NCEA Blog

Home Sweet Home, Aging with Dignity in Puerto Rico

November 8, 2024

By: 

Ciení Rodríguez Troche, Secretary, Puerto Rico Department of the Family
 

If there’s something that distinguishes societies and cultures, it’s the way each treats people as they age. This is evident across all sectors of society: family, work, friendships, government, and ultimately, the individual themselves.

Strengthening APS Programs via the Use of Administrative Data: The Role of the APS Administrative Data Initiative (AADI)

August 8, 2024

By: 

Kenneth Steinman, PhD, MPD, The Ohio State University 
Heather Mutchie, PhD, Purdue University 
Olivia Valdes, PhD, FINRA Foundation 
Mariah Freark, Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC)
 

The Adult Protective Services (APS) Administrative Data Initiative (AADI) addresses challenges in using APS administrative data for quality assurance and research. The initiative builds on efforts by agencies and organizations like the APS Technical Assistance Resource Center (TARC Blog), the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), and the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System (NAMRS) to guide and encourage researchers and practitioners interested in using APS administrative data. AADI proactively engages such stakeholders nationwide and aims to provide them with new types of support.

Preventing and Responding to Domestic and Sexual Violence in Later Life

October 8, 2024

By: 

Oyesola Oluwafunmilayo Ayeni, PhD. Director of Research and Evaluation, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence and engaging advocates nationwide. As we shine a light on this critical issue, we recognize the ongoing challenge of abuse in later life which poses significant public health and societal consequences. In line with our mission to strengthen and transform efforts to end domestic violence, the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) provides comprehensive resources focused on the intersection of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and elder abuse.

Addressing Ageism in Medicine

August 1, 2024

By: 

Anthony Hou, MD Chief of Service, Geriatrics, Palliative Medicine, and Continuing Care, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles and Regional Physician Lead, Southern California Kaiser Permanente Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Program

“Why are you being so loud?,” asked Mr. E, after I had informed him of the physical therapy plan for the day. The soft-spoken 80-year-old gentleman was my new patient at the skilled nursing facility. He was about to embark on a course of physical therapy after having had multiple falls at home due to his advancing Parkinson’s disease.

Need for and Access to Safe Housing for Older Adults Experiencing Harm

July 1, 2024

By: 

Malya Kurzweil Levin, J.D. is the Assistant Director and General Counsel at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Justice at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale.

Elisa Fisher, MPH, MSW, is the Associate Director of the Center for Evaluation and Applied Research at The New York Academy of Medicine.

Elder abuse, like other forms of family violence, most frequently happens at home. Older adults experiencing harm and the professionals working to support them often see a need for temporary housing options where older adults can be safe while simultaneously receiving multilayered services to address the harm they have experienced and begin to heal.¹ Domestic violence and homeless shelters are often ill- suited to this population, as they cannot address the medical needs common to many older adults and are nearly impossible to navigate for older adults with cognitive impairment.^2,3 Equally important, professionals in these settings typically do not have the expertise to address the unique needs of older adults who have experienced this type of harm.²

If Someone says Hi, Say Nothing.

July 9, 2024

By: Paul Greenwood, Ret. Deputy District Attorney & Head of Elder & Dependent Adult Abuse Prosecution Unit, San Diego County Attorney’s Office

It can start with a simple and innocuous text saying “Hi!” But that initial greeting can impact a person’s life forever; and sometimes lead to tragedy. The immediate reaction is to engage by texting back “I think you may have the wrong number.” The stranger then apologizes for interrupting your day and schedule. Again, the polite response is to say that it really is no problem, with an expectation that the conversation will end. But the stranger continues; words of gratitude for your understanding follow and then comes the hook. Gradually the anonymous texter is able to extract a little information from you and succeeds in engaging you in discussion.

Keeping Pace with WEAAD’s Founder, Elizabeth Podnieks

June 15, 2024

By: Philip C. Marshall, Founder, BeyondBrooke.org; Professor Emeritus, Roger Williams University

Before I intervened in 2006 to help my grandmother, I was filled with angst, frustration, and a sense of impotence as I watched her world, which had spanned the globe and a century, become so diminished and compromised. My grandmother – Brooke Astor, New York City philanthropist – endured years of abuse and exploitation inflicted by my father and other bad actors. With the help of many concerned persons, in months we had a team and a plan to save my grandmother.

Building Protective Networks for LGBTQ+ Elders

May 16, 2024

By: Maddie Thompson, SAGE Intern, MSW Candidate

May 16th is National Honor Our LGBTQ+ Elders Day. This year, we once again reflect on the LGBTQ+ older adults who have paved the way for greater social acceptance and equality for all people. Despite the many gains that have been made, LGBTQ+ older adults continue to face exclusion, stigma, and discrimination without sufficient protections. Networks of support, connection to inclusive providers, helpful resources, and fierce advocacy are critical to supporting equity and elder rights for LGBTQ+ older people.

Unity in Diversity: Developing a Cross-Cultural Care and Communication Toolkit for Certified Nursing Assistants in Nursing Homes
By: E-Shien (Iggy) Chang, PhD

Assistant Professor of Gerontology in Medicine, Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College

With over one million Americans residing in certified nursing homes, there are more than one million American families experiencing care transitions. New residential environments often represent a unique culture change, including the ways in which care are supervised and structured. Additionally, direct care in nursing homes may be provided by professionals from a different ethnic or cultural membership from residents’ own background, each bringing their own perspectives and experiences.

An Ounce of Prevention
March 21, 2024

By: David Godfrey

The first time I suggested that a key to reducing elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation was to train and support family caregivers, I was booed out of the room. The immediate reply was, “there is no excuse for abuse.” I agree with that, and I also recognize that there are causal risk factors that contribute to abuse and if we mitigate those factors, we can intervene to reduce the incidence of maltreatment.

Caregiver Secrets That Suffocate: Signs & Solutions
November 21, 2023

By: Paoina Milana

Growing up Sicilian with immigrant parents, I was raised to follow an unwritten rule of cosa nostra, the culturally common code that translates to: “What happens in the family, stays in the family.” In our household, that meant keeping secret the fact that behind closed doors, our matriarch raged, battling demons she heard and saw who bid her to do evil. From the age of ten, I took on household duties, and by the time I turned 26, not only had I been serving for years in secret as my now 64-year-old mother’s primary caregiver, but I would find myself adding to my duties caring for my younger sister two years my junior, also diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

Domestic Violence Across the Lifespan: Honoring Older Survivors this Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October 10, 2023
By: Kristin Burki, Director of the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life

Each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I take time to reflect on and honor the survivors I have worked with and the lessons they taught me about what it means to be an advocate. My path in this work started over two decades ago when I embarked on my first social worker role as a domestic violence advocate and community educator. What I learned immediately was that there is no one face of domestic violence – it cuts across all demographic groups and age does not safeguard against its risks – it’s an issue that occurs across the lifespan.

Fireside Chat on Elder Justice and Caring for Older Adults
September 27, 2023
By: Laura Borth, MS, RD, Policy Analyst, Elder Justice Coalition

As we look to the future of elder justice, it’s essential to address the hurdles that have hindered progress. The annual Fireside Chat held by The National Center for Elder Abuse (NCEA) and the Elder Justice Coalition (EJC) featured passionate conversation from Bob Blancato, National Coordinator of EJC, Dr. Laura Mosqueda, Director of NCEA, and Nicole Howell, former Health Policy Advisor with U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell. The panelists discussed the challenges of gaining congressional support for the Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act and persistent issues related to long-term care facilities. Below are key takeaways of their conversation

Elder Abuse Prevention: What College Students Should Know…And Why They Should Care
September 13, 2023
By: Ricky Esquivel, MAMG, Research Assistant, National Center on Elder Abuse

With the new school year beginning, I think back to my first semester in college and being asked the question most commonly posed to freshmen, “What is your major?” I quickly grew to dislike this question because when I responded, “Gerontology,” no one seemed to know what it meant. As I explained, I watched as their expression dimmed from intrigue to disinterest. I can only imagine the reaction I would have received if I began to talk about elder abuse.

Older Adult Podcasters On Air!
August 16, 2023
By: Lori Mars, JD, LLM

Of the over 2.5 million podcasts in the United States, over 100 address issues relating to older adults and aging. These podcasts run the gamut from the cheerfully framed Zestful Aging, Optimal Aging, and Successful Aging to the more bleakly titled Aging Immaturely, Aging Terribly, and even Old Cow. Among this mix of broadcasts are two that have been developed by older adults for older adults (and just about anyone else) about the joys and challenges of aging: Not Born Yesterday and Specifically for Seniors. Both podcasts were conceived and launched during the lonely days of pandemic isolation to engage their innovative creators and inform their devoted audiences.

Preventing Abuse and Mistreatment of People Living with Dementia Reflections upon Release of the New Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map
July 25, 2023
By: Meghan Fadel, Associate Director, Healthy Brain Initiative

As new conversations on dementia risk reduction and early detection emerge, we must not lose sight of the need for prevention of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of people living with dementia. While abuse can happen to anyone, both at home and in care settings, people living with dementia are at increased risk.

2023 WEAAD and Elder Abuse Networks
June 5, 2023
By: Georgia J. Anetzberger, PhD, ACSW

There are people who collect quotations, and I am one of them, with multiple books on the subject and my own journal going back decades. One of my favorite quotations captures the fundamental message of this blog: “There are no great men—only great committees” (from the book The Age of Uncertainty by the late Harvard University economist and public official John Kenneth Galbraith). Essentially this quotation suggests that we have more opportunity for achievement by working with others than we ever have by working alone.

Advancing Justice for LGBTQ+ Elders
May 15, 2023
By: Sherrill Wayland, MSW, Director of National Education Initiatives of SAGE

May 16 is honor LGBTQ+ elders’ day, a day to reflect on the contributions made by older LGBTQ+ people who have paved the way for LGBTQ+ equity and social justice. The SAGE National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging and National Center on Elder Abuse chose to commemorate this day by uplifting elder justice in support of older LGBTQ+ people.

Celebrating Older Americans: Engaged, Independent, and a Vibrant Part of Communities
May 2, 2023
By: NCEA Collaborators

This May, NCEA is celebrating the remarkable contributions and richly diverse experiences of older adults for Older Americans Month (OAM)! We are excited to recognize and showcase inspiring older adults from our communities who embody the spirit of this year's OAM theme, “Aging Unbound.” Join us in learning from their wisdom, achievements, and unique life experiences.

Utilizing Public Health to Address Elder Abuse
April 6, 2023
By: Karon Phillips, Ph.D., MPH, CHES, Policy Development Manager and Megan Wolfe, JD, Senior Policy

Development Manager at Trust for America’s Health By 2030, one in five people will be aged 65 and over. With this incredible increase in longevity, it is important to make sure that the problems of today do not become the problems of tomorrow, and that new generations of older adults have the tools and resources they need to thrive and age healthily. Public health has shown great progress in addressing the needs of older adults, from programs relating to fostering healthy brains to Healthy People 2030 including as one of its goals to “improve health and well being for older adults.” The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the breadth of health challenges of older adults and underscored the need for public health attention to this growing population. One of those challenges that was exacerbated during the pandemic is elder abuse.