducted an informal meeting at the Senior Center in Marquette today. Unfortunately, nobody attended the meeting, but with a 40 percent increase in elder abuse in Michigan, lawmakers say the issue is extremely important, and the the bill needs to be passed.

“Sometimes the people that gain these peoples trust are than taking their money, they abuse them in someway, and we just want to make sure that doesn’t happen,” says State Representative, Steve Lindberg.

SOURCE: WLUC TV6 – Marquette,Michigan,USA

Panel focuses on the dangers of elder abuse

By Michelle Knight

knight@theacorn.com

Esperanza Boggs, 89, lost everything after her son, David Boggs, 51, set fire to their Camarillo home and killed himself on June 11.

Described by his mother as armed and dangerous, David Boggs had been under investigation for alleged elder abuse, accused of holding his mother a virtual hostage for years in their home and embezzling $211,000 from her.

He set the home ablaze shortly after Ventura County deputies arrived at the mobile home to serve him with court papers to move out.

Esperanza Boggs’ story, although more extreme than most, is familiar to social workers who deal with the increasing problem of elder abuse in Ventura County.

To help protect the county’s growing senior population, a panel of experts recently addressed how the elderly can protect themselves from abuse, financial and otherwise, during a discussion at the Goebel Senior Center in Thousand Oaks.

Marcy Snider, coordinator of Ventura County Human Services Agency’s adult protective services, said her agency received 2,100 referrals of elder abuse last year.

“This year, we’ll easily surpass that,” Snider said.

Social workers with adult protective services investigate neglect or abuse and connect elderly victims to resources in the community. The statemandated program is voluntary, free of charge and available to those 65 and older.

Many referrals to the agency involve caregivers not taking proper care of their elderly charges, Snider said. But financial abuse of seniors has become the No. 1 complaint in the past four months, she said.

Snider described an elderly woman in the East County who was lonely and befriended by a salesperson over the phone. Eventually the salesperson scammed her out of $50,000. Scam artists have duped money from retired teachers, lawyers and other well-educated professionals.

Family members and friends have also taken advantage of the elderly, Snider said. Caregivers have bought groceries for the senior but also for themselves and have filled up their gasoline tank on the senior’s credit card. The elderly person may have poor eyesight and not notice the extra charges on the statement. A friend or family member may steal blank checks from the bottom of the senior’s checkbook so they won’t be missed right away.

To report elder or dependent adult abuse, call the 24-hour hotline at (805) 654-3200.

To talk to Pollara, call (805) 654-2505.

Abridged

SOURCE: Camarillo Acorn – Camarillo,CA,USA

By Associated Press

July 3, 2009

July is Elder Abuse Awareness month in Illinois.

Department on Aging Director Charles Johnson is announcing the fifth annual “Break the Silence” campaign.

An estimated 80,000 older adults suffer abuse each year.

Elder abuse is defined as neglect; physical injury; mental, sexual or financial exploitation of someone 60 or older.

There were more than 11,000 reports of elder abuse in the last year.

Those who suspect abuse should look for untreated injuries, changes in behavior, a caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors, dehydration or malnutrition, or changes in financial accounts.

Trained professional are available around the clock to take reports at 1-866-800-1409.

June 29, 2009

By Thomas Gallivan

June 29, 2009

The families of elder abuse victims are using social networking sites, Facebook, Twitter and Myspace, to gain support for reform in long-term care facilities. The group, which was founded by family member’s personally affected by alleged abuse in a Minnesota nursing home, can be found by conducting a search for “Families Against Nursing Home Abuse” on any of these sites.

The group members describe themselves as being “committed to providing information and resources for the continuum of long-term care — from successful aging, to aging in the home, to assisted living, to hospice care, as well as nursing home care.”

Those interested in becoming members of the group can join online, or call Jan Reshetar at 402-4749 or Myrna Sorensen at 383-6963.

By Associated Press

July 3, 2009

July is Elder Abuse Awareness month in Illinois.

Department on Aging Director Charles Johnson is announcing the fifth annual “Break the Silence” campaign.

An estimated 80,000 older adults suffer abuse each year.

Elder abuse is defined as neglect; physical injury; mental, sexual or financial exploitation of someone 60 or older.

There were more than 11,000 reports of elder abuse in the last year.

Those who suspect abuse should look for untreated injuries, changes in behavior, a caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors, dehydration or malnutrition, or changes in financial accounts.

Trained professional are available around the clock to take reports at 1-866-800-1409.

2nd July 2009

A HOTLINE to help adults at risk of abuse has been launched.

AskSal, a partnership between Thurrock, Southend and Basildon Safeguarding Adults Boards and national organisations Action on Elder Abuse and Voice UK, is a hotline for people to call if they are suffering abuse themselves or suspect an adult they know is at risk.

The helpline, which is the first of its kind in the UK, is the adult equivalent of Childline.

Gary Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of Action on Elder Abuse, said: “Many people do not report the abuse they suffer due to fear, shame and embarrassment. We hope that this unique partnership will cut through some of these barriers and enable people to access the support they desperately need.”

People calling the helpline will speak to skilled operators who can refer them to another agency if required, without the caller having to re-dial or re-tell their story.

The AskSal hotline number is 0808 80 10 345.

29th June 2009

A neighbour who stole a pensioner’s life savings after becoming his carer has avoided going to jail because of the forgiveness of his victim.

Serio Fernando, 57, took advantage of the trust placed in him by frail Raymond Jones after moving into his Telford Road, St Albans home as his carer by stealing more than £4,000 from his bank in a matter of days.

Mr Jones entrusted Fernando, from Portugal, with his bank card and between January 16 and January 29, Fernando stole a total of £4,569.78.

Fernando pleaded guilty to two counts of theft at a previous hearing, and was warned he faced immediate custody.

However, when he was due to be sentenced the court was told that Mr Jones had forgiven Fernando and wanted him to continue living with him and helping him.

The court was told Fernando had brought the elderly man “back to life”.

As a result sentence was further adjourned for an impact statement from Mr Jones, while Fernando, who had been bailed to a different address was allowed to return to Mr Jones’ home.

And at St Albans Crown Court on Friday, Recorder Philip Brook-Smith imposed a 51-week suspended prison sentence – the longest sentence that can be suspended.

Fernando must also carry out 100 hours unpaid work. No compensation or costs were imposed.

2nd July 2009

A HOTLINE to help adults at risk of abuse has been launched.

AskSal, a partnership between Thurrock, Southend and Basildon Safeguarding Adults Boards and national organisations Action on Elder Abuse and Voice UK, is a hotline for people to call if they are suffering abuse themselves or suspect an adult they know is at risk.

The helpline, which is the first of its kind in the UK, is the adult equivalent of Childline.

Gary Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of Action on Elder Abuse, said: “Many people do not report the abuse they suffer due to fear, shame and embarrassment. We hope that this unique partnership will cut through some of these barriers and enable people to access the support they desperately need.”

People calling the helpline will speak to skilled operators who can refer them to another agency if required, without the caller having to re-dial or re-tell their story.

The AskSal hotline number is 0808 80 10 345.

Panel focuses on the dangers of elder abuse

By Michelle Knight

knight@theacorn.com

Esperanza Boggs, 89, lost everything after her son, David Boggs, 51, set fire to their Camarillo home and killed himself on June 11.

Described by his mother as armed and dangerous, David Boggs had been under investigation for alleged elder abuse, accused of holding his mother a virtual hostage for years in their home and embezzling $211,000 from her.

He set the home ablaze shortly after Ventura County deputies arrived at the mobile home to serve him with court papers to move out.

Esperanza Boggs’ story, although more extreme than most, is familiar to social workers who deal with the increasing problem of elder abuse in Ventura County.

To help protect the county’s growing senior population, a panel of experts recently addressed how the elderly can protect themselves from abuse, financial and otherwise, during a discussion at the Goebel Senior Center in Thousand Oaks.

Marcy Snider, coordinator of Ventura County Human Services Agency’s adult protective services, said her agency received 2,100 referrals of elder abuse last year.

“This year, we’ll easily surpass that,” Snider said.

Social workers with adult protective services investigate neglect or abuse and connect elderly victims to resources in the community. The statemandated program is voluntary, free of charge and available to those 65 and older.

Many referrals to the agency involve caregivers not taking proper care of their elderly charges, Snider said. But financial abuse of seniors has become the No. 1 complaint in the past four months, she said.

Snider described an elderly woman in the East County who was lonely and befriended by a salesperson over the phone. Eventually the salesperson scammed her out of $50,000. Scam artists have duped money from retired teachers, lawyers and other well-educated professionals.

Family members and friends have also taken advantage of the elderly, Snider said. Caregivers have bought groceries for the senior but also for themselves and have filled up their gasoline tank on the senior’s credit card. The elderly person may have poor eyesight and not notice the extra charges on the statement. A friend or family member may steal blank checks from the bottom of the senior’s checkbook so they won’t be missed right away.

To report elder or dependent adult abuse, call the 24-hour hotline at (805) 654-3200.

To talk to Pollara, call (805) 654-2505.

Abridged

SOURCE: Camarillo Acorn – Camarillo,CA,USA

Alzheimer families feeling ‘betrayed’ as respite centre shuts

By Andrew Phelan

June 25 2009

OPPOSITION is growing over the latest hospital closure to hit the health service — the summer shutting of a newly refurbished respite care unit at Cherry Orchard.

At least 25 families caring for elderly relatives including Alzheimer’s sufferers will be affected by the imminent move by the HSE.

Fearing disruption to the respite services, they are mounting a protest campaign demanding that the closure of the Beech Unit be called off, and claiming they had been “betrayed” by the Government.

Families from Ballyfermot, Clondalkin and Palmerstown are all set to be affected and some patients claim they have been told to look for private care in homes in Harold’s Cross and Lucan.

But the HSE denied that the unit would close “indefinitely”, insisting it would be up and running as normal again in October. The Executive also said those who could not be relocated elsewhere in the hospital would be sent to nursing homes as close as possible to where they lived.

A protest was mounted outside the hospital gates on June 19. A public meeting will be held in Ballyfermot next Tuesday to discuss the planned cuts and to organise support.

Lesley Gaynor, one of the main organisers of the campaign, said he had been inundated with phone calls since the announcement was made.

godsend

Lesley and his family care for his father-in-law and mother-in-law in their house on Kylemore Road and he says the short breaks they get thanks to the respite care are “a godsend”.

A spokesperson for the HSE blamed the closure on a combination of summer being “peak holiday period” and large numbers of staff being absent on maternity leave