Welcome to the NYC Elder Abuse Center’s (NYCEAC) December 2015 roundup of the latest in elder justice news & resources. We’ve selected and analyzed the most helpful articles and resources relevant to elder justice professionals. If you would like to share a news item or resource with us, please contact us at info@nyceac.org or via our Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

NEWS      

In the Media

Two Bankers Charged With Creating A.T.M. Cards to Steal From Accounts

Two bankers at JP Morgan were accused of forging documents and creating cards for automated teller machines to withdraw $400,000 from 15 accounts of elderly and dead clients. Despite the progress being made in the financial industry, this instance shows there is a long way to go to prevent financial abuse of older adults. Read the story from the New York Times.

Merrill Lynch Sued by a Charity for Elder Abuse

A Los Angeles charity, the Los Angeles Thoracic and Cardiovascular Foundation, is going after Merrill Lynch and one of its former brokers for defrauding an elderly client and enriching himself of $2.4 million, all of which was originally slated solely for the charity. Read the story from Financial Advisor.

Abuse: The Crisis for New York City’s Older Population

Read and listen to WFUV’s discussion on elder abuse committed against New York City’s growing population of older adults.

Fighting Ageism in the Twitter Era (Getting Old Isn’t All That Bad)

Oregon State University studied tweets about aging and Alzheimer’s disease to discern current attitudes toward older older adults. The study discovered ridicule, stigma, stereotypes, and even threats of scamming older adults. This write-up on New America Media discusses the study and how to transform the stereotype of older adults and why this is critical to prevent abuse. Read more.

Nursing home workers have been posting abusive photos of elderly on social media 

The Washington Post reports, “Nursing home workers across the country are posting embarrassing and dehumanizing photos of elderly residents on social media networks such as Snapchat, violating their privacy, dignity and, sometimes, the law.” This article discusses the abuse, as well as the new complication of social media in fighting elder abuse, and what is being done about it. Read more on The Washington Post and ProPublica.

New York Older Adults Beware: Manhattan DA Warns of ‘Evil Spirits’ Scheme Targeting NYC’s Elderly

New York City prosecutors say they’ve seen an increase in the number of elderly people falling victim to con artists claiming to rid their grandchildren of evil spirits in exchange for cash and jewelry.  Read the story from NBC New York.

Image credit: MorgueFile.com

Minnesota Department of Health Highlights Senior Care Drug Diversions

Stealing much needed prescription drugs from older adults is a problem nationwide. A report from the Minnesota Department of Health found that, “Drug diversions in health care facilities accounted for about 20 percent of the…allegations of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of vulnerable adults…” Read the story from the Voice of Alexandria.

In Alternative Media

Federal Funding Bill Passes

Under the omnibus appropriations bill, the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) cap for 2016 will increase from $2.361 billion to $3.042 billion. The Elder Justice Initiative will double from $4 million to $8 million. Read more from the Elder Justice Coalition.

Negative Beliefs About Aging Predict Alzheimer’s Disease in Yale-Led Study

Want another reason to eradicate ageism? A new study from Yale found that negative beliefs about aging are linked to the development of dementia. And we know that dementia is a documented risk factor for financial exploitation. Healthy aging begins with our beliefs. Read it here.

The Last Unicorn Author Peter S. Beagle Sues Manager for Elder Abuse and Fraud

The celebrated author of children’s favorite The Last Unicorn, Peter S. Beagle has filed suit against his manager for elder abuse and fraud. Allegations include fraudulently tricking Beagle into handing over rights to his work. Read the story from Cartoon Brew.

RESOURCES

Reports, Videos & More

University of Southern California Training Resources on Elder Abuse (TREA)

A searchable database of elder abuse related training materials was inspired by the Elder Justice Roadmap. The goal is to increase the number of professionals, caregivers and community members who receive high-quality training on how to prevent, report and work with victims of elder abuse. TREA features a variety of materials and resources created by organizations throughout the country, including a library of videos appropriate for training purposes. Search and contribute to the database here.

The Office on Violence Against Women Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program solicitation

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has released the Fiscal Year 2016 Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program solicitation. The program provides three year awards for up to a total of $400,000 to local communities to address abuse in later life, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, exploitation, and neglect against victims who are 50 years of age or older.  Award funds must be used to organize training and cross-training for criminal justice and other professionals, develop services for older victims, and create or enhance a coordinated community response. All applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (E.T.) on February 11, 2016. Read more here.

Conferences, Trainings & Events

“Conversations with Grantmakers In Aging” Webinar: Making Elder Justice a Reality, January 15

This webinar will present two of the most important voices in this field discussing promising new approaches and the way in which we all can play a role in making elder justice a reality. Read more here.

Flexible, Convenient and Invaluable Training in Health, Chronic Conditions – Factors That Contribute to Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation, January 26

American Society on Aging and USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology are offering a new five-week online certificate course titled Health and Wellness in an Aging Society. Information, research, best practices and effective models are offered that are readily applicable to the work you are already doing! Read more here.

Advancing the Field of Adult Protective Services through Research: An Introduction to the Tool for Risk, Interventions and Outcomes (TRIO)  January 27

This webinar will focus on the design and development of a Tool for Risk, Interventions and Outcomes (TRIO). This is a tool designed by social workers for social workers to increase consistency in the investigation and assessment of risk for elders and dependent adults who come to the attention of Adult Protective Services. Read more here.

Annual Aging in America Conference, March 20-24

The American Society on Aging will host it’s annual conference in Washington, D.C. on Aging in America from March 20-24, 2016. Registration opens October 1st. Register for this multifaceted and multidisciplinary conference before October 31 for special rates. Read more here.

Pennsylvania to Host the 2016 National Adult Protective Services Association Conference, August 29-31

The 2016 National Adult Protective Services Association Conference will feature the nation’s leading adult protective services professionals and provide an opportunity for them to share their expertise. Read more here.

Legal Remedies to Financial Exploitation of Property: Let’s Get Grandpa’s House Back! January 21, 2016 

This webinar will focus on fraudulent real property transactions commonly perpetrated by family members and trusted fiduciaries. We will provide an overview of elder financial exploitation related to property, talk about prevention measures, and explain strategies and tactics successfully used to handle cases and recover assets.  Register here.

Employment Opportunities

Assistant Director, Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders

Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) is the leading nurse-driven program designed to help hospitals and healthcare organizations improve the care of older adults, located in New York. Read more here.

Elder Companion, Renewal Care Foundation

New York based Renewal Care Foundation provides home and companion care services to seniors, people with chronic health conditions, and their families. Their multidisciplinary professionals support our clients’ holistic well-being, providing services ranging from part-time companionship to round-the-clock home health care. Read more here.

Women’s Program Coordinator, Services & Advocacy for Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender (GLBT) Elders

Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) is the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Located in New York. Read more here.

RELATED STORIES

News & Resource Roundup – November 2015

News & Resources Roundup – October 2015