Elder Abuse, a growing crisis without leadership–Part 3 of 3

 

So who is responsible?  The Administration on Aging & Health and Human Services are supposed to be providing the leadership services to put this problem in the spotlight where it can get the resources it needs to support our seniors.  The Elder Justice Act of 2009 makes grants available to states for Adult Protective Services Programs.  The Act also puts forward the means of creating, and implementing national priorities.  The Act, however, does not speak to national Elder Abuse Studies.

The report recommends that no less than The Secretary of Health and Human Services should determine the importance of providing Adult Protective Services with dedicated resources, and work with the Attorney General to create and deploy a national Adult Protective Services database so that the true measure of this problem is understood.

It is our firm’s hope that once properly understood, and the real depth of elder abuse comes to light, and thereby appropriate resources will be finally granted to the states to stop this horrible crime.

The report does seem to point to a need for better information, better cooperation, and better standards.  However what the elder community needs is real support.

With big government’s seeming paralysis to act on almost 50 years of “good intent” the need for legal representation, specializing in Elder Law is very obviously paramount.  While the firm of Cohen & Oalican deplores the need for protection for the elderly, the rising tide of abuse, in share numbers and sophistication makes it obvious that qualified legal counsel needs to be retained to help protect our more vulnerable population. 

Please, if you are a victim of abuse, don’t hide it, seek out help from law enforcement, and with an attorney.   If you haven’t been a victim of elder abuse, engage the services of an elder law firm to help you in decisions where you might be vulnerable.

 

Abuse and neglect should be important to all of us. Contact the elder law offices of Cohen & Oalican to talk to us. A loved one in your life may be the victim of nursing home abuse and neglect. An attorney can help you understand the law and what to do next

Elder Abuse, a growing crisis without leadership -Part 2 of 3

Elder abuse case loads are growing in both number, and complexity.  According the study, APS  (Adult Protective Services) program resources are not keeping pace with these changes.  It is difficult to keep pace with enough caseworkers, and keep APS caseworkers appropriately trained, to help our growing elder community.

The study indicates that a lack of coordination in collecting, maintaining and reporting statewide case level administrative information, which limits government’s ability to track the effectiveness of services that they have provided.

The Older Americans Act of 1965 spoke to the importance of needed federal leadership in the elder justice area, the study states that no national policy priorities currently exist… almost 50 years later!

 

Seven agencies within the Departments of Health and Human Services, as well as the Justice Department authorized 11.9 million dollars in grants in 2009 for support for the justice department to support sharing of information between Adult Protective Services and its many partners, like law enforcement.  However, the result has not offered Adult Protective Services the support they need to resolve elder abuse cases, or in standardizing the information that they need to effectively report on the problems that they have encountered. 

 

Part 3 next week…

 

Cohen & Oalican acts aggressively against nursing home abuse and neglect. We proudly provide legal services to the elderly and persons with disabilities and their families. If you have an elderly parent or relative in a nursing home, and you suspect they are being abused or neglected, get help right away. Our nursing home abuse lawyers will advise you on nursing home abuse laws and the rights of residents under the care of nursing home staff.  Contactone of our nursing home attorneys to schedule a consultation. A specialist in nursing home neglect will investigate the abuse or neglect and help you decide what may be your best legal options.

Elder Abuse - a growing crisis without leadership Part 1 of 3

According to the March 2011 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report “Leadership could Enhance National Response to Elder Abuse”  over 14%  (14.1%) of elders (not institutionalized) have experienced elder abuse.

Below is a link to the study.

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-208

Elder Abuse is categorized as

·         Psychological

·         Physical

·         Sexual Abuse

·         Neglect

·         Financial Exploitation.

 

The study, and three similar studies preceding it, indicates that the numbers are likely higher due to non-reporting among seniors.

The factors that leave elder adults prey to abuse include:

·         Physical and Cognitive       Impairments

·         Mental Problems

·         Low social support among victims.

 

This abuse has been associated with a negative impact on health and longevity.  In short, we have a growing problem of elder abuse, that’s literally killing our elderly population.

 

Part 2 to be posted next week…

Cohen & Oalican acts aggressively against nursing home abuse and neglect. We proudly provide legal services to the elderly and persons with disabilities and their families. If you have an elderly parent or relative in a nursing home, and you suspect they are being abused or neglected, get help right away. Our nursing home abuse lawyers will advise you on nursing home abuse laws and the rights of residents under the care of nursing home staff.  Contact one of our nursing home attorneys to schedule a consultation. A specialist in nursing home neglect will investigate the abuse or neglect and help you decide what may be your best legal options.