January/February 2020 |
News & Updates Archive
Visit our News & Updates Archive page to see older news items, including the November/December 2019 News and Updates. |
CEJC News
CEJC Launches "Principles of Elder Justice" Awareness Snapshots Video
CEJC’s Steering Committee is delighted to release its new 4-minute video, Principles of Elder Justice, the latest in its Elder Justice Awareness Snapshots series. The principles, which guide CEJC’s work, highlight older adults’ rights and fairness in their access to protective and supportive services. See Awareness Snapshots.
CEJC Launches "Principles of Elder Justice" Awareness Snapshots Video
CEJC’s Steering Committee is delighted to release its new 4-minute video, Principles of Elder Justice, the latest in its Elder Justice Awareness Snapshots series. The principles, which guide CEJC’s work, highlight older adults’ rights and fairness in their access to protective and supportive services. See Awareness Snapshots.
CEJC Elder Justice Viewpoints Blog: An Ecological Model of Elder Justice
In the latest post to CEJC’s Elder Justice Viewpoints Blog, CEJC Executive Director Lisa Nerenberg describes policies and practices at the individual, interpersonal, community, and systemic levels for promoting elder justice. See An Ecological Model of Elder Justice.
In the latest post to CEJC’s Elder Justice Viewpoints Blog, CEJC Executive Director Lisa Nerenberg describes policies and practices at the individual, interpersonal, community, and systemic levels for promoting elder justice. See An Ecological Model of Elder Justice.
California News
Updates on the Master Plan for Aging
As the first phase of gathering stakeholder input wraps up, new Master Plan for Aging activities and events are being planned for the new year. They include a weekly “Webinar Wednesdays,” series focusing on topics ranging from housing and homelessness to transportation and retirement security. Also planned are public hearings. For information on the series and upcoming events, go to MPA events.
Updates on the Master Plan for Aging
As the first phase of gathering stakeholder input wraps up, new Master Plan for Aging activities and events are being planned for the new year. They include a weekly “Webinar Wednesdays,” series focusing on topics ranging from housing and homelessness to transportation and retirement security. Also planned are public hearings. For information on the series and upcoming events, go to MPA events.
Laws of Interest to Elder Justice Advocates Taking Effect on January 1, 2020
- AB 567 (Calderon): Establishes the Long-Term Care Insurance Task Force to explore the development of a statewide long-term care insurance program and recommend options for implementing it to the Governor and Legislature by July 1, 2021.
- AB 737 (Eggman): The California Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) Act requires people seeking licenses for RCFEs to file applications with the Department of Social Services that include information about the owners.
- AB 1118 (Rubio): Requires the Secretary of California Health and Human Services to consider applying for California to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in developing the Master Plan for Aging.
- AB 539 (Limón). Predatory lending law that caps the interest that can be charged on loans between $2,500 and $10,000.
- Housing. The following bills address the affordable rent crisis that is particularly devastating to older adults:
- AB 1482 (Chiu): Rent control. Caps annual rent increases at 5% plus inflation and prohibits landlords from evicting tenants without just cause.
- AB 68 (Ting): Accessory dwelling units. Makes it cheaper and faster for Californians to build granny flats on their property.
- SB 329 (Mitchell): Housing voucher discrimination. Prohibits landlords from issuing blanket denials against low-income Californians who receive Section 8 vouchers.
State News, Other States
NC Pilots Platform to Route Abuse Reports from Broker/Dealers
Under a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, North Carolina has launched a pilot project to automatically route reports of financial exploitation from broker/dealer firms to the right agency, be it the Secretary of State’s Office, Adult Protective Services, or local law enforcement. The platform was designed to speed up communication between the financial industry and regulators and better protect older consumers.
NC Pilots Platform to Route Abuse Reports from Broker/Dealers
Under a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, North Carolina has launched a pilot project to automatically route reports of financial exploitation from broker/dealer firms to the right agency, be it the Secretary of State’s Office, Adult Protective Services, or local law enforcement. The platform was designed to speed up communication between the financial industry and regulators and better protect older consumers.
National News
Final Rule on Discharge Planning Requirements from CMS
As of November 29, 2019, new rules are in place that require hospitals to evaluate patients who are likely to experience adverse health consequences upon release and to create discharge plans if deemed necessary or if requested by the patients, their representatives, or physicians. The rule is intended to give patients information to help them make informed choices about their options for care. Hospitals will also need to give patients electronic access to their health records. See Final Rule on Discharge Planning from CMS.
Final Rule on Discharge Planning Requirements from CMS
As of November 29, 2019, new rules are in place that require hospitals to evaluate patients who are likely to experience adverse health consequences upon release and to create discharge plans if deemed necessary or if requested by the patients, their representatives, or physicians. The rule is intended to give patients information to help them make informed choices about their options for care. Hospitals will also need to give patients electronic access to their health records. See Final Rule on Discharge Planning from CMS.
PROTECTS Act Targets Abuse in Long-Term Care Facilities
New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner are co-sponsors of the Promote Responsible Oversight and Targeted Employee Background Check Transparency for Seniors Act, a bipartisan bill to expand access to the National Practitioner Data Bank for Medicare and Medicaid providers to conduct background checks on employees of long-term care facilities. See PROTECTS.
New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner are co-sponsors of the Promote Responsible Oversight and Targeted Employee Background Check Transparency for Seniors Act, a bipartisan bill to expand access to the National Practitioner Data Bank for Medicare and Medicaid providers to conduct background checks on employees of long-term care facilities. See PROTECTS.
DOJ to Pursue Criminal False Claims Charges Against Nursing Homes
The Department of Justice has launched an initiative to pursue criminal charges in False Claims Act cases involving nursing homes. These cases are usually handled as civil matters (as opposed to criminal acts) and the companies involved in settlements are generally absolved of further liability and do not admit guilt. The proposed move would put criminal charges such as wire fraud and health care fraud on the table.
The Department of Justice has launched an initiative to pursue criminal charges in False Claims Act cases involving nursing homes. These cases are usually handled as civil matters (as opposed to criminal acts) and the companies involved in settlements are generally absolved of further liability and do not admit guilt. The proposed move would put criminal charges such as wire fraud and health care fraud on the table.
DOJ Money Mules Initiative
The Department of Justice has also announced an initiative to stop money mule activity. Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency, describes money muling as a type of money laundering in which a person receives stolen money from a third party via their bank account and transfers it or withdraws it and gives it to someone else. Even if money mules are not directly involved in the crimes that generate the stolen funds (cybercrime, payment and on-line fraud, drugs, human trafficking, etc.), they are accomplices. Older adults are increasingly being tricked or pressured into serving as mules. The initiative coincides with the European Money Mule Action (EMMA), a global effort by Europol. See Money Mule Awareness Materials below.
The Department of Justice has also announced an initiative to stop money mule activity. Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency, describes money muling as a type of money laundering in which a person receives stolen money from a third party via their bank account and transfers it or withdraws it and gives it to someone else. Even if money mules are not directly involved in the crimes that generate the stolen funds (cybercrime, payment and on-line fraud, drugs, human trafficking, etc.), they are accomplices. Older adults are increasingly being tricked or pressured into serving as mules. The initiative coincides with the European Money Mule Action (EMMA), a global effort by Europol. See Money Mule Awareness Materials below.
New Resources
Updated Protocol For Requesting Evidence from Financial Institutions
The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) has released an updated version of the National Guidelines for Financial Institutions: Working Together to Protect Older Persons from Financial Abuse, which now includes guidelines for investment brokers and dealers. The protocol was produced with input from the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and the North American Securities Administrators Association (NAASA). Both the original and updated versions were produced with support from the Huguette Clark Foundation for Protection of Elders. See National Guidelines for Financial Institutions.
Updated Protocol For Requesting Evidence from Financial Institutions
The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) has released an updated version of the National Guidelines for Financial Institutions: Working Together to Protect Older Persons from Financial Abuse, which now includes guidelines for investment brokers and dealers. The protocol was produced with input from the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and the North American Securities Administrators Association (NAASA). Both the original and updated versions were produced with support from the Huguette Clark Foundation for Protection of Elders. See National Guidelines for Financial Institutions.
National Center on Law & Elder Rights Elder Justice Toolkit
Produced by the National Center on Law & Elder Rights for legal aid attorneys and advocates, the Toolkit contains state-specific financial exploitation guides and a template for adapting guides for other states. It also includes case studies, sections on litigation and non-litigation remedies, powers of attorney, guardianship, and tip sheets. See National Center on Law & Elder Rights Elder Justice Toolkit.
Produced by the National Center on Law & Elder Rights for legal aid attorneys and advocates, the Toolkit contains state-specific financial exploitation guides and a template for adapting guides for other states. It also includes case studies, sections on litigation and non-litigation remedies, powers of attorney, guardianship, and tip sheets. See National Center on Law & Elder Rights Elder Justice Toolkit.
Money Mule Awareness Materials
Law enforcement agencies around the world are working together to combat money muling, (see DOJ Money Mules Initiative above). Europol has published a poster and flyer for 2019, available in six languages, with tips on how to avoid becoming a money mule.
Law enforcement agencies around the world are working together to combat money muling, (see DOJ Money Mules Initiative above). Europol has published a poster and flyer for 2019, available in six languages, with tips on how to avoid becoming a money mule.
Personal Safety Toolkit for APS
The Adult Protective Services Technical Assistance Resource Center (APS TARC) created this toolkit to help protect APS caseworkers’ safety as they conduct investigations, assessments, and home visits. APS TARC is funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) at the Department of Health and Human Services. See APS Toolkit.
The Adult Protective Services Technical Assistance Resource Center (APS TARC) created this toolkit to help protect APS caseworkers’ safety as they conduct investigations, assessments, and home visits. APS TARC is funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) at the Department of Health and Human Services. See APS Toolkit.
Research & Reports
NCEA Compilation of 2018-19 Research
The National Center on Elder Abuse has released the following two new reports:
NCEA Compilation of 2018-19 Research
The National Center on Elder Abuse has released the following two new reports:
- Elder Abuse Annual Research Compilation. This list of research on elder abuse published in 2018-2019 is grouped into the following categories: (1) financial, physical, psychological, sexual abuse and neglect, (2) women and abuse, (3) long-term care, (4) elder abuse detection, (5) policy and intervention, (6) cognition and capacity, (7) mental and emotional health, (8) miscellaneous reviews, (9) miscellaneous studies, and (10) other relevant research.
- Elder Abuse Characteristics Based on Calls to NCEA. This study examined the 1,939 calls received by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) resource line between August 2014 and June 2017, of which, 818 alleged abuse with financial abuse being the most commonly reported (449 calls, 54.9%). A subset of calls identified multiple abuse types (188, 23.0%) and multiple abusers (149, 18.2%). Physical abuse was most likely to co-occur with another abuse type (61/93 calls, 65.6%). Family members were the most commonly identified perpetrators (309 calls, 46.8%). See elder abuse characteristics.
IAIA Releases Needs Assessment
A new report produced by the International Association for Indigenous Aging reveals that 70% of tribal health care providers are dealing with elder abuse cases. Of these:
• 70% have worked with patients experiencing financial exploitation,
• 60% have experience with neglect or emotional abuse, and
• 43% have experience with physical abuse.
Providers surveyed for the report say that they lack proper protocols for managing cases of elder abuse, have received little training, and either lack information about how to access available community services or supports, or lack the actual community services and supports to address needs. For more, see IA2.
A new report produced by the International Association for Indigenous Aging reveals that 70% of tribal health care providers are dealing with elder abuse cases. Of these:
• 70% have worked with patients experiencing financial exploitation,
• 60% have experience with neglect or emotional abuse, and
• 43% have experience with physical abuse.
Providers surveyed for the report say that they lack proper protocols for managing cases of elder abuse, have received little training, and either lack information about how to access available community services or supports, or lack the actual community services and supports to address needs. For more, see IA2.
AIG Survey Reveals Americans' Attitudes About Elder Financial Abuse
A survey of 2,200 Americans conducted by the insurance company American International Group (AIG) explored respondents’ awareness about elder financial abuse, vulnerabilities, and attitudes about the government’s role in preventing it. Noteworthy findings include:
A survey of 2,200 Americans conducted by the insurance company American International Group (AIG) explored respondents’ awareness about elder financial abuse, vulnerabilities, and attitudes about the government’s role in preventing it. Noteworthy findings include:
- Only one in four older adults discusses their money with trusted family members. 47% of people 65 or older carry out various financial tasks, from paying bills to managing investments, entirely on their own.
- 66% of older adults and 84% of all adults do not have, or do not know if they have, durable powers of attorney in place.
- 31% of Americans aren’t aware of how to report elder financial.
- More than half of seniors aren’t aware of prominent scams like pigeon drops, romance scams, scams involving purportedly legitimate invoices; and pre-paid credit or debit card scams.
Archstone Foundation Releases Legacy Elder Abuse Initiative Report
It has been 25 years since the Archstone Foundation launched its multi-year, $16 million Elder Abuse and Neglect Initiative that supported interagency collaboration and coordination, training and education, and professional and public awareness. The Foundation recently released the Elder Abuse and Neglect Initiative Legacy Report, highlighting the impact of the initiative on policy and practice and encouraging other public and private funders, policymakers, and stakeholders to build on its gains. Among the accomplishments cited in the report was the creation of CEJC, which gained momentum during the first Archstone Foundation-supported elder justice summit in 2010. The Foundation also provided support for CEJC’s two blueprints, Improving California's Response to Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (2011) and From Blueprint to Benchmarks: Building a Framework for Elder Justice.
It has been 25 years since the Archstone Foundation launched its multi-year, $16 million Elder Abuse and Neglect Initiative that supported interagency collaboration and coordination, training and education, and professional and public awareness. The Foundation recently released the Elder Abuse and Neglect Initiative Legacy Report, highlighting the impact of the initiative on policy and practice and encouraging other public and private funders, policymakers, and stakeholders to build on its gains. Among the accomplishments cited in the report was the creation of CEJC, which gained momentum during the first Archstone Foundation-supported elder justice summit in 2010. The Foundation also provided support for CEJC’s two blueprints, Improving California's Response to Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (2011) and From Blueprint to Benchmarks: Building a Framework for Elder Justice.
Media Watch
Journalists in Aging Fellows Program Continues Support for Ethnic Media
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and Journalists Network on Generations have selected 14 reporters for the 2020 cohort of its Journalists in Aging Fellows Program, which is now in its 10th year. The new fellows represent a wide range of ethnic, general audience, and community media outlets, including public radio and television affiliates, daily newspapers, and national publications. Their projects address cultural challenges for older Arab, Indian, and Latino immigrants to the U.S.; health issues for long-term prisoners on reentry to their communities; continuing struggles of low-income older Puerto Ricans in the wake of the 2017 hurricanes; increasing homelessness among older adults in Cape Cod; challenges to ageist stereotypes; and the crisis of loneliness and isolation. The fellows were selected by a panel of gerontological and editorial professionals.
Innovations.
Journalists in Aging Fellows Program Continues Support for Ethnic Media
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and Journalists Network on Generations have selected 14 reporters for the 2020 cohort of its Journalists in Aging Fellows Program, which is now in its 10th year. The new fellows represent a wide range of ethnic, general audience, and community media outlets, including public radio and television affiliates, daily newspapers, and national publications. Their projects address cultural challenges for older Arab, Indian, and Latino immigrants to the U.S.; health issues for long-term prisoners on reentry to their communities; continuing struggles of low-income older Puerto Ricans in the wake of the 2017 hurricanes; increasing homelessness among older adults in Cape Cod; challenges to ageist stereotypes; and the crisis of loneliness and isolation. The fellows were selected by a panel of gerontological and editorial professionals.
Innovations.
Mainstream Media Focusing on Aging and Abuse
Mainstream media outlets are increasingly covering age and abuse-related stories. Recent examples include:
Mainstream media outlets are increasingly covering age and abuse-related stories. Recent examples include:
- From Stria News (a subscription news service for the “longevity market”): What Is Trauma-Informed Care for Older Adults? In this July 15, 2019 article, reporter Larry Beresford describes applications of trauma-informed techniques used in health care. The concept of trauma informed practice comes from the field of psychiatry and asserts that past traumatic experiences, including childhood abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, witnessing acts of violence or war, and living through natural disasters, can lead to post-traumatic stress reactions and impact health. While experts interviewed for the article acknowledge that healthcare providers aren’t expected to treat their patients’ past traumas, they note that interventions that are ‘informed’ by an understanding of those traumas are more likely to be successful.
- From Bloomberg News: Trusted Professionals Target the Assets of America’s Elderly. This in-depth article by reporter Nick Lieber (October 21, 2019) focuses on abuse by lawyers, insurers, and financial advisors. The abuse includes selling older adults ill-advised annuities and reverse mortgages and false claims to help them secure public benefits.The article draws from governmental reports, interviews with victims and experts, and investigative reports. It cites CEJC Steering Committee member Shawna Reeves, director of elder abuse prevention at the Institute on Aging in San Francisco.
- From Forbes: Elder Financial Abuse Training Rises To 90% Of Banks. This November 19, 2019 article by personal finance contributor Ted Knutson describes the findings of a report by the American Bankers Association, 2019 Older Americans Benchmarking Report: Findings from a Survey of Banks, which found that:
- Elder financial abuse training for front-line bank staff now takes place in 90% of banks, up from 71% two years ago
- Banks collaboration with local Adult Protective Services operations to protect seniors from financial abuse has climbed to 81% percent from 62% two years ago
- 62% of banks surveyed now have a designated employee in charge of elder financial abuse and fraud prevention
- 56% host community outreach and education events for older customers, up from 47% in 2017
Innovations
Solano County's Elder Justice League
Under a grant from the California Office of Emergency Services, the league trains “ambassadors” to work through churches, Rotary Clubs, apartment houses, and other settings to advise fellow community members on how to navigate the social and protective service systems. The idea behind the program is that older adults are more likely to talk to their peers about their concerns. The program conducts a swearing in and gives justice league members certificates that ease their access into community institutions.
Solano County's Elder Justice League
Under a grant from the California Office of Emergency Services, the league trains “ambassadors” to work through churches, Rotary Clubs, apartment houses, and other settings to advise fellow community members on how to navigate the social and protective service systems. The idea behind the program is that older adults are more likely to talk to their peers about their concerns. The program conducts a swearing in and gives justice league members certificates that ease their access into community institutions.