Elder Justice Now!

Bob Patton Asks Rep. Richardson (D-CA) to Pass the Elder Justice Act

scott — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:26:05 +0000

Bob Patton, director of Business Development for the California Elder Law Center of Lakewood, CA tells a story that shows why it is so important that the nation address elder abuse. He calls on Rep. Laura Richardson (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.

Your support is needed. Get involved.

Take action now.

Our Elders Are Suffering in silence

scott — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:30:19 +0000

By Karol Markosky
HIV/AIDS Education Coordinator
Council of Senior Centers and Services of New York City, Inc

Seeing the pain in someone’s eyes as they talk about atrocities they suffered and committed often by someone they love – especially by a son or daughter – has been the hardest thing about filming video stories for the Elder Justice Now campaign.

Working on this campaign, while tearful at times, has opened my eyes even more in to the rich lives of our seniors. I have been moved by the women and the men that I interviewed and by all of the stories of abuse that usually go unheard.

The most surprising thing has been the strength and power of the elders who had experienced the pain caused by abuse. However, many were ready to speak out against elder abuse and they did!

America’s seniors are often cast aside by a society that values youth and disdains aging. The people we interviewed for this campaign were NOT your stereotypical “elderly” who are often characterzed as weak and feeble. Their strength astounds me.

In New York, we were able to film at a few local senior centers. We had a blast! They not only welcomed us with open arms and talked to us about their experiences, they also let us film them having fun. We saw seniors who were belly dancing. Others were ballroom dancing, playing card games and working on the computer. We had lunch with one of the first female cardiologists. We had an afternoon snack at an Alzheimer’s support group. We were serenaded by a gentleman who wanted to share songs from his past and engaged in stimulating conversation.

I feel blessed everyday to work with seniors that have shaped this world and paved the way for me to do what I do today. Because of this, I feel truly impassioned to help in the fight for the Elder Justice Act.

Houston’s Ellen MacDonald Tells Rep. Culberson We Need Elder Justice Act

Vcatena — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:40:49 +0000

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.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Kathleen Quinn of Fredericksburg Urges Congress to Pass Elder Justice Act

scott — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:34:25 +0000

Kathleen Quinn, who leads the National Adult Protective Services Association, tells how a family abused an elder and implores Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

San Francisco’s Marina Vertinski to Speaker Pelosi: Pass Elder Justice Act

scott — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:33:17 +0000

Marina Vertinski, a Russian-speaking social worker in San Francisco, wants the Elder Justice Act passed in order for seniors to live safely.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

Oakland’s Jason Adamek Urges Rep. Lee: Pass Elder Justice Act

Vcatena — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:49:35 +0000

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.

New York City’s Juan Diaz Tells How He Was Helped

Vcatena — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:45:47 +0000

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.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Michigan’s Priscilla Strakovits Says Elders Financial Abuse is Serious Problem

Vcatena — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:38:43 +0000

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.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

The Marczynski of Lansing Urge Rep. Camp’s Support of Elder Justice Act

Vcatena — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:10:50 +0000

Leo and Fern Marczynski of Lansing, MI tell of their exploitation by a broker. They call on Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI) 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.

Shawna Reeves of San Jose Shares Predatory Lending Story

Vcatena — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:32:40 +0000

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.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.