A Statewide Elder Abuse Prevention Effort
Elder abuse, neglect and exploitation are largely hidden, shrouded in secrecy and shame. Older adults are often reluctant to reveal incidents of abuse, particularly when the abuser is a family member. Adding to the problem, many health care, law enforcement, financial and aging service professionals often do not understand or recognize elder abuse, neglect or exploitation. When they do recognize the problem, they often do not know where to turn for help. This coalition is a multidisciplinary, statewide network of over 1,900 individuals, organizations and government agencies working together to protect older adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
In the Spotlight
June 15 is recognized annually as world elder abuse awareness day (WEAAD) to help shine light on the growing problem of all forms of elder mistreatment
There are many conferences, trainings, webinars and other activities planned on the 15th and throughout the month of June to help raise awareness. New postings on July 3!
Please check events page and archive for details & links to WEAAD activities, as well as other upcoming events & webinars. Updates posted regularly. Don't forget to refresh your screen.
Some NYS & national event and activity locations: Albany; Anaheim, CA; Washington, DC; Saratoga Springs; Broome, Erie, Greene, Monroe, Nassau Counties.
Governor Cuomo Announces $8.4 million to combat elder abuse and financial exploitation statewide
New Request for Proposals will be posted here soon
Expansion of Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams throughout NYS is continuing. New RFPs for developing or expanding teams in the Broome County region (Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga) and on Long Island (Nassau, Suffolk) will be available soon.
Please check this space for the application documents and any updates regarding this next phase in the effort to develop teams throughout New York State. There are 25 teams currently operating or in various stages of development. The goal is to have coordinated E-MDTs in each county by 2020.
All questions regarding the RFPs should be in writing to Denise Shukoff. Questions and answers will be posted here periodically. Names or organizations will not be identified.
Understanding long term trauma and its impact on older adults
Summary report includes background on this NYS OPDV Ursula Forem Domestic Violence Employment Fellowship Grant Project; creation of a Trauma Screening Tool for older adults (Life Event Screening Tool - LEST), using it with other screening tools; health risks related to trauma; role of Trauma-Informed Care Professional; establishing realistic and achievable goals for the older adult; working with their support system.
For more information, contact Misty Bolt, LMSW, Lifespan's Elder Abuse Prevention Program.
Elder Abuse Thrives in Silence
"How could this happen to me?"
"Most elder abuse is hidden, yet it occurs in all income strata, in all neighborhoods and in families you would never suspect. All to often, victims at too ashamed, too frightened to tell someone, to ask for help."
WEAAD article by Lifespan's Art Mason and Kelly Zunner-Daniels
Albany Attorney Admits to Stealing Millions from Elderly Clients
"Any lawyer preying on elders should take notice that criminal conduct by attorneys will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
June 11 DOJ Press Release
June 11 NY AG Press Release
Copy of Felony Complaint
Be alert to possible scams related to new Medicare cards
New Yorkers can expect new Medicare cards starting in June - but scammers are way ahead of everyone