June 2016
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June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (#WEAAD2016) serves as a call-to-action to raise awareness about abuse, neglect and exploitation of older adults. On June 15, we encourage everyone to join Council on Aging staff in wearing purple to raise awareness of the impact and problem of elder abuse. Visit our  Facebook  page on June 15 for pictures of our staff wearing purple in support of this important cause. Share your photos and comments using the hashtag #WEAAD2016. Learn more...

Every year an estimated 5 million older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation. And that’s only part of the picture: Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23 cases go unreported.

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), Council on Aging spoke with our region’s Adult Protective Services (APS) supervisors and organization leaders to better understand their work and its challenges.

Common themes emerged: lack of funding for APS and also for basic services that might help vulnerable seniors and families under strain, and support and guardianship services for for seniors with dementia who can no longer help themselves. 

Click here to read the supervisors’ responses and comments, by county.  Selected excerpts are included below.
Butler County
"I do think the heroin epidemic is impacting the elderly population, to some extent with drug abuse by some seniors, but perhaps even more so within the family where there is potential for a drug abuser to exploit or abuse an elder, and potential for associated neglect." Kevin Kurpieski, Butler County Department of Job and Family Services
Clinton County
"Currently Clinton County has no access to guardians who can act on behalf of an elderly person with no family or friends who is suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s or mental illness, which impairs their ability to provide for their own basic needs." Gina Speaks-Eshler, Clinton County Department of Job and Family Services
Clermont County
"We need to completely fund a professional guardianship program.We need help for elders with dementia who have no family or friends to help them." David Lytle, Clermont Senior Services
Hamilton County  
"I have seen a need to serve the elderly who aren't being abused or neglected or who aren't mentally ill, but need assistance with various tasks of life including: applying for public assistance, moving, applying for subsidized housing, dealing with Social Security, etc. Many of these systems are difficult for seniors to navigate and they may not have family or friends able to help." Stephanie Conlon Hull, Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services
Council on Aging Updates
Council on Aging ends waiting list for in-home care program

Exactly three years after starting a waiting list to manage demand for the Hamilton County Elderly Services Program, Council on Aging has eliminated the list and is once again able to quickly enroll seniors who are eligible for in-home care services.

“I am really excited about this,” said program manager Kim Clark. “We have worked very hard to make this day happen.”  Read more...
Popular long-term care planning workshop returns this fall 

Council on Aging’s popular Own Your Future workshop series returns this September in Hamilton and Warren counties. Own Your Future brings together expert speakers to help participants plan for long-term care, protect their assets and understand what living options and services are available to them as they age. Topics include estate and financial planning, Medicare and Medicaid, advance directives and long-term care options. Registration is required and will begin by Aug. 1. Click here for more information...
Now hiring: Recovery Managers with behavioral health experience and other positions

Council on Aging has an urgent need to recruit Recovery Managers for a new program.  We are looking for professionals with a bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology or similar field.  Experience working in the community with individuals who have behavioral health challenges and connecting them with employment resources and peer support is ideal. Click here for more information or to apply for one of the available Recovery Manager positions. 

We are also recruiting for other positions. Click here for a list of openings and qualifications.
News You Can Use

Butler County residents can apply for assistance with home repairs and mobility modifications

Low-income home owners in Butler County can apply for assistance with certain home repairs, including mobility modifications, through Butler County's Neighbors Who Care program. The free repairs and modifications include mobility improvements (wheelchair ramps, grab bars), porch and step repairs, interior and exterior painting, gutter, soffit, and siding repairs, and more.  Click here for more information.
Your Health: #ENDALZ during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. More than 47 million people worldwide live with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The Alzheimer’s Association invites you to  Go Purple  and help spread the word through friends and social media to #ENDALZ. You can also join the celebrities in  this video  in learning and sharing the truths about Alzheimer’s and dementia. You are especially encouraged to take care of yourself with these  Ten Tips to Love Your Brain . If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s and brain health or getting involved in your community, click here for available resources and programs in our  resource directory .
Long-term Care Corner: Ombudsmen step up for elder rights
As mandated by the Older Americans Act and Ohio law, the mission of the long-term care ombudsman program is to seek resolution of problems and advocate for the rights of home care consumers and residents of long-term care facilities, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life and care of consumers.

Ombudsmen are advocates for seniors and ensure that they are being treated with respect in their long-term care situation. 

In southwestern Ohio, including Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton and Warren counties, Pro Seniors provides ombudsman services. Contact Pro Seniors' Ombudsman Helpline for more information: 513-458-5518.  

If you are an Ohio resident outside of these counties, click here to locate your ombudsman.

Elder Financial Exploitation: The Crime of the 21st Century
Pro Seniors: Financial exploitation often leads to other forms of abuse

By Amy L. Kurlansky, Pro Seniors
Financial exploitation can look like the scams we often hear about (the Grandparent Scam, the IRS scam, or any scam asking for Social Security or Medicare numbers). It can be the caretaker who steals money from their client, or a family member who misuses their legal financial authority. Sadly, when a senior is financially exploited – whether by a stranger, trusted caretaker or family member – they are often the victim of other forms of abuse. Read more...
COA Board of Trustees member reflects on elder financial abuse

By  Cyndy Wright, Park National Bank
Elder financial abuse is not new but it is certainly more present in the news and discussed more readily. It knows no socio-economic bounds and typically is perpetrated by family and friends. It is so important that we all take responsibility to hold accountable those who are in positions of power over our loved ones. Laws are changing - as they should - to hold those responsible for elder abuse to higher levels of accountability.  Read more...

Learn more about elder financial abuse and exploitation

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, elder financial abuse is the illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder at risk for harm by another due to changes in physical functioning, mental functioning, or both. Financial exploitation of the elderly is often called the Crime of the 21st Century.  

Seniors who are victims of this form of abuse - and others - may not be able to speak up for themselves or seek help. Use the links below to learn more about financial abuse and exploitation so you can speak for someone who may not be able to speak for themselves.

American Bankers Association

Facts about elder financial abuse and exploitation
  • Surveys estimate that 1 in 5 Americans over 65 have been victimized by a financial fraud 
  • When older adults report abuse, financial abuse is the #1 or #2 most frequently reported form of abuse
  • Financial abuse leads to other forms of abuse: 30-40% of older adults experience multiple forms of victimization by the same offender (financial abuse + neglect)
  • It’s costing victims $2.9 billion each year 
  • Average loss to older adult is $30,000 
  • 5% of older Americans will be financially exploited by a family member
  • Family members and caregivers are the culprits in 55% of financial abuse cases 
  • It has a significant impact on quality of life: loss of independence, decreased health, and psychological distress
Events & Learning Opportunities
Visit the Events page on our website for a complete, up-to-date list of events for adults, caregivers and professionals.  Unless otherwise noted, the events are NOT in any way affiliated with Council on Aging. Please use the links included with each event to get or request additional information. 
Butler County hosts elder abuse awareness forums in June
The Butler County Elder Safety Task Force has organized a series of Elder Abuse Awareness Forums to help community members learn how to identity, report and prevent elder abuse.

June 21 at Central Connections

The events are free. Click here for more information. 
Webinar: Preventing Anti-LGTB bias between constituents, staff and across aging services
Thursday, June 16, 1:30pm

Webinar: Cancer Caregiving in the U.S
Monday, June 20, 3pm

Webinar: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program: Preparing a dementia capable workforce
Wednesday, June 22, 3pm
Information and registration

Times of Transformation Web Seminar: The changing LTSS environment for the aging and disability networks
Wednesday, June 29, 1pm

Senior Day at the Ohio State Fair
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
In other news...
A roundup of recent headlines, news and commentaries that may be of interest to our readers.
Council on Aging | (513) 721-1025 or (800) 252-0155 | www.help4seniors.org
About Council on Aging
Council on Aging is a state-designated Area Agency on Aging, serving a 21-county region.   Our mission: Enhance people's lives by assisting them to remain independent at home through a range of quality services. One call to COA links people to the wide variety of agencies, information and programs that serve older adults and people with disabilities.    Learn more about COA