March/April 2020 |
News & Updates Archive
Visit our News & Updates Archive page to see older news items, including the January/February 2020 News and Updates. |
CEJC News
New! CEJC Launches Covid-19 Updates Page
CEJC has launched a new webpage for Covid-19 updates relating to elder justice, both local and at a national level. Check back often for new information: Covid-19 Updates
New! CEJC Launches Covid-19 Updates Page
CEJC has launched a new webpage for Covid-19 updates relating to elder justice, both local and at a national level. Check back often for new information: Covid-19 Updates
Policy Updates: CEJC Supports/Monitors Elder Justice Legislation
CEJC has signed on a co-sponsor to AB 2302, which addresses the under-funding of APS and seeks to build the APS infrastructure to serve the growing older adult homeless population. It requests $100 million from the State General Fund to:
• Increase staffing (social workers, public health nurses) to deliver longer-term case management to adults with cognitive impairments and traumatic brain injuries, and to older adults experiencing homelessness.
• Lower the definition of "elder" from persons who are 65 to 60, to align with other programs including those administered through Area Agencies on Aging
• Expand the APS Home Safe eviction prevention program to serve elders who are currently homeless.
• Establish a grant-based program to expand/add forensic centers and Financial Abuse Specialist Teams (FASTs).
Other bills we’re watching:
AB 2159 (Chu). Would require money transmitters to provide consumer fraud warnings on transmittal forms used by consumers and to provide consumer fraud prevention training to agents. It would also establish a toll-free number for consumers to report fraud.
AB 2471 (Maienschein). Senior citizens: Rescission of Contracts. This bill would extend the period of time to cancel certain contracts or offers (e.g. home improvement work) from 3 to 5 business days for older buyers or property owners.
CEJC has signed on a co-sponsor to AB 2302, which addresses the under-funding of APS and seeks to build the APS infrastructure to serve the growing older adult homeless population. It requests $100 million from the State General Fund to:
• Increase staffing (social workers, public health nurses) to deliver longer-term case management to adults with cognitive impairments and traumatic brain injuries, and to older adults experiencing homelessness.
• Lower the definition of "elder" from persons who are 65 to 60, to align with other programs including those administered through Area Agencies on Aging
• Expand the APS Home Safe eviction prevention program to serve elders who are currently homeless.
• Establish a grant-based program to expand/add forensic centers and Financial Abuse Specialist Teams (FASTs).
Other bills we’re watching:
AB 2159 (Chu). Would require money transmitters to provide consumer fraud warnings on transmittal forms used by consumers and to provide consumer fraud prevention training to agents. It would also establish a toll-free number for consumers to report fraud.
AB 2471 (Maienschein). Senior citizens: Rescission of Contracts. This bill would extend the period of time to cancel certain contracts or offers (e.g. home improvement work) from 3 to 5 business days for older buyers or property owners.
California News
Master Plan for Aging Halts for COVID-19
The California Department of Aging (CDA) has temporarily postponed MPA activities through March in light of COVID-19 developments. Recent activities of special significance for elder justice advocates include:
Master Plan for Aging Halts for COVID-19
The California Department of Aging (CDA) has temporarily postponed MPA activities through March in light of COVID-19 developments. Recent activities of special significance for elder justice advocates include:
- The creation of an Equity Work Group to consider the perspectives and needs of groups that have been historically underrepresented. For more information, go to Equity Work Group.
- Webinar: Preventing & Responding to Abuse, Neglect, & Exploitation. For information on this March 4, 2020 webinar, go to Webinar Wednesdays.
- CEJC Recommendations for the MPA. See Action Alert: CEJC Recommendations for the MPA.
SF Leaders Explore Elder Abuse in the LGBT Community
Tom Ammiano, former San Francisco Supervisor and California Assembly member, and Tim Wolfred, former director of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, were the organizers of "Protect Yourself from Elder Abuse — A Forum for the LGBTQ Community," which took place on March 5. Presenters included Mary Twomey, former co-director of the National Center on Elder Abuse, who challenged misperceptions about abuse in the LGBTQ community, and Tamari Hedani, the associate director of the Elder Abuse Prevention Program of the Institute on Aging, who talked about financial scams, including romance scams, that community members fall prey to.
Tom Ammiano, former San Francisco Supervisor and California Assembly member, and Tim Wolfred, former director of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, were the organizers of "Protect Yourself from Elder Abuse — A Forum for the LGBTQ Community," which took place on March 5. Presenters included Mary Twomey, former co-director of the National Center on Elder Abuse, who challenged misperceptions about abuse in the LGBTQ community, and Tamari Hedani, the associate director of the Elder Abuse Prevention Program of the Institute on Aging, who talked about financial scams, including romance scams, that community members fall prey to.
Study Identifies Need for Free Legal Aid to Older Californians
In 2019, the California Bar Association released the first-ever comprehensive study of the state’s civil legal needs and gaps in the resources needed to meet them. The study, which was completed in partnership with NORC at the University of Chicago, drew from interviews with thousands of California residents. Key findings include:
In 2019, the California Bar Association released the first-ever comprehensive study of the state’s civil legal needs and gaps in the resources needed to meet them. The study, which was completed in partnership with NORC at the University of Chicago, drew from interviews with thousands of California residents. Key findings include:
- In the past year, 55 percent of Californians at all income levels experienced at least one civil legal problem in their household, yet nearly 70 percent received no assistance.
- Fewer than 1 in 3 Californians sought legal assistance to address their problems.
- Even when experiencing problems that have a significant impact on them, most do not receive legal help: 27 percent of low-income Californians received some legal help, while 34 percent of middle-income individuals did.
- The most common categories of civil legal issues affect Californians at all income levels are health, finance, and employment.
Sizing Up the Governor's Budget for Older Adults
The SCAN Foundation (TSF) has summarized the impact of Governor Newsom’s proposed 20-21 budget on the state’s older adults and adults with disabilities. Among the items noted are expansions to MediCal and IHHS, and the Master Plan for Aging. See TSF Fact Sheet.
The SCAN Foundation (TSF) has summarized the impact of Governor Newsom’s proposed 20-21 budget on the state’s older adults and adults with disabilities. Among the items noted are expansions to MediCal and IHHS, and the Master Plan for Aging. See TSF Fact Sheet.
State News, Other States
Vermont APS Launches Restorative Justice Pilot Project
Vermont’s Adult Protective Services (APS) unit has been awarded a three year, one-million-dollar grant by the Administration for Community Living for a Restorative Justice Program to serve victims and perpetrators of vulnerable adult maltreatment. Restorative justice is a philosophy that focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime and abuse by transforming people, relationships and communities. The pilot program will draw on victims’ strengths, cultural beliefs, goals, wishes and expectations to create plans to repair harm and make victims “whole” through harm reduction services, reparation, and restitution. Anticipated outcomes include decreased recidivism and re-victimization, and stakeholders’ satisfaction with outcomes.
Vermont APS Launches Restorative Justice Pilot Project
Vermont’s Adult Protective Services (APS) unit has been awarded a three year, one-million-dollar grant by the Administration for Community Living for a Restorative Justice Program to serve victims and perpetrators of vulnerable adult maltreatment. Restorative justice is a philosophy that focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime and abuse by transforming people, relationships and communities. The pilot program will draw on victims’ strengths, cultural beliefs, goals, wishes and expectations to create plans to repair harm and make victims “whole” through harm reduction services, reparation, and restitution. Anticipated outcomes include decreased recidivism and re-victimization, and stakeholders’ satisfaction with outcomes.
Report on State-by-State EJ Laws
As part of a grant from the National Center on Elder Abuse, Ageless Alliance compiles state legislation related to elder abuse and elder justice. Their most recent report can be accessed here. They are asking for advocates’ help in providing legislative updates (and links to) proposed and enacted between September 2019 through February 2020. Updates can be sent to [email protected].
As part of a grant from the National Center on Elder Abuse, Ageless Alliance compiles state legislation related to elder abuse and elder justice. Their most recent report can be accessed here. They are asking for advocates’ help in providing legislative updates (and links to) proposed and enacted between September 2019 through February 2020. Updates can be sent to [email protected].
National News
Bob Blancato Applauds and Updates NNSEJC
During a recent meeting of the National Network of State Elder Justice Coalition (NNSEJC), Elder Justice Coalition (EJC) Coordinator Bob Blancato called the group a “critical new advocacy voice for national issues” and offered suggestions for how members can partner with the EJC. Noting that three things motivate policy makers to act--surveys, stories, and studies—he cited as examples the MetLife study on financial abuse, which responded to repeated demands for abuse statistics, as well as victims and family members coming before key Congressional committees to tell their stories. Referring to the reauthorization of the Elder Justice Act (EJA), which will likely be called the Elder Justice Reform Act, he commended Congress on their bipartisan, bicameral cooperation on the Bill, which is expected to renew the 5 core elements of the original EJA:
1) dedicated funding for the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program;
2) dedicated funding for APS;
3) support for forensic centers;
4) the continuation the Elder Justice Coordinating Council; and
5) the creation of a citizens advisory board to work with the Council.
Key differences include a heightened focus on nursing homes, including enhancements to Nursing Home Compare, stronger language about reporting crimes in nursing homes, and stronger language on emergency preparedness, (the urgency of which is highlighted by recent revelations that the first Covid-19 related deaths occurred in nursing facilities that were not adequately prepared). EJC is advocating to attach the bill to the Medicare/Medicaid extenders bill, which is likely to pass in late May. Likely authors include Senators Grassley (Iowa) and Wyden (Oregon) and the President is expected to sign it. He urged NNSEJC members to:
Bob Blancato Applauds and Updates NNSEJC
During a recent meeting of the National Network of State Elder Justice Coalition (NNSEJC), Elder Justice Coalition (EJC) Coordinator Bob Blancato called the group a “critical new advocacy voice for national issues” and offered suggestions for how members can partner with the EJC. Noting that three things motivate policy makers to act--surveys, stories, and studies—he cited as examples the MetLife study on financial abuse, which responded to repeated demands for abuse statistics, as well as victims and family members coming before key Congressional committees to tell their stories. Referring to the reauthorization of the Elder Justice Act (EJA), which will likely be called the Elder Justice Reform Act, he commended Congress on their bipartisan, bicameral cooperation on the Bill, which is expected to renew the 5 core elements of the original EJA:
1) dedicated funding for the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program;
2) dedicated funding for APS;
3) support for forensic centers;
4) the continuation the Elder Justice Coordinating Council; and
5) the creation of a citizens advisory board to work with the Council.
Key differences include a heightened focus on nursing homes, including enhancements to Nursing Home Compare, stronger language about reporting crimes in nursing homes, and stronger language on emergency preparedness, (the urgency of which is highlighted by recent revelations that the first Covid-19 related deaths occurred in nursing facilities that were not adequately prepared). EJC is advocating to attach the bill to the Medicare/Medicaid extenders bill, which is likely to pass in late May. Likely authors include Senators Grassley (Iowa) and Wyden (Oregon) and the President is expected to sign it. He urged NNSEJC members to:
- Send thank you letters to the authors and urge their states’ senators and representatives to co-sponsor the bill.
- Prepare and disseminate op-ed or social media placements that “localize” the issue with examples of local cases.
Older Americans Act Reauthorization
The House and Senate have passed the bipartisan Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020, which reauthorizes the Older Americans Act (OAA) for five years. Elder justice provisions contained in the Act include:
The House and Senate have passed the bipartisan Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020, which reauthorizes the Older Americans Act (OAA) for five years. Elder justice provisions contained in the Act include:
- A seven percent increase in OAA Title VII programs, which include the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Prevention programs;
- Calling for a report on senior legal hotlines; and
- Updating elder justice activities to include community outreach and education as part of multidisciplinary efforts.
DOJ Efforts to End Elder Abuse
US Attorney General Barr has announced the launch of the following initiatives.
US Attorney General Barr has announced the launch of the following initiatives.
- In collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, DOJ is investigating approximately 30 nursing homes across nine states that provide grossly substandard care to residents.
- The continuation of the annual Elder Fraud Strike Force “sweep” against perpetrators of five types of elder abuse. The March 2019 sweep involved approximately 260 defendants. In 2020, the sweep grew by more than 50%, involving 400 defendants and nearly $1 billion in losses. The Strike Force prosecuted more that 100 of those swept up in 2020.
- National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311) to provides support services to victims aged 60 and older. Callers can:
- Report fraud;
- Obtain a case manager to help with the reporting process at the federal, state, and local levels; and
- Connect with resources.
VOCA Launches Elder Justice Fellowship Program
Equal Justice Works, a nonprofit organization that promotes public interest law, has received a $3.4 million grant from the Office for Victims of Crime (DOJ) to launch a two-year fellowship program that will place 22 lawyers at legal services organizations across the US to address the gap in civil legal services for victims of elder abuse and exploitation, with a special emphasis on serving rural communities. The fellows will work with victims to enforce their rights; address financial exploitation, housing, protection orders, guardianship, and public benefits; and make referrals to supportive services. For more, see Elder Justice Fellowship Program.
Equal Justice Works, a nonprofit organization that promotes public interest law, has received a $3.4 million grant from the Office for Victims of Crime (DOJ) to launch a two-year fellowship program that will place 22 lawyers at legal services organizations across the US to address the gap in civil legal services for victims of elder abuse and exploitation, with a special emphasis on serving rural communities. The fellows will work with victims to enforce their rights; address financial exploitation, housing, protection orders, guardianship, and public benefits; and make referrals to supportive services. For more, see Elder Justice Fellowship Program.
FTC Releases 2019 Sentinel Data
Consumer Sentinel is an online database operated by the Federal Trade Commission and available to law enforcement that collects consumer reports about fraud, identity theft, and other consumer protection topics. Each year it publishes annual reports on the data. The recently released report for 2019 shows that:
Consumer Sentinel is an online database operated by the Federal Trade Commission and available to law enforcement that collects consumer reports about fraud, identity theft, and other consumer protection topics. Each year it publishes annual reports on the data. The recently released report for 2019 shows that:
- There were 1.7 million fraud complaints;
- Losses were $1.9 billion, an increase of $293 million from the previous year;
- Most complaints were about imposters, including romance scams and scammers representing themselves as employees of the Internal Revenue Service or the Social Security Administration;
- 33% of those losing money were in their 20s; and
- Older consumers are victimized less often but lose more.
Senate Aging Committee Report on Abuse Complaints
The U.S. Senate Aging Committee also accepts financial abuse reports on its toll-free Fraud Hotline. Unlike the Consumer Sentinel (see above), which is only available to law enforcement, the Senate’s hotline provides the public with information to help reduce their risk. From January 1 through December 31, 2019, the Hotline received 1,341 reports, the most common of which were for Social Security impersonation Scams (371); robocalls/ unsolicited phone calls (123), sweepstakes scams/Jamaican lottery scams (107), and romance scams (99). To view the report go to Senate Fraud Hotline.
The U.S. Senate Aging Committee also accepts financial abuse reports on its toll-free Fraud Hotline. Unlike the Consumer Sentinel (see above), which is only available to law enforcement, the Senate’s hotline provides the public with information to help reduce their risk. From January 1 through December 31, 2019, the Hotline received 1,341 reports, the most common of which were for Social Security impersonation Scams (371); robocalls/ unsolicited phone calls (123), sweepstakes scams/Jamaican lottery scams (107), and romance scams (99). To view the report go to Senate Fraud Hotline.
Research & Reports
The Things They Carried: Advancing Trauma Informed Responses to Elder Abuse
Produced by the NYC Elder Abuse Center and the Weinberg Center for Elder Justice, this report draws from the findings of a 2018 symposium that brought together experts to consider the impact of trauma on older victims of abuse. The report, which is available at The Things They Carried, contains a summary of the event and participants’ recommendations.
The Things They Carried: Advancing Trauma Informed Responses to Elder Abuse
Produced by the NYC Elder Abuse Center and the Weinberg Center for Elder Justice, this report draws from the findings of a 2018 symposium that brought together experts to consider the impact of trauma on older victims of abuse. The report, which is available at The Things They Carried, contains a summary of the event and participants’ recommendations.
Experts Map Future of Family Caregiving Research
A new supplemental issue of The Gerontologist, the journal of the Gerontological Society of America, enumerates research priorities to address the needs of family caregivers. The content draws from the results of the Research Priorities in Caregiving Summit that was hosted by the Family Caregiving Institute (FCI) at the University of California, Davis in March of 2018. Attendees included representatives from service agencies, funding organizations, and academia. The research priorities described in the report include:
A new supplemental issue of The Gerontologist, the journal of the Gerontological Society of America, enumerates research priorities to address the needs of family caregivers. The content draws from the results of the Research Priorities in Caregiving Summit that was hosted by the Family Caregiving Institute (FCI) at the University of California, Davis in March of 2018. Attendees included representatives from service agencies, funding organizations, and academia. The research priorities described in the report include:
- Evaluate technologies that facilitate choice and shared decision-making;
- Conduct risk/needs assessment of the changing needs of family caregivers over the trajectory of caregiving;
- Conduct implementation research on evidence-based caregiving programs for diverse populations; and
- Develop outcome measures that are relevant to family caregivers from diverse social and cultural groups.
Supporting the Adult Protective Services Workforce
This report by the UCSF Health Workforce Research Center summarizes key workforce issues for APS, including educational preparation and post-employment training opportunities, the role of interdisciplinary teams and the need for frontline workers’ access to expert consultation, the lack of dedicated funding to support APS, and high rates of staff turnover. See Supporting the Adult Protective Services Workforce.
This report by the UCSF Health Workforce Research Center summarizes key workforce issues for APS, including educational preparation and post-employment training opportunities, the role of interdisciplinary teams and the need for frontline workers’ access to expert consultation, the lack of dedicated funding to support APS, and high rates of staff turnover. See Supporting the Adult Protective Services Workforce.
Wallet Hub Ranks State Responses to Elder Abuse
WalletHub.com, a website owned by Evolution Finance, a provider of credit scores and reports, has issued its annual report comparing the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 16 metrics related to elder abuse. Among the metrics that were analyzed were gross-neglect and exploitation complaints, the presence of working groups, and state elder-abuse laws. Each metric was scored and used to determine an overall score and the rank-order for states. The top states were Massachusetts (which scored 59.91), Wisconsin (58.38), Rhode Island (56.15), Michigan (55.37) and Iowa (54.34). New Jersey (28.05) was ranked among the states having the worst protection followed by South Carolina (29.35), California (29.92), Montana (32.46) and Nevada (35.86).
WalletHub.com, a website owned by Evolution Finance, a provider of credit scores and reports, has issued its annual report comparing the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 16 metrics related to elder abuse. Among the metrics that were analyzed were gross-neglect and exploitation complaints, the presence of working groups, and state elder-abuse laws. Each metric was scored and used to determine an overall score and the rank-order for states. The top states were Massachusetts (which scored 59.91), Wisconsin (58.38), Rhode Island (56.15), Michigan (55.37) and Iowa (54.34). New Jersey (28.05) was ranked among the states having the worst protection followed by South Carolina (29.35), California (29.92), Montana (32.46) and Nevada (35.86).
New Resources
Adult Protective Services (APS) and COVID-19
The APS Technical Assistance Resource Center (APS TARC) has released guidelines for ensuring the safety of APS clients and workers during the epidemic. In addition to the obvious—avoid home visits whenever possible and stay apprised of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for social distancing, APS workers are urged to inquire as to whether clients have access to computers, tablets, or smart phones; how they would like to be contacted; and if they would like APS workers to contact others for ongoing communication. Workers are further advised to ask questions about clients’ health and recent travel history, such as: has anyone in their household been ill with a fever, cough or sneezing; has anyone come into contact with others who are ill with these symptoms; and has anyone in the household recently traveled internationally? See APS and COVID-19.
Adult Protective Services (APS) and COVID-19
The APS Technical Assistance Resource Center (APS TARC) has released guidelines for ensuring the safety of APS clients and workers during the epidemic. In addition to the obvious—avoid home visits whenever possible and stay apprised of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for social distancing, APS workers are urged to inquire as to whether clients have access to computers, tablets, or smart phones; how they would like to be contacted; and if they would like APS workers to contact others for ongoing communication. Workers are further advised to ask questions about clients’ health and recent travel history, such as: has anyone in their household been ill with a fever, cough or sneezing; has anyone come into contact with others who are ill with these symptoms; and has anyone in the household recently traveled internationally? See APS and COVID-19.
DOJ’s Elder Justice Network Locator Map
The Elder Justice Initiative of the Department of Justice recently launched the Locator Map to enable elder justice professionals to locate elder justice networks/teams across the nation. Networks interested in being included in the Locator can submit their network name, type, address, web address, and email to [email protected].
The Elder Justice Initiative of the Department of Justice recently launched the Locator Map to enable elder justice professionals to locate elder justice networks/teams across the nation. Networks interested in being included in the Locator can submit their network name, type, address, web address, and email to [email protected].
IACP Rolls Out Roll Call Training Videos
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiative, has released a six part roll call video series to help law enforcement identify signs of elder abuse and recognize evidence that can lead to successful prosecutions. For more see IACP Roll Call Videos.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiative, has released a six part roll call video series to help law enforcement identify signs of elder abuse and recognize evidence that can lead to successful prosecutions. For more see IACP Roll Call Videos.
New Tool for Displaying Financial Records
Also developed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP, see above) is the Senior Abuse Financial Tracking and Accounting (SAFTA) Toolkit, which provides law enforcement and other elder justice professionals with a simple method for displaying suspicious financial patterns to facilitate the prosecution of suspected financial exploitation of older adults. For more, see SAFTA.
Also developed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP, see above) is the Senior Abuse Financial Tracking and Accounting (SAFTA) Toolkit, which provides law enforcement and other elder justice professionals with a simple method for displaying suspicious financial patterns to facilitate the prosecution of suspected financial exploitation of older adults. For more, see SAFTA.
Using Asset Forfeiture to Compensate Victims
In this post on NCEA’s blog, Alice Dery of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Program Management and Training Unit Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, describes the importance of asset forfeiture for compensating victims. For more, see Using Asset Forfeiture to Compensate Victims
In this post on NCEA’s blog, Alice Dery of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Program Management and Training Unit Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, describes the importance of asset forfeiture for compensating victims. For more, see Using Asset Forfeiture to Compensate Victims
Helping APS Clients and Victims Facing Homelessness
This blog post by the APS TARC explores the intersection of homelessness and victims of adult maltreatment. It raises awareness among APS programs about those they are serving who are currently homeless, at great risk of becoming homeless, or previously homeless. See APS Clients and Homelessness.
This blog post by the APS TARC explores the intersection of homelessness and victims of adult maltreatment. It raises awareness among APS programs about those they are serving who are currently homeless, at great risk of becoming homeless, or previously homeless. See APS Clients and Homelessness.
Innovations
San Diego PACE Partners to House Homeless Elders
Working with housing developer in San Diego, St. Paul’s PACE program provides wraparound housing and services for formerly homeless (or at risk of homelessness) older adults. PACE, a managed care social/medical program, finds the homeless seniors, qualifies them for PACE, and provides services to tenants who meet PACE eligibility criteria. The program was launched in 2013 when a housing developer approached PACE and offered the program units on the top floor of former hotel in exchange for providing services. According to Kim Stratman, Director of the St. Paul’s PACE in El Cajon, who described the program during a session at the Solutions for Individual Homeless Adults: A National Conference sponsored by the National Alliance to End Homelessness from Feb. 19-21 in Oakland, developing the program required shifting staff’s perspective to address the mental and behavioral health needs of the tenants. Other challenges that have been addressed and resolved include tenants bringing other homeless individuals into their homes, and sanitation problem. The facility now serves 244 formerly homeless seniors. For more see San Diego PACE. For more on elders experiencing homelessness, go to Preventing Elder Homelessness.
San Diego PACE Partners to House Homeless Elders
Working with housing developer in San Diego, St. Paul’s PACE program provides wraparound housing and services for formerly homeless (or at risk of homelessness) older adults. PACE, a managed care social/medical program, finds the homeless seniors, qualifies them for PACE, and provides services to tenants who meet PACE eligibility criteria. The program was launched in 2013 when a housing developer approached PACE and offered the program units on the top floor of former hotel in exchange for providing services. According to Kim Stratman, Director of the St. Paul’s PACE in El Cajon, who described the program during a session at the Solutions for Individual Homeless Adults: A National Conference sponsored by the National Alliance to End Homelessness from Feb. 19-21 in Oakland, developing the program required shifting staff’s perspective to address the mental and behavioral health needs of the tenants. Other challenges that have been addressed and resolved include tenants bringing other homeless individuals into their homes, and sanitation problem. The facility now serves 244 formerly homeless seniors. For more see San Diego PACE. For more on elders experiencing homelessness, go to Preventing Elder Homelessness.