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Volume 11 Number 8 March 2009
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A Community College Tackles Elder Abuse
By Guest Contributors Lisa Nerenberg, M.S.W., M.P.H. and Robin Roth, M.S.
Institutions of higher education play a major role in elder abuse awareness, prevention, research, training, and intervention. In this article, guest contributors Lisa Nerenberg and Robin Roth report on the implementation of elder abuse curricula in an educational setting with the potential to make a tremendous front line impact: the local community college....
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An estimated 80 percent of California’s firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical technicians are trained at community colleges. The same is true for 70 percent of the state’s nurses. These facts suggest the enormous potential role that community colleges can play in educating front line health care providers about their role in identifying and preventing elder abuse.
For the last three years, under a grant from the Archstone Foundation,
City College of San Francisco (CCSF) has been exploring that potential.
CCSF is one of 110 community colleges in the state and 1166 nationwide.
Community colleges are two-year, post-secondary institutions that offer
certificate programs, associate of arts degree, associate of sciences degrees,
and many other credit and noncredit programs. Many colleges work closely with
their local communities to meet workforce shortages and make sure that they are
preparing students for the real world.
Development and Piloting the Course Material
In 2005, when the Archstone Foundation solicited proposals for its
Elder Abuse Initiative, a forward-thinking CCSF vice chancellor,
Robert Gabriner, and Tim Berthold, Chair of the Health Education
Department, brought together CCSF faculty and local professionals in the
fields of aging and elder abuse to explore whether CCSF students could
benefit from training in elder abuse. The answer was a resounding yes.
The Health Ed and its sister departments prepare students for careers as:
drug and alcohol counselors; community health workers; health care interpreters;
medical assistants; registered and licensed vocational nurses; emergency medical
technicians (EMTs); paramedics; firefighters; criminal justice personnel;
nutrition assistants; radiology and diagnostic medical imaging technicians;
dental assistants and hygienists; and others. These health care professionals are
uniquely positioned to work with vulnerable elders and to observe high risk situations,
untreated injuries, nutritional deficiencies, medication misuse or abuse, and
substandard living environments.
When the college was awarded the grant, we decided to develop our first training for
the paramedic program. To ensure that the training reflected real life situations,
we worked closely with faculty, students, and others currently working in the field.
Because many of the paramedic students were currently employed as EMTs, we learned
about the training needs of this group as well. We discovered, for example, that a
significant proportion of referrals to paramedics and EMTs came from “frequent flyers”
or repeat callers experiencing emergencies that might well have been prevented through
health, social, and protective services interventions; home safety checks; or the use of
assistive devices. Many of the students and working professionals had encountered abuse,
neglect, and self-neglect, but few had reported it.
Our informants also described obstacles to reporting, including the fact that many
EMTs work for companies that have contracts with the facilities in which abuse is
observed, creating conflicts of interest. Some were unaware of resources or felt that
little could be done; others were afraid of making matters worse by reporting; and
others were afraid of the legal ramifications for making reports that may not have been
substantiated. Some saw so many cases of neglect or self-neglect that they did not consider
it out of the ordinary, while others complained that they did not have time to explore
suspicions in their haste to address medical needs. We also spoke to prosecutors and
police who expressed frustration that emergency responders were not reporting criminal
abuse to law enforcement or recognizing or preserving crime scenes.
In response, we developed a seven-hour class, which we originally offered in a one-day session.
The session begins with an exercise to help students examine their feelings about older people
and dispel myths about aging. It highlights differences between “normal” aging and age-related
problems and disabilities that may contribute to risk or mask symptoms. Also included are
problem-solving exercises, drawn from actual cases, that challenge students to identify
indicators and determine when to report and to whom. In one segment, members of a panel
(an APS worker, a police officer, a prosecutor, and an Ombudsman) explain their roles and
describe actual elder abuse cases in which they have collaborated with paramedics or EMTs.
The district attorney, for example, describes a case that relied heavily on the testimony of an EMT.
The role of front line responders in preserving crime scenes is also examined.
The class was so well received it was subsequently approved as an ongoing course
(Health 9A: Elder Abuse Prevention), assuring that it would be offered as long as
there is adequate demand. However, because the requirements for the paramedic program are
fixed, the head of the program integrated the new content into existing classes rather than
requiring students to take the stand-alone class. Health 9A was subsequently modified to
eliminate content unique to paramedics and is now open to all students and the community.
Class enrollment has included a wide variety of people who are concerned about elder abuse
and want to learn more, including neighbors and family members, social service agency
representatives, counselors, and fellow faculty in other CCSF programs, several of whom
want to integrate the class or content into their respective programs. These include
faculty in the Trauma Prevention & Recovery and the Sexual Health Educator certificate programs.
Extending the “reach” of the class and ensuring that Health 9A and the additional
content developed for paramedics continues to be taught after the completion of the
grant were primary goals. Toward these ends, we began experimenting with online content
that can be used from one semester to another and by other educational institutions. We
used Moodle, an online Learning Management System, to create the online components,
which include reading assignments, forums, video clips, and interactive exercises. To
date, Health 9A has been taught twice as a “computer enhanced class” (in-class activities
supplemented by online homework), and a fully online course has been developed and is
being piloted this semester. Although we were concerned that in transferring the
course from the classroom into the online format we would lose the spontaneity and
synergy that face-to face “real time” exchange permits, we discovered that the
online components offered a variety of benefits. The forums, for example,
generated thoughtful, candid responses about a wide range of topics and drew in
several students who were reticent to participate in classroom discussions.
We also experimented with the timing and sequencing of the class, offering it
once as two four-hour sessions and again as four two-hour sessions.
We are currently in the process of surveying other community colleges
across the state about their interest in offering Health 9A, parts of the
course, or the discipline-specific components for paramedics and EMTs. Assuming that
there is interest, we will begin exploring approaches to opening enrollment to other schools, or
making the content available to other colleges to adapt to their existing classes or programs.
Expanding the Approach: Training for Health Care Interpreters and Others
The next target program was Health Care Interpreters (HCIs). HCIs facilitate linguistic and cultural
communication between patients and their health care providers (under the Civil Rights Act of 1965,
federally funded hospitals and clinics are required to provide limited English proficiency patients
with trained interpreters). HCIs further serve as patient advocates and “cultural brokers,”
interpreting cultural cues to health care providers.
Using the approach we had tried with paramedics, we spoke to faculty, students, and working professionals to
gain a clearer understanding of HCI’s potential role in abuse prevention. Although HCIs in California
are not required to report when working with mandated healthcare providers, they are likely to observe
culturally nuanced indicators that health providers may not. With the help of the head of the HCI program
and an experienced HCI trainer, we developed a three-hour training that featured three role-playing
exercises depicting common situations. In one scenario, a patient asks the interpreter not to disclose
abuse to the provider; the goal of the exercise is to explore techniques for encouraging the patient
to tell the provider about the abuse. The HCI department is currently designing a written curriculum
incorporating elder abuse material that will be available to community colleges throughout the state offering these programs.
In total, 185 CCSF students have participated in the pilot trainings of Health 9A and the courses
for paramedics and health care interpreters. In the coming months, we will be developing content for
Community Health Workers (CHWs). CHWs provide health education, information and referrals, outreach,
and client advocacy in clinic and community settings. CCSF’s award-winning CHW certificate program
prepares students to work in underserved and/or linguistically isolated communities.
Conclusion
To a great extent, the field of elder abuse prevention has taken "a one size fits all"
approach to training. CCSF’s training project has provided a unique opportunity to engage in a
focused approach to training front line health personnel. The project has yielded information,
materials, and techniques that reflect accepted principles of adult learning, distance learning,
and culturally competent education.
Community colleges provide unparalleled opportunities for reaching a wide range of professionals
and paraprofessionals who have not traditionally received training in elder abuse prevention.
They also provide a wealth of resources. In our case, CCSF’s Office of Technology-Mediated
Instruction assisted with all online classes, and an instructor in the Graphic Communications
department enlisted the help of an advanced class to develop a logo, media kit, ads, and other
materials to promote the project. One class also created posters for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
(For more information, Click Here.)
The field of elder abuse prevention also stands to benefit from the participation of community colleges.
CCSF students brought fresh ideas, insights, and enthusiasm to the class that reflected their diverse
backgrounds and experiences. For example, students engaged in a rich exchange of ideas about how
caregiver abuse and neglect may arise as a result of poor communication within families, which often
results from unspoken cultural expectations. They cited examples of family members becoming caregivers
during times of crisis or without recognizing that the need for care would be ongoing.
These observations perhaps suggest the need for facilitated discussions and negotiation
within families to ensure that caregivers have the preparation and support they need. Students also
discussed obstacles to reporting ranging from immigrants’ fears of jeopardizing their own or family members’
immigration status, to institutional racism, to annoyance at having to submit both telephone and written
reports. Despite these barriers, there was general agreement about the importance of reporting.
Several students identified unmet needs. These include improved access to protective services by people with hearing
impairments, such as training for sign language interpreters in how to conduct abuse assessments. Students also
described how they planned to use their new knowledge. One felt the information would be valuable as she pursued
her goal of becoming a private fiduciary and another planned to use it in promoting the Paid Family Leave law,
which provides support to Californian workers who are caring for seriously ill family members.
It is estimated that one out of seven San Franciscans take a class at CCSF at some point and the Class Schedule is
sent to every household and library in the city. From now on, they will see a course in Elder Abuse Prevention
among the offerings. We believe that its presence highlights the importance of elder abuse training for aspiring
front line health workers and conveys CCSF’s firm commitment to assuring that its students play an important role
in protecting elders.
Figure 1: Image of the project logo - a triangle composed of gold and red rays
above the words "Elder Abuse Alert - Recognize it. Report it."
Lisa Nerenberg, M.S.W., M.P.H., has been an instructor at City College of San Francisco since 2007 and has been
actively involved in the field of elder abuse prevention for over 25 years. She has presented at hundreds of
professional forums, testified before Congressional committees, served on governmental advisory committees,
and provided training and technical assistance to state and local programs. She has authored numerous articles,
chapters and publications, including
Elder Abuse Prevention: Emerging Trends and Promising Strategies
(Springer, 2008). Her blog,
Prevent Elder Abuse, addresses leading edge issues in the field. For more information, Click Here.
Robin Roth, M.S., is a Health Educator and tenured faculty member at City College of San Francisco in the Health Education Department. She directs the Archstone Foundation funded Elder Abuse Alert project developing curricula to increase detection and reporting of elder abuse by front line allied health personnel. Ms. Roth teaches CCSF’s introduction to gerontology course, Health and Aging, as well as Women’s Health Issues and Hepatitis ABCs. Ms. Roth is the coauthor of the CD and book Self-Care for Hepatitis C ~ Applied Meditation for a Healthy Liver.
Click Here for more information on the City College of San Francisco.
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is Approaching – What is Your Community Doing?
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an annual opportunity to plan community events throughout the country – and around the globe – to raise public awareness. The NCEA invites you to share your ideas to make this year’s commemoration the most significant yet.... <<Read More>> |
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June 15th, 2009, is the fourth annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) intended to foster global recognition of elder abuse and neglect. The NCEA would like to hear about your public awareness activities planned to commemorate WEAAD. In hopes of supporting this day, we encourage you to email
us with your plans for the event, as well as any public awareness materials you have created in connection with the event.
This year presents an even greater opportunity for shining a light on the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older individuals. In the weeks preceding WEAAD, as reported in last month’s E-News, the NCEA will be airing an elder abuse awareness announcement in movie theaters throughout the U.S. With Older Americans’ Month commemoration in May, and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) hosting official
World Day events in Paris, France on July 5th, 2009 in conjunction with the International Association of Gerontology & Geriatrics Conference, there will be a ten week window in which to mount local, state, regional, and national activities.
In future issues of the E-News, we will be profiling the efforts of organizations to commemorate this day. We look forward to sharing your submissions, and hope that they will inspire others to plan activities to raise awareness about of elder abuse and neglect.
To submit your community activities and ideas,
Click Here.
To read about 2008 WEAAD activities from around the globe,
Click Here.
To access INPEA’s WEAAD tool kit, press release, flyer, and other materials,
Click Here.
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NCEA Webcasts Now Archived:
In an effort to promote evidence- and outcomes-based practices in elder abuse prevention and response, the NCEA has recently presented and archived several webcasts on aspects of this topic.... <<Read More>> |
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- Exploring Evidence-Based Practices in Elder Abuse
This webcast examines evidence-based practice as it applies to elder abuse. The presentation focuses on research and practice literature, current projects utilizing evidence based strategies, and future directions. Presenters include: Pamela Teaster, Ph.D., Professor, the University of Kentucky and President, the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA, an NCEA grantee); Carrie F. Mulford, Ph.D. and Catherine McNamee, MS. of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the research arm of the U.S. Department of Justice. Both Dr. Mulford and Ms. McNamee oversee many significant NIJ elder abuse research initiatives.
To access the archive of this presentation,
Click Here.
To review the questions and answers to this presentation, visit the
NCEA Webcast Archive page.
- A Primer on Evaluating Field Programs and Projects
This webcast presents an introduction to outcomes-based program evaluation, including: program design incorporating outcomes measures; planning an evaluation strategy; writing outcomes-based objectives; and developing simple measurement methods. The webcast features Karen Stein, Ph.D., Director of the Clearinghouse on Abuse and Neglect of the Elderly (CANE, an NCEA grantee), Associate Professor at the University of Delaware, Faculty Director of the Office of Educational Assessment, and author of "A Primer on Outcomes-Based Evaluation for Elder Abuse Projects, Programs, and Training."
To access the archive of this presentation,
Click Here.
For access other archived presentations,
Click Here.
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Online Resources: |
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- American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Law and Aging Webcast Archive:
Why States Should Enact the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act. <<Read More>>
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The American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Law and Aging recently presented a one-hour webcast on the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (UAGPPJA or Act). The free webcast, now archived, addresses the need for uniform guardianship law, describes how the Act addresses key barriers to interstate guardianship law, and discusses the Act’s potential to reduce elder abuse. In 2007, “…the Uniform Law Commission (ULC) approved the UAGPPJA to clarify jurisdiction and provide a procedural roadmap for addressing multi-state dilemmas….”
The webcast featured Professor David English, ULC reporter for the UAGPPJA; Eric Fish, Legislative Counsel, ULC; Lori Stiegel, Senior Attorney and Erica Wood, Assistant Director of the ABA Commission on Law and Aging. It is intended for attorneys, judges, guardianship practitioners, aging network professionals, and others.
In addition to the webcast, Ms. Stiegel and Ms. Wood has also written the following article, also online, to illustrate the ways in which the Act serves as a tool for elder abuse prevention:
“Nine Ways to Reduce Elder Abuse Through Enactment of the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act.”
For more information on accessing the webcast,
Click Here.
To download the webcast slides,
Click Here.
To download the article, Click Here.
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- Older Adults and Alcohol: You Can Get Help
A new publication from the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism is now available. <<Read More>>
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The National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism (NIAA) recently published a booklet on the topic of alcohol abuse in later life for older adults, their friends and families, and caregivers. The booklet, available online, provides an overview of the impact of alcohol use on aging processes, medications, and health conditions. Using a question and answer format, it allows elders to evaluate their drinking habits and identify areas of potential concern. In addition, it outlines supports and resources available to older individuals and their loved ones.
To download this booklet:
Click Here.
For more information:
Click Here or call the NIA Information Center toll-free at 1-800-222-2225.
To order in bulk:
Click Here.
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Funding Opportunities:
The Borchard Foundation, National Institute of Justice (NIJ), Office of Victims of Crime (OVC), and others recently announced scholarship and grant opportunities. Learn more about these and other open funding opportunities.... <<Read More>> |
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Borchard Foundation 2009-2010 Fellowship In Law and Aging
The Borchard Fellowship in Law & Aging affords one year for two law school graduates interested in, and perhaps already in the early stages of pursuing, an academic and/or professional career in law and aging, the opportunity to pursue their research and professional interests.
The fellowship is $40,000 and intended as a full-time position only. Fellows must be either U.S. citizens or legal residents of the U.S. The period runs from July 1st to June 30th each year, or for the calendar year beginning the month after completion of a state bar examination. Details on the fellowship requirements, application process, and application forms are available from the Borchard Foundation website.
Examples of activities and projects by recent Borchard Fellows include:
- Writing and publication of law review articles and/or state-specific consumer oriented materials on law and aging issues;
- Development of a non-profit senior law resource center providing direct legal services and public education;
- Development of an interdisciplinary elder law clinical program at a major public university law school;
- Development of a mediation component for a legal services program elder law hotline;
- Development of an interdisciplinary project for graduate students in law, medicine, and health advocacy to foster understanding and collaboration between professions;
- Providing supervised pro bono legal representation of older clients;
- Analysis of Medicare policies
Completed applications (including the application form, an explanation of the applicant’s planned activities and projects, a current curriculum vitae, a law school transcript, and requisite letters of support) should be mailed to:
The Borchard Foundation Center on Law & Aging
Mary Jane Ciccarello, Assistant Director
335 4th Avenue
Salt Lake City, Utah 84103
- Application deadline: Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2009; selections will be made by June 1, 2009
- For more information: contact Mary Jane Ciccarello 801-598-5810 or by email at: mjcr@xmission.com
Research and Evaluation on the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of Elderly
Individuals and Residents of Residential Care Facilities
As quoted from the web site, the National Institute of Justice “is soliciting proposals for Research and Evaluation on the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of Elderly Individuals and Residents of Residential Care Facilities. Applicants should base their study on individuals older than 60. Proposed evaluations that include measurements of program fidelity and implementation, those with multiple units of analysis and multiple measurements, and those that include cost-benefit analysis will be given priority….” Identified priority areas include the identification of forensic markers of abuse; the use of medication as a form of elder abuse; evaluation of programs addressing elder abuse; examination of risk and protective factors; and the study of typologies of abusers and abusive situations.
- Application deadline: April 10, 2009
- For more information:
Click Here.>
Helping Outreach Programs to Expand Grants
Helping Outreach Programs to Expand awards grants to improve outreach to, and services for, crime victims. Grassroots, nonprofit, community-based, and faith-based victim services organizations are among those eligible to apply.
- Application deadline: Open, dependent upon available funding.
- For more information: Click Here.
State Victim Assistance Academy Grants
As quoted from the web site, the Office of Victims of Crime “is accepting applications for State Victim Assistance Academy (SVAA) grants to develop SVAAs in states where one does not exist. Up to six first-year awards of $35,000 are available for this 3-year project. This initiative focuses on developing comprehensive, academically based education and training for victim assistance professionals who work with crime victims….”
- Application deadline: April 1, 2009
- For more information:
Click Here.
Crime and Justice Research
As quoted from the web site, the National Institute of Justice “is seeking applicants for its Crime and Justice Research solicitation. This grant provides funding for social and behavioral research on, and evaluations related to, crime and justice topics relevant to state and/or local criminal and juvenile justice policy and practice….” Predicting Crime, Emerging Crime, and Improving the Criminal Justice System: Prosecution and Defense are three of the priority research topics identified for FY 2009.
- Application deadline (extended): April 9, 2009
- For more information:
Click Here.
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News Alert:
In February, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Elder Abuse Victims Act. <<Read More>> |
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In February, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Elder Abuse Victims Act (H.R.448) by a vote of 397-25. The bill was introduced into Congress by Representative Joe Sestack of Pennsylvania (Democrat, 7th district) and co-sponsored by five other representatives. On February 12, 2009, it was referred to the Senate, read twice, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. The bill is intended to: “protect seniors in the United States from elder abuse by establishing specialized elder abuse prosecution and research programs and activities to aid victims of elder abuse, to provide training to prosecutors and other law enforcement related to elder abuse prevention and protection, to establish programs that provide for emergency crisis response teams to combat elder abuse, and for other purposes….”
The NCEA-E News tracks federal legislation likely to impact the well-being of older Americans in quarterly updates. The next Federal Legislative Update will be included in the May E-News.
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Elder Abuse Research and Literature
The Clearinghouse on Abuse and Neglect of the Elderly (CANE, an NCEA grantee) maintains an annotated catalog of peer-reviewed literature on elder mistreatment and related issues. Read the highlights of seven (7) recently identified publications. <<Read More>> |
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Recognition and Perception of Elder Abuse by Prehospital and Hospital-Based Care Providers
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
Vol. 48 (1), 110-115; January-February 2009.
This research examines the perceptions of elder abuse and neglect held by prehospital care providers (PCPs), such as paramedics, and hospital care providers (HCPs), such as MDs and RNs. Four-hundred PCPs and HCPs practicing in Maryland were surveyed. Among the results presented, 76 percent categorized elder abuse and neglect as a medical problem, while 20.3 percent indicated it was a social problem. When asked about mandatory reporter protections against lawsuits, 85.8 percent of the care providers understood that they are given protections in addition to being obligated to report abuse. Although 95 percent of those surveyed indicated that elder abuse is a common problem, only 38 percent had acknowledged working with known cases in the past year. Finally, a call is made for a training regimen for PCPs and HCPs to help improve elder abuse recognition and response.
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A Path Analysis on Elder Abuse by Family Caregivers: Applying the ABCX Model
Journal of Family Violence
Vol. 24 (1), 1-9; January 2009.
As most researchers believe there is no single explanation for elder abuse, this article describes research evaluating an “integrated conceptual model with combined risk factors” (Hill’s ABCX model) to consider the relationship between caregiving stressors, protective factors, perceived caregiver burden, and the impulse to commit elder abuse. In this model, elder physical and emotional abuse, as well as neglect by family caregivers, is the result of an intertwining of risk and protective factors which result in a particular outcome. The "A" represents stressors (such as physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, and problematic behaviors) while "B" represents protective factors, such as good monetary resources and social support. "C" represents the burden of the stressful event as subjectively understood by the caregiver. "X" stands for the outcome of these interactions, in this application, the impulse to commit abuse (or not to commit abuse). The sample, drawn from two areas in South Korea, included 279 family members providing care for an average of 8.2 hours daily. Path analysis of the data showed that stressors were positively associated with perception of caregiver burden, and protective factors were negatively associated with caregiver burden. Stressors and protective factors did not directly affect the impulse to commit abuse, but only indirectly through perceived caregiver burden. Caregiver burden was positively associated with the impulse to commit elder abuse. (South Korea)
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Screening for Mistreatment of Older Adults
American Journal of Nursing
Vol. 108 (12), 52-59; December 2008.
This article discusses the use of the Elder Assessment Instrument (EAI) in the screening of elderly individuals for abuse. The EAI is a tool with 41 entries using indicators such as hygiene, condition of clothing, skin condition, as well as other psychological, physical, and monetary signs of abuse. A case study of alleged elder abuse is presented in order to demonstrate how the EAI is used. Barriers to accurate use, such as cognitive disability of the patient and cultural differences regarding the treatment of elders are considered. In addition, there is a section on how to approach the patient and family with the findings of the EAI in order to provide better care for the elderly individual. Finally, the development and evolution of the EAI are discussed, as are the results of the trials assessing its validity. A sample copy of the EAI is included at the end of the article.
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Best Practices for Working with Rape Crisis Centers to Address Elder Sexual Abuse
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect
Vol. 20 (4), 306-322; 2008.
This article describes the history of rape crisis centers and the ways in which collaboration with aging services agencies can improve the provision of services for elderly rape victims. The origin of the rape crisis center is presented, as well as reasons why it historically has primarily served only one segment of the sexually abused population. Recent efforts to broaden the population served are highlighted. The services provided by rape crisis centers are outlined, such as empowerment counseling, advocacy, educational programs, and interdisciplinary response teams are discussed. Some myths about sexual assault are considered along with other barriers that may prohibit physical and mentally disabled elders from accessing services (such as an element of the empowerment counseling model which requires victims to actively engage the center). Finally, interdisciplinary collaboration is advocated through the use of methods such as "train the trainer" initiatives whereby rape crisis and aging services workers educate each other. The inclusion of Adult Protective Services in response teams is also advocated. Finally, a case study illustrates the multidisciplinary approach to elder sexual abuse employed by "The Pennsylvania Elder Sexual Abuse Project."
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- Burgess, A.,
Ramsey-Klawsnik, H.
& Gregorian, S.
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Comparing Routes of Reporting in Elder Sexual Abuse Cases
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect
Vol. 20 (4), 336-352; 2008.
This research article describes the collection of elder sexual abuse case information in order to better understand when the criminal justice system (CJS) and Adult Protective Services (APS) reporting routes are utilized. In addition, elder sexual abuse victim and perpetrator profiles are discussed, as are the forensic characteristics and types of abuse. The design of the research involved studying 284 cases of alleged elder sexual abuse Throughout the U.S. There was no major difference in the age and gender of those who reported to Adult Protective Services or the criminal justice system. Among the APS cases, 70.5 percent involved victims with cognitive disabilities, compared to only 43 percent of the CJS cases. APS cases also tended to involve older alleged perpetrators than CJS cases. Abuse victims in CJS cases received more physical examinations than those in APS cases, 73.2 percent compared to 18 percent. Other differences regarding prosecution, place of abuse, and more, are noted.
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Long-Term Care Administrators' Perceptions of the Ombudsman Program in the State of Missouri
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect
Vol. 21 (1), 74-82; 2009.
This research examines the views of long-term care administrators in Missouri on the role and effectiveness of the ombudsman program. The purpose and history of the long-term care ombudsman program is discussed. To understand the views of administrators regarding the program, a sample of 340 administrators of various types of care facilities were presented with 30 multiple choice questions in this telephone interview. Results demonstrated that 96 percent of the respondents knew of the existence of the ombudsman program, although just 52 percent responded that they housed an ombudsman in their facility. In addition, 96 percent of respondents utilizing ombudsman said that the ombudsman visits their facility 10 times per month or less. Eighty-eight percent were happy with the training their ombudsman received. The views the administrators held about the role an ombudsman should play were in line with that of the ombudsman mission, except that it was commonly believed that an ombudsman should also be a companion to residents, a role that is not part of their mission. Finally, 92 percent of respondents utilizing an ombudsman believed that the ombudsman provided a good service to their facility residents. The shortage of ombudsmen is discussed, as are recruiting strategies, and the need for more research to determine the efficacy of the program.
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Governmental Efforts to Improve Quality of Care for Nursing Home Residents and to Protect Them from Mistreatment: A Survey of Federal and State Laws
Research in Gerontological Nursing
Vol. 1 (4), 264-284; October 2008.
This research examines the roles of various federal and state laws in preventing abuse in nursing homes, including: state licensing; Medicare/Medicaid certification; elder abuse laws; fraud laws; and long-term care ombudsman laws. State licensing laws, which detail the necessary steps for legal operation in a state, are discussed, as well as Medicare/Medicaid laws which mandate certain performance requirements for nursing homes to receive money from the Medicare and Medicaid programs, such as quality of care, staffing, and inspection requirements. Elder abuse laws, dealing with increased penalties for crimes against elders are discussed, as well as fraud prevention measures such as the state Medicaid Fraud Control Units. In addition, there is a review of literature on the efficacy of these laws which raises concerns about patient-staff ratios, as well as monitoring and enforcement. It is concluded that there have been many improvements in nursing home regulation, but there are still problems that need to be addressed.
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Special thanks to Dave Wihry of the Center for Community Research and Service at the University of Delaware for providing this update.
To search for additional literature on elder abuse and related topics visit the CANE online.
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Editorial Note
Elder Abuse Research and Literature, State News, and the Federal Legislative Update are quarterly postings. On schedule for upcoming e-News.... <<Read More>> |
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- April 2009 – State News
- May 2009 – Federal Legislative Update
- June 2009 – Elder Abuse Research and Literature
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Calendar of Events
A sampling of conferences, trainings, and events of interest to professionals working in the field of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including the Call for Submissions for the New York City Elder Abuse Conference.... <<Read More>> |
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Call for Submissions: New York City Elder Abuse Conference
The 4th Annual New York City Elder Abuse conference, entitled “Safety in a Storm: Identification and Prevention of Elder Abuse” will be held on June 2, 2009.
This conference is intended to increase the visibility of elder abuse and promote health and wellness-focused prevention and intervention strategies in the context of the current, difficult economic climate.
Proposals for presentations are now being accepted on the identification and prevention of elder abuse in the community, with a special emphasis on interventions to achieve and maintain health and wellness. Submissions are welcomed from, but not limited to, the following fields: Social Work, Psychology and Psychiatry, Law, Finance, Medicine, Religion/Spirituality, Policy, Education, Research and Media. Each presentation is 90 minutes in length, though some may be grouped to create a panel discussion.
The Conference will be held at The New School Institute for Retired Professionals, 12 West 66th Street, New York, NY 10011. It is sponsored by: JASA; The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at The Hebrew Home at Riverdale; New York City Department for the Aging; Carter Burden Center for the Aging; The New York City Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services; The New School Institute for Retired Professionals; and Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service.
To submit a proposal, email a 300 word abstract and 3 learning objectives for your proposed session along with a 100 word presenter biography.
- Submission deadline: March 9, 2009.
- To submit a proposal: Click Here.
Special thanks to Mara Schecter for submitting this information.
March 15-19
American Society on Aging and National Council on Aging: 2009 Aging in America Conference
• Special Session March 17, 2009: Elder Abuse and Neglect: Advancing the Field
Paris Hotel
Las Vegas, NV
Website: Click Here
March 23 - 24, 2009
24th Annual Ohio Coalition for Adult Protective Services Conference: New Perspectives: Elder Abuse in a Changing World
Renaissance Hotel
Columbus, Ohio
Website: Click Here
April 24-25, 2009
Academy on Violence and Abuse 2009 Scientific Conference: Sowing Seeds of Academic Change, Nurturing New Paradigms
Holiday Inn Select & Suites Minneapolis International Airport-Mall of America
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Website: Click Here
June 2, 2009
Fourth Annual New York City Elder Abuse Conference
Safety in a Storm: Identification and Prevention of Elder Abuse
The New School Institute for Retired Professionals, 12 West 66th Street,
New York, New York
Email: Click Here
September 21 - 26, 2009
Institute on Violence, Abuse & Trauma: 14th International Conference on Violence, Abuse, and Trauma
Town and Country Resort and Convention Center
San Diego, California
Email: Click Here
Website: Click Here
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Credits and Contact Information
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Contact Us:
National Center on Elder Abuse
c/o Center for Community Research and Services
University of Delaware
297 Graham Hall
Newark, DE 19716
Website: www.ncea.aoa.gov
Email: ncea-info@aoa.hhs.gov
Telephone: 302-831-3525
National Center on Elder Abuse Grantees:
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Federal Disclaimer
The National Center on Elder Abuse E-News is published monthly by the Clearinghouse on Abuse and Neglect of the Elderly (CANE) of the University of Delaware, and edited by Sharon Merriman-Nai. The National Center on Elder Abuse newsletter is supported in part by a grant (Number 90AM3146) from the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Therefore, points of view or opinions do not necessarily represent official Administration on Aging policy. |
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