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.

95-year-old woman had face covered with a shower cap in nursing home sick joke

By Suzannah Hills

19/07/2009

A frail 95-year-old woman had her face covered with a shower cap as a sick joke in a nursing home.

A carer-turned-whistleblower also reveals today how others were victims of humiliation and abuse in the £500-a-week home.

Kevan Ralphs, 42, has given up his 18 year service as a carer to expose their suffering at St Quentin Nursing Home in Staffordshire – where he claims that the residents were treated like cattle.

And he reveals how he repeatedly told superiors about his concerns – but was ignored.