Living Well Blog » Elder Abuse and Neglect

WEBINAR: Medical Aspects of Elder Abuse

Doris Bersing — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 21:55:34 +0000

In May 2011, UC Irvine geriatrician, Dr. Laura Mosqueda, presented a webinar on Medical Aspects of Elder Abuse. In her presentation, Dr. Mosqueda outlined several significant issues, such as the differences between normal and common age-related changes, medication issues and forensic markers of abuse.

Click here for the recording of the webinar session.

Frustration When it Comes to Avoid Abuse in Residential Facilities

Doris Bersing — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:10:57 +0000

Alarming is the word we can use to define the findings of the U.S. Department of Justice-funded study by Hawes and Kimbell that examined state processes for detecting, investigating, resolving and preventing elder abuse in Residential Care Facilities.

This study focused on detection, investigation, and resolution of elder abuse and neglect complaints in what are known as residential care facilities (RCFs). These facilities are the most rapidly growing form of senior housing. This growth is a result both of the preferences of the elderly and their families and of public policy aimed at reducing nursing home use. RCFs are referred to by a variety of names across the states, including assisted living facilities, personal care homes, domiciliary care homes, adult congregate living facilities, adult care homes, and shelter care homes. The best estimate is that some 50,000 facilities nationwide house a mainly older population in between 900,000 and one million beds. In addition, an unknown number of unlicensed homes house a mixed population of poor older persons and individuals with mental illness. By contrast, there are about 17,000 nursing homes with 1.6 million residents.

The researchers found a lack of adequate resources in all states and all agencies, as well as deeply flawed processes. The report highlights smart practices by Ombudsmen and identifies policy suggestions, training needs, and research recommendations.

Download the U.S. Department of Justice-funded study by Hawes and Kimbell.

Not All Assisted Living Facilities Are Safe. A Report Describes How Elders Are Dying in Nursing Homes.

Doris Bersing — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:26:26 +0000

Not all senior care or residential facilities are safe!

America’s largest elderly people live in California. 3.7 million over age 65. Most of these seniors live in institutions and although some of these facilities provide an outstanding care for many seniors, a staggering number of others are being abused and neglected and even are dying on these residential care facilities. Some of these facilities are so eager to retain the residents that they ignore the issues that will need real medical care and well trained medical staff and keep the residents away from the needed care until it is too late.

Tanya McRae conducted an investigative report on abuse and neglect of the elderly at skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes. In the video, one daughter shares her story of her mother’s horrific death, and attorneys explain staggering number of other criminal cases.

Watch the video