California Elder Law Attorney Blog

The chairman of a state House committee Tuesday called the results of inspections in two state-run nursing homes for veterans "shocking, unsettling and inexcusable."

"The scenarios mentioned in the report would be horrendous at any nursing home or long-term care facility, but the fact that they occurred at state-run veterans homes -- that our veterans suffered these abuses -- is particularly troubling," said Rep. Anthony J. Melio, chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

Melio, a Bucks County Democrat, responded to a Tribune-Review story detailing state Health Department inspections that uncovered serious deficiencies at facilities in Scranton and Hollidaysburg. The department placed the Hollidaysburg home's license on probationary status for five months last year.

An inspection report on the Hollidaysburg home described a veteran kicking and screaming while four staffers held him down for routine treatment. Inspectors cited the Scranton home for a scabies outbreak and lack of preventative care for serious bed sores.

The facilities are part of a statewide, 1,632-bed system the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs runs. Agency officials said deficiencies cited in the reports were corrected and the homes are fully licensed. The department's other homes are in Pittsburgh, Erie and the Philadelphia region.

"We've taken note of each of the findings and taken steps to correct them," department spokeswoman Joan Nissley said. "We take a proactive approach and strive to provide the best care to veterans."

Melio said a "heightened level of monitoring" would be needed "to prevent this terrible treatment from occurring again."

Frank Mills of Huntingdon, statewide commander of the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars, said concerns about care in the veterans homes would be the subject of upcoming meetings of Pennsylvania War Veterans Council and the State Veterans Commission.

"Our veterans might have seen or heard stories of soldiers lying on the battlefield, facing bad medical conditions, but they should not have to worry about disturbing and preventable treatment problems in our state veterans homes where they receive daily care," Mills said.

He said "budget cuts, bad implementation of proper policies and substandard staff performances that may cause our veterans to suffer cannot be tolerated."

State Sen. Kim Ward, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, said agency officials this week assured her deficiencies were corrected. The Hempfield Republican said it is "vital that inspectors and administrators remain vigilant" and said she plans to tour the facilities in coming weeks.

Contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1.866.999.9085 to talk to an experienced California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney and visit us on-line at www.premierlegal.org.

In New Jersey, if you are a firefighter, an EMT, a nurse, an optician, a podiatrist, a dentist, or any licensed health professional, you are now required to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of persons over age 18 years to Adult Protective Services.

Every county in New Jersey has an agency that receives these reports and investigates.

Often times, these reports require many visits to determine the facts and to address the needs of the victims.

This law now identifies new legal responsibilities for first responders and health care professionals. More than 18 different health care professions are now required by this law to report abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. These groups included acupuncturists, chiropractors, social workers, occupational therapists, audiology and speech therapists, to name just a few.

Grace Egan, the executive director of the NJ Foundation for Aging noted, "This law creates a new focus on the silent victimization of vulnerable adults. Now, professionals who work with seniors are required to report which is the first step to ending this cycle of violence. National statistics indicate that only 1 in 20 incidences of abuse or neglect is reported. While this law does not go far enough to provide financial support for more needed services, it does create a legal requirement for professionals to report."

This law requires reporting of abuse against a vulnerable person who is living in the community. A "vulnerable adult means a person 18 years of age or older who resides in a community setting and who, because of a physical or mental illness, disability or deficiency, lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make, communicate, or carry out decisions concerning his [or her] well-being and is the subject of abuse, neglect or exploitation." .

Reports of abuse against institutionalized persons are investigated by the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly. This office investigates and responds to complaints of abuse, neglect and exploitation of individuals 60 years of age and older who reside in licensed facilities within the State, both public and private.

Continue reading "New Jersey Law Now Requires Mandatory Reporting of Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation" »

Self-Help for the Elderly and the Congress of California Seniors announced Tuesday (Dec. 8) that they have received $150,000 from the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, to continue an elder-abuse awareness program for senior citizens in Santa Clara and Ventura counties.

Including this contribution, Verizon has awarded a total of $300,000 to the organizations for the Commitment to End Abuse of Seniors and Elders program (CEASE).

Through the program, Self-Help for the Elderly and the Congress of California Seniors have partnered with local senior service providers and domestic violence prevention groups to implement an education and outreach campaign, publish multilingual education materials, and direct information about local resources available to victims and family members.

"Our seniors are very vulnerable and we must make every effort to protect them," said Anni Chung, president and CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly. "I look forward to working with the Congress of California Seniors and Verizon to educate the public and families about the effects and consequences of elder abuse."

Hank Lacayo, president of the Congress of California Seniors, said, "In recent years, financial abuse, physical assault and family-related violence have increased while public resources to identify abuse and to protect victims have been cut back, creating a budget crisis for agencies fighting abuse. The continued funding from Verizon will help us prevent ongoing abuse and raise awareness of this critical issue through advocacy, education, training, public awareness and coordination of services."

State Sen. Leland Yee said, "While our resources are shrinking, the need for these types of programs is growing. As a result, this help is more important than ever. It is these community partnerships that are truly making a difference."

Every year, nearly a quarter of a million Californians are victims of elder abuse and dependent adult abuse. It is estimated that one of every 20 California elders is a victim of neglect or physical, psychological or financial abuse, according to the California Department of Justice, yet only one in five of these cases is reported.

Raising awareness of domestic violence and aiding in its prevention is a key social issue for the Verizon Foundation.

"Our senior citizen population is among the most vulnerable when it comes to the issue of abuse," said Elva Lima, Verizon vice president, strategic programs. "This partnership allows Verizon to continue to use our resources to support an organization that has a proven record of creating positive change in the lives of our seniors."

About Self-Help for the Elderly
Originally created as a "War On Poverty" program, Self-Help for the Elderly began serving seniors in San Francisco's Chinatown community in 1966. It provided social services and hot meals to low-income and isolated elderly. Today, Self-Help for the Elderly serves over 25,000 seniors each year in San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Alameda counties. It is a multi-service organization providing programs along a wellness continuum ranging from employment/training and social activities for those who are more independent to in-home assistance and residential board and care to those who are frailer.

About Congress of California Seniors
The Congress of California Seniors (CCS), founded in 1977, is a statewide nonprofit advocacy organization and is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(4) California corporation. Our board of directors is comprised of senior leaders and advocates from among the Congress of California Seniors' 105 affiliated organizations. The organization is funded through membership dues, contributions from affiliated organizations, individual donations and corporations.

Continue reading "Verizon Sponsors Elder Abuse Awareness Programs" »

The California State Senate has approved Assembly Bill 392 (Feuer) with strong bipartisan support on a vote of 33-3. AB 392 would immediately provide $1.6 million for local Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs over the next year, ensuring protection from abuse and neglect for California´s vulnerable and elderly residents of nursing care and assisted living facilities.

"We need to take every step we can to protect seniors who may be at serious risk of abuse or exploitation," said Assembly member Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles). "The funds provided to Ombudsman programs in AB 392 fill this important need during the next year. Isolated and vulnerable residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities have nowhere else to turn, and their lives depend upon these programs being restored immediately."

Last year, Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed $3.8 million in funding for local Ombudsman programs, representing about half their funding. As a result of the cuts, the programs have been forced to lay off staff and drastically reduce services, compromising their abilities to investigate complaints and monitor facilities. Since these cuts have taken effect, residents have suffered the dire consequences of unchecked poor treatment.

In late June 2009, a Northern California facility owner and one care giver were arrested on suspicion of criminal abuse and neglect of a resident whose untreated pressure sores were so severe that they resulted in fatal sepsis. After the arrest, the two suspects posted bail and continued to collect payment to provide care for the six other facility residents. Unfortunately, without the funds provided by AB 392, the local Ombudsman cannot investigate how well the remaining patients are being cared for.

Local Ombudsman programs conduct frequent unannounced monitor visits to facilities, and they provide timely response to reports of suspected abuse and neglect. They investigate thousands of abuse cases each year. Without the scrutiny of the Ombudsman programs, the facilities are reviewed just once a year (or less) by government agency inspectors. Because no other program duplicates this critical advocacy service, the passage of AB 392 is especially important for residents´ quality of life and quality of care.
Contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1-866-999-9085 to talk to an experienced elder abuse and neglect attorney.

A live-in caregiver arrested in connection with the heat-related death of a 90-year-old man and the hospitalization of his wife in eastern Contra Costa County has been released, authorities said today.

Laarni Dime, 57, was arrested on suspicion of elder abuse after she failed to turn on the air conditioner in the Discovery Bay home of George Brim.

Brim was found dead in his bedroom and his 85-year-old wife was suffering from heat-related injuries at about 11:15 p.m. on Saturday July 18, 2009, Lee said. The high in Discovery Bay that day topped 100 degrees.

Dime was released late Monday while the investigation continues.

Should you ever suspect the elder abuse and neglect of a loved one, immediately contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1-866-999-9085 to talk to an experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorney.

Physical, mental and sexual abuse are certainly forms of abuse encountered by nursing home residents across the country. Remember, you know your loved one better than anyone else. If you suspect mistreatment or elder abuse immediately report the situation to local police and/or ombudsmen. The reality is that most episodes of elder abuse go unreported.

The following situations certainly warrant further investigation:

Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, sprains, or fractures. Bed sores. Frozen joints. Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections, vaginal or anal bleeding. Bloody clothing. Sudden changes in behavior. Staff refusing to allow visitors to see resident or delays in allowing visitors to see resident. Staff not allowing resident to be alone with visitor. Resident being kept in an over-medicated state. Loss of resident's possessions.
Sudden large withdrawals from bank accounts or changes in banking practices.
Sudden loss of appetite.

Q. Are bedsores an unavoidable part of living in a nursing home?

A. No! Bedsores, also called pressure sores or decubitus ulcers, are preventable -- with proper screening, early detection, and staff involvement. Bedsores are a widespread problem in nursing homes and hospitals. The development of bedsores in nursing home patients is really a reflection of poor nursing care than an inevitable part of of the aging process.

Bedsores likely will develop if the nursing home and its staff do not make bedsore prevention a top priority. Nursing homes must do a thorough assessment of residents on admission and on a regular basis during their stay. Following the assessment, the nursing home should develop a comprehensive care plan that specifies what precautionary measures should be in place.

The nursing home plan should include considerations to monitor each resident's hydration, nutrition, and hygiene. Early signs of bedsores should be identified by the nursing home staff and treatments should implemented. Unattended, bedsores can quickly become infected leading to sepsis, limb amputation and even death.

As part of nursing home's system of bedsore prevention, nursing home residents (particularly the bed-bound) should be repositioned every two hours and ensuring proper hygiene. Pressure relieving mattresses should be implemented as a preventative measure. While bedsore prevention plans are great in theory, the most important part of bedsore prevention and treatment ultimately relies on the skill and dedication of the staff. Do not let a nursing home or hospital tell you your loved one's bedsore was unpreventable!

Q: What should relatives do if they suspect their loved one in a nursing home has been abused?

A: Contact police, because police are the ones qualified to do criminal investigation. Listen closely to what loved ones say. Look for physical signs.Counseling should take place if needed. One of the worst things to do is to pretend nothing happened.

Q. What should families do to prove mistreatment?

A.When you become aware of mistreatment ... it is important to get your loved one the medical treatment they need and then get into "fact-collection mode." ... Collect information about the incident, acts of the nursing home staff and medical condition of your loved one.

Don"t assume you will remember all facts regarding the incident. As time goes on, your memory will begin to fade.The following information will prove to be valuable:
Photographs of the physical injuries themselves, the area where the incident took place and if possible, the people involved.
Write down as much information about the incident or events as you can remember. Write some more. Details can be particularly helpful ... Concentrate on: names, dates, room numbers, names of facilities and medication dosages (if relevant).
The medical chart from a nursing home and / or hospital is crucial to determining what a facility may have done or failed to do that resulted in injury or death.
Chronology: It is important get the correct names and general dates of admission at health-care facilities. The names of doctors who provided medical can be helpful as well.
Other Relevant documents: Health-care power of attorney, wills, death certificates, preinjury photographs, autopsy reports and nursing home inspection reports all can be helpful.
Q. Who regulates nursing homes?

A. In most states, nursing homes are regulated by a combination of state (Department of Health) and federal authorities (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). Each agency has its own regulations that control all aspects of the nursing home including: resident care, staffing, policies and procedures and medical equipment.

Because nursing homes are responsible for complying with state and federal regulations, agents from either agency conduct inspections of the facility to assure compliance with the regulations. These inspections are called 'surveys' and are generally done unannounced at least one time per year. Surveys may be conducted more frequently at facilities with a history of prior violations or in response to a complaint regarding resident care.

After each survey a report is completed regarding the facilities compliance with applicable regulations. If the findings do not immediately threaten patient safety, nursing home administrators will have an opportunity to review the survey findings and propose a 'plan of correction'. If however, surveyors find conditions that pose a threat to patient safety, they have the ability to impose a variety of penalties including: fines, appointed facility supervisors, suspension of new resident admissions or license suspension.
Steven Peck, an experienced California nursing home abuse and neglect attorney, may be contacted toll free at 1-866-999-9085 and at www.premierlegal.org

"It's the same old see-saw -- as the local economy sinks, reports of elder fraud and abuse are on the rise", says California Elder Abuse and Neglect attorney Steven C. Peck

"The number of elder abuse cases seen by my office has increased dramatically in the last few years", says attorney Peck.

"How high the case load my office inherits this year is unforseen. Elders and vulnerable adults are prime targets of all kinds of abuse both medical, ohysical, and financial."

"The term "abuse" is an all-inclusive term." Peck said, " it can range from self neglect, neglect by others, physical abuse, psychological, emotional, sexual abuse and exploitation of financial or personal assets.
Contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1-866-999-9085 to talk to an experienced elder law, abuse and neglect attorney.

A California nursing home in Encinitas, California has become the latest facility to get a $100,000 fine for conditions that led to a patient's death. State officials concede collecting these fines can take years.

State regulators reserve the $100,000, or AA fine for the most severe violations of health and safety codes.

Nursing homes have the right to appeal the fine and most of them do so.

In 2007, the state issued more than $2 million worth of AA fines. To date, the state has collected less than ten percent.

Evidently, the California Department of Health Services doesn't have enough attorneys, their appeal system is broken down,and they don't even have enough administrative law judges to process the appeals and collect the fines imposed.

State officials say a nursing home can lose its license if it gets two AA fines within a 24-month period.

Should you suspect that a loved one has been neglected or abused in a california nursing home or long term facility, contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1-866-999-9085 to talk to an experienced california elder abuse and neglect lawyer.

The image is not pretty, the examples may make one feel uncomfortable, and some victims may not realize they need help. Elder abuse can take many forms and can sometimes be difficult to recognize.

These are some of the reasons that each June, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized. This year's observance was Monday June 15, 2009, but it's a problem that must be addressed every day.

Each year, more than two million vulnerable adults and older adults fall prey to elder abuse in the United States.

Protecting our vulnerable and older adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation is the responsibility of all our citizens. Learning to recognize the signs of abuse and neglect are important factors to ensuring that our seniors and vulnerable adults live their lives in safe environments with dignity and respect.

Research shows that older adults who are abused, neglected and exploited are three times more likely to die within 10 years than those who are not.

According to national statistics, elder abuse is grossly underreported because vulnerable and older adults who are being abused find it difficult to tell anyone due to shame and fear. Elder abuse affects men and women of all ethnic backgrounds and social status; it occurs in private residences and in facilities.

Elder abuse in California most often happens to adults over the age of 59 who live alone or with family members (85%), while the remainder happens in facilities or shelters. The most common form of mistreatment is neglect, with 69% of the cases involving self-neglect, where victims are unable to care for themselves adequately.

Anyone who suspects that a vulnerable or older adult is in need of protection is required by California law to report this information to the adult protective services intake unit at the department of social services in the county where the adult resides.

Some of the signs of elder abuse may include:

· Bruises, burns, cuts, scratches
· Malnutrition
· Untreated medical condition(s)
· Unsafe or unsanitary housing
· Mental anguish and distress
· Mistrust toward others
· Mismanaged property or savings
· Inability to provide needed care
What can you do to help raise awareness about elder abuse?
· Don't ignore this problem. It's not going away.
Should you suspect elder abuse or have suspicions as to nursing home abuse and neglect in an institution, immediately contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1-866-999-9085 to talk to an experienced elder law attorney.

A nursing home west of downtown Los Angeles has been fined $100,000 after state officials concluded that poor care led to the injury and death of an elderly resident who fell and hurt his head.

The penalty, levied on Lakewood Manor North Nursing Home in Westlake, just south of MacArthur Park, is the state's most severe, officials said.

The case involved an 83-year-old man, who on the morning of Jan. 4, 2007, lost his balance and struck his head on a bed rail when he was being moved from his bed to a wheelchair. The man had a short-term memory problem and had impaired cognitive skills, and relied on nursing staff for dressing; state officials said the facility failed to provide adequate support for the resident as he was transferred to his wheelchair.

At 8:30 a.m., about half an hour after the blow to the head, nurses' notes documented the man had a bluish discoloration on the left side of his head. Staff monitored the patient's condition as the attending physician was paged at 8:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., but the doctor did not return the call.

His condition continued to deteriorate throughout the day; he refused lunch and dinner and complained of not feeling well. At 8:30 p.m., he was observed as lethargic. Finally, at an unspecified time, an attending physician was reached, and the patient was transferred to a hospital at 9:30 p.m.--more than 13 hours after he had struck his head. The patient had suffered bleeding in the brain and died five days later.

Investigators said the licensed nurses should have called either an alternate physician or the medical director when the attending physician did not respond to pages, or call 911 in an emergency.

"Failure of the facility staff to immediately notify the physician and to provide the necessary care and services to Resident 1 [the patient] ... presented a substantial probability that serious harm would result, and did result to Resident 1 [the patient's] death," the report said.

Should you ever suspect nursing home abuse and neglect contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1-866-999-9085 to talk to an experienced attorney.

The first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is on Monday June 15, 2009.

Elder abuse is an under-recognized problem with devastating and even life-threatening consequences. Every day, headlines throughout the United States paint a grim picture of e;ders who have been abused, neglected and exploited, often by the people they trust the most.

Abusers may be spouses, adult children or grandchildren, personal acquaintances or professionals, all in positions of trust, or opportunistic strangers who prey on the vulnerable.

How big is the problem?

No one really knows. Relatively few cases are identified, as elders often are reluctant to report the mistreatment.

Experts estimate that only one in six cases is reported, which means that very few elders who have been abused get the help they need. As the baby boomers age and life expectancy increases, it is now more crucial than ever to increase attention and prevention of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.

What is elder abuse?

According to some state laws, elder abuse is any knowing, intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. It includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, self-neglect or abandonment. The abuse may include isolation, identity theft or the theft or embezzlement of a senior's property.

Who is at risk?

Elder abuse can occur anywhere - in the home, in nursing homes or other institutions. It affects seniors across all socio-economic groups, cultures and races. Based on statistics, women and "older" elders are most likely to be victimized. Dementia is a very significant risk factor. Mental health and substance abuse issues - of both abusers and victims - also are risk factors, and isolation is a prevalent contributing factor.

Types of elder abuse

Physical abuse: Use of force to threaten or physically injure a vulnerable elder.

Emotional abuse: Verbal attacks, threats, rejection, isolation or belittling acts that cause mental anguish, pain or distress to a senior.

Sexual abuse: Sexual contact that is forced, tricked, threatened, or otherwise coerced upon a vulnerable elder, including anyone who is unable to grant consent.

Exploitation: Theft, fraud, misuse or neglect of authority, and use of undue influence as a lever to gain control over an older person's money or property.

Neglect: A caregiver's failure or refusal to provide for a vulnerable elder's safety, physical or emotional needs

Abandonment: Desertion of a frail or vulnerable elder by anyone with a duty of care

Self-neglect: An inability to understand the consequences of one's own actions or inactions, which may lead to harm or endangerment.

What can I do to prevent elder abuse?

Report suspected mistreatment to an adult protective services agency or to law enforcement. Although a situation may have already been investigated, if you believe circumstances are getting worse, continue to speak out.

Keep in contact: Talk with your older friends, neighbors, and relatives. Maintaining communication helps to decrease isolation.

Be aware of the possibility of abuse: Take note of what may be happening with older family members, neighbors and acquaintances.

Tell your story: Speaking out about abuse from a personal perspective is empowering for those who have been victimized. Personal accounts help to put a "face" on this devastating issue.

Reaching out

Make it a priority to visit an older friend or relative who lives in a nursing home. Isolation is a known risk factor for elder abuse, neglect and self-neglect. Reducing isolation is as simple as reaching out, through an informal visit or by volunteering with one of the many programs that provide support and services to older individuals.

Commit to visiting an older friend, family member or neighbor who lives alone, or invite them to a family or social activity.

Participate in a citizens' group to advocate for the rights of residents of long-term care. A loved one may some day become a resident of a nursing home.

Suggestions for older individuals to reduce the risk of abuse:

1) Maintain a regular schedule of doctor and dentist visits.

2) Investigate legal strategies, including health directives, and develop a plan that meets your needs.

3) Talk about your needs with a trusted friend, neighbor or loved one.
Please contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal to talk to an experienced elder abuse and neglect attorney toll free at 1-866-999-9085.

Let's explore the signs of elder abuse and what we can do as good, honest, hard working people to prevent, intervene and cure this horrible epidemic -- namely that of preying on the elderly -- elder abuse.

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse, simply put, is taking advantage of the elderly. The abuser can be a son, a caregiver or a new friend. Most frequently, the abuser will isolate his victim from family, friends and other outside help. Shhhh, don't tell -- it's a secret, he'll say.

As we all know, people are busy; raising their families, working, and just plain living. If it seems that an elder is doing fine and is not in need of immediate assistance, we let them be. This is the biggest mistake a family member, friend or neighbor can make. We need to be looking for the signs of elder abuse.

Isolation is a common denominator in most abuse cases. We can mitigate a substantial amount of elder abuse just by making sure the elder stays connected to the outside world. Listed below are three main types of elder abuse along with the signs you should look for.

Physical

Physical abuse is the use of physical force which may result in bodily injury, physical pain or some type of impairment. It may also include hitting, shaking, slapping, pinching, burning or kicking. Not using an elder's medicine properly, restraint or any type of physical punishment is also abuse.

Signs of physical abuse may include unexplained injuries such as bruises, broken limbs, welts, cuts, burns or marks. Often, elders will seek medical attention from several offices at different locations so as not to alert the medical staff as to the abuse. Some elders may even rationalize that the abuse is better than living in an institutionalized setting or the unknown.

If you notice fear or apprehension in the presence of the caregiver or a family member or the caregiver themselves will not allow the elder to have visitors alone -- these are the telltale signs of physical abuse. Not all abuse is physical or outright. Some abuse is much more subtle, such as in financial abuse.

Financial

Financial abuse is the improper use of the elder's funds, property or assets. A subtle, but very strong, indicator of the beginnings of financial abuse is when the elder's contribution to the household bills is disproportionately high in comparison to the adult child living in the household.

A second sign is a change in bank account habits or practice. Look for withdrawals of large sums of money by a person accompanying the elder. You may notice a sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming their rights to an elder's affairs and possessions. The most hurtful abuse and hardest to prove is emotional abuse.

Emotional

This type of abuse includes intimidation, humiliation and harassment. Other examples include, degrading remarks, treating the elder like an infant, giving the older person the silent treatment, especially if they don't do what the abuser wants and as I said before isolation from their family and from the world.

Additionally, if an adult child was abused as a youngster, sometimes we can see it go full cycle where the adult child now will abuse the parent. Either way, emotional abuse is a daily infliction of anguish, pain and distress through verbal and even nonverbal acts where only the elder victim may know what the act means.

Elder abuse can be avoided and stopped by contacting Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1-866-999-9085 to talk to an experienced elder abuse and neglect attorney.

Abuse takes many forms: emotional, financial exploitation, physical, sexual, neglect, and self-neglect. Unfortunately, only 20 percent or less of all elder abuse and neglect cases are reported nationally. Elders can be abused in their home or in institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes or other long- term care facilities. Victims are often hidden behind closed doors, with little hope of assistance or recognition.

As citizens, we are required by California Law to report any knowledge or reasonable cause to suspect abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The goal of the day is to recognize elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue and to raise awareness to ultimately put an end to the abuse and neglect of older adults. This annual observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is sponsored by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA). Show your support by hosting World Elder Abuse Awareness Day activities such as educational programs, community proclamations and other cultural events. The color for the day is purple and the theme for the day is "My World...Your World...Our World-Free of Elder Abuse."

So on June 15, show the world you care about ending elder abuse and neglect by wearing something purple and taking a stand against elder abuse.

Remember to report suspected cases of elder abuse and immediately contact Steven Peck's Premier legal toll free at 1-866-999-9085 to talk to an experienced elder abuse and neglect attorney. By doing so, you can save someone's life.

State cuts to a federally-mandated program that protects the rights of the elderly have left advocates pleading for volunteers to help keep an eye on nearly 5,000 nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the State of California

Elimination of more than $3.8 million from California's long-term care ombudsman program has forced almost all the state's 35 offices statewide to lay off employees and look for grants and local funding..The need now is especially critical. for volunteers.

So far, according to reports, all the State of California's long-term care ombudsman programs have come up with money to keep them going,

A 1978 federal law requires each state to establish a long-term care ombudsman program.

More than 120 part-time and full-time ombudsmen and an estimated 1,000 volunteers investigate and resolve complaints made on behalf of patients in long-term care facilities. Complaints range in severity from poor food, physical abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.

.Elimination of state funding has reduced the ombudsmen office to just about half the funding they had just recently received although and federal lawmakers are considering legislation that would increase program funding.

But as program money evaporates, the poor economy has increased everyones workload, The number of financial abuse cases involving the elderly has gone off the maps,

State law requires those cases to be reported to district attorney's offices, which requires short-staffed long-term care ombudsman programs to submit more paperwork, .
Contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1-866-999-9085 to talk to an experienced elder abuse and neglect attorney.

Nearly 1000 people from California, Illinois, Alabama, Ohio, Massachusetts, and beyond have sent a clear signal to Washington, DC that the Elder Justice Act must be enacted now! Join them by signing the Call To Action: Elder Justice Act online petition! It's fast and easy, and you can sign anonymously.

Together, let's get the The Elder Justice Act passed, and help protect our treasured older citizens from harm and exploitation. Forward this email to your friends and colleagues across the nation to sign the petition, encouraging Representatives from every state to make their voices heard in Congress.

What can you do? Plan an event. Raise your voice. Tell your friends and when you need an elder abuse and neglect attorney contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1-866-999-9085.

On March 26, 2009, Elder Financial Protection Network (EFPN) hosted the 5th Annual Call to Action. The day-long conference, luncheon and awards ceremony brought together professionals to express a deep, collective determination to end the growing crime of elder financial abuse. Over 200 participants signed the Call to Action 2009 Proclamation.

EFPN is issuing another Call to Action. We are working to rally supporters, old and new, to send a message to Washington, DC, that the Elder Justice Act must be enacted NOW! EFPN has named the project Call to Action: Elder Justice Act (EJA), a national campaign using various online campaign tools to collect signatures from supporters all over the country to add to this Proclamation.

The Elder Justice Act:

Would provide federal resources to support State and community efforts on the front lines dedicated to fighting elder abuse with scarce resources and fragmented systems.
Assuring adequate public-private infrastructure and resources to prevent, detect, treat, understand, intervene in and, where appropriate, prosecute elder abuse, neglect,and exploitation.