Elder Abuse Growing Problem in Maine (USA)

Elder Abuse Growing Problem in Maine (USA)

By Susan Kimball, Reporter    
October 29, 2009

There are an estimated fourteen thousand cases of elder abuse in Maine every year. And most of them go unreported.
At a seminar in Falmouth on Wednesday, experts talked about the problem. Former Maine Attorney General Steve Rowe says that in most cases it’s a family member or caretaker who is physically, emotionally, psychologically or sexually abusing their elderly relative.
Financial exploitation is also a huge problem.  Rowe says when it comes to the elderly it’s everybody’s business to be involved.
“We all have a responsibility to intervene. We need to know our neighbor. If we have an elderly person who lives next door we need to know that person’s habits and if we see a change we need to get involved,” said Rowe.
All too often, those being abused won’t report it. They may be too afraid or too ashamed to come forward. Or they may be so dependent upon the abuser that they see no way out.
But there is plenty of help available.  Calling 1-877-ELDERS-1 will connect you to the Area Agency On Aging in your county. Adult Protective Services can be reached at 1-800-624-8404–that is the agency’s 24 hour hotline.
Legal Services for the Elderly can also offer assistance. The number there is 1-800-750-5353.
Sexual Assault Agencies can be reached by calling 1-800-871-7741. And Domestic Violence agencies, at 1-800-537-6066.

SOURCE:     WCSH6
_________________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources


Source: feedproxy.google.com

OPP and EMS Recognized For Work With Elder Abuse (CANADA)

OPP and EMS recognized for work with elder abuse
By Chad Ingram
October 29, 2009

The Haliburton Highlands OPP and EMS Haliburton have been honoured for their efforts to stop elder abuse.

Both organizations were awarded plaques from Community Care Haliburton and the Ontario government at presentation at Minden’s OPP detachment on October 26.
“Our OPP and EMS respond to abuse cases involving seniors with speed, sensitivity and skills needed to take care of immediate needs,” said Community Care Haliburton executive director Donna MacDonald. “Their knowledge of local community resources ensures that vulnerable seniors receive the follow-up support of agencies, many times members of our network.”

The organization has printed a number of senior safety 2010 calendars and 1,000 of them will be distributed throughout Haliburton County. The calendars offer safety tips and emergency numbers and are free to seniors.


Abridged
SOURCE:    Minden Times, CA

___________________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources


Source: feedproxy.google.com

Adult Foster Care Home Facing Serious Allegations of Abuse (Michigan, USA)

October 26, 2009
State officials are now considering whether to revoke its license
By Gabe Gutierrez

A Flint adult foster care home is facing serious allegations of abuse.
State officials are now considering whether to revoke its license.
Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell confirms his department’s elder abuse task force is investigating the facility. But he won’t comment on whether criminal charges are likely.
Still, the allegations are disturbing. This state Department of Human Services report found several violations at Carol’s AFC on Beard Street.
In it, one investigator describes how a resident told him she was locked in the attic of the adult care facility and beaten.
That same resident, according to the report, was so scared she escaped in the middle of the night to a nearby police station, complaining of abuse.

Abridged
SOURCE:    ABC LOCAL

___________________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources


Source: feedproxy.google.com

Filed under Elder Law · Tagged with

Comments are closed.