Ellen MacDonald of Houston, TX says that it is difficult for elders to talk about elder abuse. She calls on Rep. John Culberson (R-TX) to pass the Elder Justice Act.
In almost 90% of elder abuse and neglect incidents with a known perpetrator, the perpetrator is a family members.
The Elder Justice Act is needed to protect all older Americans and to prevent and prosecute elder abuse.
Jason Adamek, a manager of Adult Protective Services intake and veteran social worker, has seen the influence legislation can have on the reporting of elder abuse. He says a federal mandate is necessary to protect our elders.
There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.
The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.
Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.
Juan Diaz of New York City tells how adult protective services helped him deal with his son’s issues. His adult son was living with him in senior housing.
Elder abuse affects seniors across all socio-economic groups, but “older” seniors are more likely to be victimized.
The Elder Justice Act would provide the support for state and community efforts and the resources needed by those who work on the front lines preventing, fighting and prosecuting elder abuse.
Priscilla Strakovits of Farmington Hills, MI is a certified senior advisor and says that financial exploitation of seniors is as serious as any other kind of elder abuse. She calls on Congress and U.S. Rep. Gary Peters (D-MI) to pass the Elder Justice Act.
There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.
The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.
Shawna Reeves of San Jose, CA relates how predatory lenders have sought out and victimized vulnerable seniors in California. Gary Morris, a victim of financial exploitation, also shares what happened to him. Reeves urges passage of the Elder Justice Act.
Financial abuse alone costs the nation’s seniors some $2.6 billion a year.
The Elder Justice Act would educate law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members about elder financial abuse.
Maria Bee, chief of Victim Services in San Francisco, says that the voices of our elders are not being heard. A national spotlight is needed on elder abuse. She urges Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.
There are federal laws governing domestic violence and child abuse, but none related to elder abuse.
The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America.
Jerome Walker, who works in adult protective services, knows how serious a problem elder abuse is in America. Walker, of Vallejo, CA, urges Rep. George Miller (R-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.
There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.
The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.
Lydia Delgado of Houston is a case worker and tells of a case of neglect in which adult protective services helped the family better care for the elder. She calls on Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) to support the Elder Justice Act.
Older adults who experience mistreatment have a 300% higher risk of death.
The Elder Justice Act would provide needed funds for those who have been fighting elder abuse on the front lines.
Loreen Crane of Solano County, CA worked for a bank and saw financial abuse first hand. She urges Rep. George Miller (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.
Financial abuse alone costs the nation’s seniors some $2.6 billion a year.
The Elder Justice Act would educate law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members about elder financial abuse.
Karen Patterson of Alameda County, CA is an adult protective services worker who tells Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) that the country needs the Elder Justice Act.
There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.
The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.
Linda Watts of Vallejos, CA says that because the laws are not strong enough, those who abuse the elderly are getting a free ticket and “it’s wrong.” She calls on Rep. George Miller (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.
For every one case of elder abuse, five go unreported.
The Elder Justice Act will increase the capacity of prosecutors across the country to bring elder abuse charges.
Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.
Malikah Taylor, who works in adult protective services, urges Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act because education is desperately needed about elder abuse.
The numbers of those elderly who are abused will only grow as the baby boomers age into their 60s.
The Elder Justice Act would share best practices, provide education, awareness and training, increase the ability to prosecute elder abuse and ensure that front line workers have the resources and information they need.
Joan Steeves of Vallejo, CA has seen elder abuse first-hand in working with the police department and tells Rep. George Miller (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act, because we need more rules and regulations governing abusive caregivers.
Elder abuse is a silent issue, robbing the nation’s elders of their dignity, their security and, in comes cases, costing them their lives.
The Elder Justice Act would fund a public awareness campaign around prevention and best practices targeting law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members.
Jill Nielsen of Alameda County, CA works in adult protective services and says that her agency needs additional support from the federal government – through passage of the Elder Justice Act — in order to protect our elders. “We can’t wait any longer,” she says.
Older adults who experience mistreatment have a 300% higher risk of death.
The Elder Justice Act would provide needed funds for those who have been fighting elder abuse on the front lines.
Molly Rogers, who works in adult protective services, says our culture is youth obsessed, makes our elders invisible and does not protect them. She urges Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.
There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.
The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.
Nancy Amy’s mother suffered abuse in a nursing home. The Oakland, CA resident tells Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) that she doesn’t want it to happen to others.
For every one case of elder abuse, five go unreported.
The Elder Justice Act will increase the capacity of prosecutors across the country to bring elder abuse charges.
Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.
Teresa Guillen, who has worked in adult protective services for 20 years, tells of Gloria, a 72-year old Hispanic woman who was abused by her son. She urges Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.
Elder abuse affects seniors across all socio-economic groups, but “older” seniors are more likely to be victimized.
The Elder Justice Act would provide the support for state and community efforts and the resources needed by those who work on the front lines preventing, fighting and prosecuting elder abuse.
Cindy Rasmussen, who works for San Francisco’s Adult Protective Services, says her program has been decimated by budget cuts. With the growth of the senior population, she says the problem will only get worse.
The numbers of those elderly who are abused will only grow as the baby boomers age into their 60s.
The Elder Justice Act would share best practices, provide education, awareness and training, increase the ability to prosecute elder abuse and ensure that front line workers have the resources and information they need.
A former San Francisco prosecutor, Candace Heisler of San Mateo says that people take advantage of elders, abuse them physically, take their assets and their dignity. She urges Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act
Elder abuse is a silent issue, robbing the nation’s elders of their dignity, their security and, in comes cases, costing them their lives.
The Elder Justice Act would fund a public awareness campaign around prevention and best practices targeting law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members.
Nicolas Stathakos of Alameda County, CA tells of an elderly man with substantial resources who was exploited by a younger woman who left him destitute. Stathakos, who works in San Francisco’s adult protective services, urges stronger laws to protect seniors from financial abuse.
Financial abuse alone costs the nation’s seniors some $2.6 billion a year.
The Elder Justice Act would educate law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members about elder financial abuse.
Dolores Torres of Houston, TX, urges Rep. Al Green (R-TX) to pass the Elder Justice Act.
Older adults who experience mistreatment have a 300% higher risk of death.
The Elder Justice Act would provide needed funds for those who have been fighting elder abuse on the front lines.
Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.
Patrick Lay, of League City, TX, urges Rep. Larry Taylor (R-TX) to pass the Elder Justice Act.
Elder abuse is a silent issue, robbing the nation’s elders of their dignity and security, and in some cases costing them their lives.Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.
The Elder Justice Act would fund a public awareness campaign around prevention and best practices targeting law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members.
In Spanish, Maria C. Davila, of Houston, TX, urges Rep. Al Green (R-TX) to pass the Elder Justice Act.
Elder abuse affects seniors across all socioeconomic groups, but “older” seniors are more likely to be victimized.
Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.
The Elder Justice Act would provide the support for state and community efforts and the resources needed by those who work on the front lines preventing, fighting and prosecuting elder abuse.
Raul Navarro of Houston, TX, tells how his mother was physically abused and neglected while staying in a nursing home.
Every day, millions of older Americans are beaten, ignored or financially exploited.
The Elder Justice Act would fund a public awareness campaign around prevention and best practices targeting law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members.
Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.
Austin’s Idell McKee was a victim of abuse. She was surprised, hurt, angry and a little afraid. She calls on Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act.
Elder abuse is a silent issue, robbing the nation’s elders of their dignity and security, and in some cases costing them their lives.
The Elder Justice Act would fund a public awareness campaign around prevention and best practices targeting law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members.
Shirley Ledbetter, of Contra Costa County, CA, works in adult protective services and calls on Rep. George Miller (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.
In almost 90% of elder abuse and neglect incidents with a known perpetrator, the perpetrator is a family member. Two thirds are adult children or spouses.
The Elder Justice Act is needed to protect all older Americans and to prevent and prosecute elder abuse.
Robert Sholtz, of El Cerrito, CA, tells Rep. George Miller (D-CA) that he wants the Elder Justice Act passed to protect him and other seniors from elder abuse.
Every day, millions of older Americans are beaten, ignored or financially exploited.
The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America.
Rafael Cosio, of Hollywood, CA, says that based not only on the contributions of gay and lesbian elders, but also all elders, we should show our gratitude by passing the Elder Justice Act.
Elder abuse affects seniors across all socioeconomic groups, but “older” seniors are more likely to be victimized.
The Elder Justice Act would provide the support for state and community efforts and the resources needed by those who work on the front lines preventing, fighting and prosecuting elder abuse.
Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.
Karen Emily Dickinson of Hollywood, CA, says that elder abuse is one of those things in a darkened corner that people don’t want to see. She asks Congress to pass a law to prevent it.
There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.
The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.
Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.
Don Streeper, of Petaluma, CA, relates how he witnessed a daughter who abused and neglected her mother. He calls for government action on all levels to address elder abuse.
There are federal laws governing domestic violence and child abuse, but none related to elder abuse.
The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America.
Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.
New York City’s Lilliam Barrios-Paoli does not understand why it has taken Congress so long to pass the Elder Justice Act. She urges baby boomers to mobilize to ensure its passage.
The numbers of those elderly who are abused will only grow as the baby boomers age into their 60s.
The Elder Justice Act would share best practices; provide education, awareness and training; increase the ability to prosecute elder abuse; and ensure that front line workers have the resources and information they need.
Carolyn Crewey, of Houston Texas, is a survivor of elder financial abuse. At age 90, Carolyn lost her home, much of her furniture, and had her bank account compromised at the hands of a ‘good friend.’ Carolyn is one of many elderly women affected by elder abuse.
The “typical” victim of elder financial abuse is between the ages of 70 and 89, white, female, frail, and frequently cognitively impaired.
The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors. Congress needs to act now to pass this important legislation.
Henrietta Tolhurst was told she had won $22,000 and all she had to do was pay the taxes and attorney’s fees, put the money in a magazine and leave it for the caller and she’d get her prize money. She urges Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act to protect people like her.
Financial abuse alone costs the nation’s seniors some $2.6 billion a year.
The Elder Justice Act would educate law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members about elder financial abuse.
Kamala Harris, San Francisco District Attorney, says people who abuse seniors are taking advantage of their vulnerabilities. Their right to safety is a civil right.
There are federal laws governing domestic violence and child abuse, but none related to elder abuse.
The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America.
Prescott Cole, a San Francisco attorney, tells of financial predators who prey on elders that are protected by the current system. He calls on Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act.
Older Americans, especially the very old and vulnerable, should not have to live in fear of being abused physically, psychologically or financially.
The Elder Justice Act would provide the resources needed to help those who now fight elder abuse with scarce resources and fragmented systems.
Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.
Anne Hinton, Executive Director of the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services, asks how can we support families going through tough times caused by elder abuse? She calls on Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.
Older Americans, especially the very old and vulnerable, should not have to live in fear of being abused physically, psychologically or financially.
The Elder Justice Act would provide the resources needed to help those who now fight elder abuse with scarce resources and fragmented systems.
Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.
San Francisco’s Andrea Glass says the Elder Justice Act is essential to make people more aware of elder abuse and to report it when they see it.
Elder abuse is a silent issue, robbing the nation’s elders of their dignity, their security and, in comes cases, costing them their lives.
The Elder Justice Act would fund a public awareness campaign around prevention and best practices targeting law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members.
Rowena Nadig of San Antonio, Texas tells how her sister was abused by her nephew. He stole her money, used her credit cards to run up $15,000 in charges and took her personal property.
In almost 90% of elder abuse and neglect incidents with a known perpetrator, the perpetrator is a family member. Two thirds are adult children or spouses.
The Elder Justice Act is needed to protect all older Americans and to prevent and prosecute elder abuse.
Carmel’s Pat Smith relates the story of her husband, who has Alzheimer’s, who was taken in by a young woman in Las Vegas. Her criminal behavior led to credit card charges of some $750,000 for the Smiths and an FBI investigation.
Elder abuse affects seniors across all socio-economic groups, but “older” seniors are more likely to be victimized.
Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.
The Elder Justice Act would provide the support for state and community efforts and the resources needed by those who work on the front lines preventing, fighting and prosecuting elder abuse.
Saratoga’s Bob Lee relates the story of his father, a World War II veteran, was abused by a caregiver who took away his dignity, stole his money and even contributed to his death. He calls on Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act.
Financial abuse alone costs the nation’s seniors some $2.6 billion a year.
The Elder Justice Act would educate law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members about elder financial abuse.
Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.
During a visit to the Stein Senior Center in New York City, Doris Hutchinson of the Bronx urges Congress and the President to fund more programs for the nation’s seniors.
Every day, millions of older Americans are beaten, ignored or financially exploited.
New York City’s Betty Beckles was physically abused by her daughter. She once volunteered for Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) and asks for his help in protecting seniors like her.
In almost 90% of elder abuse and neglect incidents with a known perpetrator, the perpetrator is a family member. Two thirds are adult children or spouses.
The Elder Justice Act is needed to protect all older Americans and to prevent and prosecute elder abuse.
Muriel Olivierre’s mother was abused. The New Yorker calls on Congress to help find ways to stop it and to take all the steps necessary to prevent elder abuse.
There are federal laws governing domestic violence and child abuse, but none related to elder abuse.
The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America.
Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.
During a visit to Stein Senior Center, Helen Murray urges Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act on behalf of those who are even older than she and those who will become elders in future!
The numbers of those elderly who are abused will only grow as the baby boomers age into their 60s.
The Elder Justice Act would share best practices, provide education, awareness and training, increase the ability to prosecute elder abuse and ensure that front line workers have the resources and information they need.
Cynthia, Vicki Bastion’s niece, describes how her aunt, in fear for her safety and to protect her belongings, put a metal security door on her bedroom. Vicki’s grandson, who lived with her, had invited gang members, drug pushers and prostitutes to live in her home.
Older Americans, especially the very old and vulnerable, should not have to live in fear of being abused physically, psychologically or financially.
The Elder Justice Act would provide the resources needed to help those who now fight elder abuse with scarce resources and fragmented systems.
Mary Joy Quinn says that most senior think abuse hasn’t really happened to them and often do not tell anyone about it. They need better education about how to recognize and deal with elder abuse.
Elder abuse is a silent issue, robbing the nation’s elders of their dignity, their security and, in comes cases, costing them their lives.
The Elder Justice Act would fund a public awareness campaign around prevention and best practices targeting law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members.
Senior fraud is all too common to Asst. District Attorney Joanne Woodruff of San Antonio, Texas. In Bexar County District alone, there are 150 active cases of elder abuse. Here she tells about a case involving a supposed friend of an elderly man. This ‘friend’ deceitfully gained the rights to access the gentleman’s bank accounts, took the victim’s money and refused his sister the opportunity to see him on his deathbed.
Elder financial abuse, while under-reported, accounts for an annual loss by victims of an estimated $2.6 billion.
It is time for Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act. Your help is needed.
Mary Roberts of Houston, Texas speaks on behalf of “the seniors that you have and the seniors that you will become,” asking Congress to “pass the Elder Justice Act because the quality of our life will be better and we will longer.”
Each year an estimated 5 million of America’s older adults are beaten, ignored or financially exploited.
It is time for Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act. Your help is needed.
This moving story is by a daughter, the youngest of five siblings, who was her mother’s caregiver and also in control of her finances. Her mother has Alzheimer’s. She began paying her own bills using her mother’s money. Ultimately, she was confronted by one of her sisters and relinquished control of her mother’s estate to a qualified financial manager. She has since made the transition from an abuser to an elder rights advocate.
In almost 90% of the elder abuse and neglect incidents with a known perpetrator, the perpetrator is a family member, and two-thirds of the perpetrators are adult children or spouses.
It is time for Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act. Your help is needed. Take action now!
Mark Hassell of Monterey, California tells the story of his grandmother, Lillian, who is a victim of financial abuse. She is 99 years old and has Alzheimer’s. A ‘friend’ from church offered to help when due to her declining health, Lillian fell behind on her bills. Months of forgery, loan schemes, and foreclosures ensued, leaving her almost penniless.
Elder financial abuse is regarded as the third most commonly substantiated type of elder abuse, following neglect and emotional/psychological abuse.
It is time for Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act. Your help is needed.
Jamie Ottesen of Windsor, California who tells how her mother received third degree burns while in a care home for seniors. Instead of seeking medical care, the staff threw her in a cold shower, contacting no one. According to Jamie, the woman who ran the home was never found guilty of a crime and continues to run the home.
A Congressional committee discovered that 30% of the nursing homes in the country were cited for almost 9,000 instances of abuse between 1999 and 2001.
The Elder Justice Act will create a national database of information to develop better knwolege of the problem.
It is time for Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act. Your help is needed.
Cindy Healy, of Monterey, California, is a CPA who serves as a trustee and guardian for many area elders. She works alongside Adult Protective Services and families to help prevent financial elder abuse fraud, detect it where it happens, and reconcile the damages. She asks members of Congress to act immediately on behalf of the nation’s elders who need help now but also for all of us that are seniors to come. As the number of elders increases, so does the problem.
Between 2000 and 2004, reports of elder and vulnerable abuse in this country increased 20%.
The Elder Justice Act will create a federal office of Adult Protective Services, allowing for better coordination and informaton sharing nationwide.
It is time for Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act. Your help is needed.
Sam Leichter is Program Coordinator for the Elder Financial Protection Network of San Francisco, California. Sam speaks everyday with victims of financial abuse and exploitation and here he underlines the importance of approving the Elder Justice Act.
It is time for Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act. Your help is needed.
This plea from Jaynry Mak Associate Director of the Elder Financial Protection Network in San Francisco, California, Jaynry asks Congress to act now in order to prevent more elders from suffering from financial exploitation and scams.
