Elder Justice and Crisis Assistance
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) — June 15, 2022
As Americans, we believe in justice for all. Yet, every year an estimated five million, or one in ten older Americans experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Working together, we can build the social supports that can prevent this abuse and keep everyone safe as we age. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) — commemorated on June 15 every year — is an opportunity for people or organizations to take action to protect older people by raising awareness about elder abuse, why it occurs, and what we can do to stop it. We can act collectively to support justice for all.
Watch for messages, research data and opportunities for discussion throughout the month of June. PSRC is here for you. If you or anyone you know has experienced elder abuse, please reach out to have a confidential conversation with someone on our social services team. Send and email to socialservices@princetonsenior.org or call us at 609.751.9699.
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse refers to intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted individual that causes harm to an older person. Elder abuse takes many forms, including:
• Neglect or Isolation • Physical abuse • Sexual abuse • Financial abuse and exploitation • Emotional or psychological abuse (including verbal abuse and threats)
How Can We Report Elder Abuse?
It is up to everyone to prevent and address elder abuse. Report suspected mistreatment to your local adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman or law enforcement agency who can investigate the situation. Programs such as Adult Protective Services (APS) and the Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are here to help. For reporting numbers, contact Eldercare Locator at 1.800.677.1116 (eldercare.gov). If you believe that an older person is in a life-threatening situation, contact 911 or the local police or sheriff’s department.
ELDER JUSTICE: A Call to Action on Tuesday, January 18 at 3:00 p.m.
Planning for the Unexpected: Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, and Living Will
REGISTER HERE
ELDER JUSTICE: A Call to Action on Tuesday, October 19, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Melissa H. Abu-Adas, CELA, is owner of the Law Office of Melissa H. Abu-Adas, LLC, in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Melissa is certified as an elder law attorney by the ABA-accredited National Elder Law Foundation. Melissa’s practice focuses on estate planning, elder law, wills, trusts, long-term care planning, Medicaid applications, guardianships, special needs trusts, and estate administration.
Nicolette Vasco, program coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association, serving the Greater New Jersey Chapter. Nicolette has been on staff of the Alzheimer’s Association since 2016. She is the program coordinator and as such, oversees delivery of all programs & services offered by the Alzheimer’s Association to constituents in the greater New Jersey region. Within the organization Ms. Vasco engages, trains, and manages volunteers to increase the reach of community engagement. As Ms. Vasco’s family has been personally impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease, she provides compassion and empathy in the advocacy, support, and resources to those she serves.
WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY (WEAAD)
As Americans, we believe in justice for all. Yet, every year an estimated five million, or one in ten older Americans experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Working together, we can build the social supports that can prevent this abuse and keep everyone safe as we age. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) — commemorated on June15 every year — is an opportunity for people or organizations to take action to protect older people by raising awareness about elder abuse, why it occurs, and what we can do to stop it. We can act collectively to support justice for all.
Princeton High School students, led by junior, Olivia Milman, will be holding an awareness event on Friday, June 18. There will be a car caravan with posters giving phone numbers for contacting organizations to report elder abuse and to ask questions. The caravan will begin at 5:00 p.m. at the PSRC Suzanne Patterson building at 45 Stockton Street, Princeton. For additional info about how to be involved with this event, please send an email to socialservices@princetonsenior.org.
Ways to be involved with the WEAAD (car caravan event on June 18):
Make an awareness poster
Join the caravan
Volunteer to hold up signs along the route
Help spread the word!
(We are grateful for community support for this elder justice event and for the sponsorship of Janssen Pharmaceutical and the David Mathey Fund at the Princeton Area Community Foundation.)
ELDER JUSTICE: A Call to Action on Tuesday, April 20, 3:00 p.m.
Features speakers and topics about elder justice.
Carol Silver Elliott is the president and CEO of the Jewish Home Family, located in northern New Jersey.
Carol Silver Elliott is the president and CEO of the Jewish Home Family, located in northern New Jersey. Serving older adults for more than a century, the Jewish Home continuum of services includes the Jewish Home at Rockleigh, offering both long-term care and short-term rehabilitation; Jewish Home Assisted Living; Jewish Home at Home, providing home health care and adult medical day services; and Jewish Home Foundation. Prior to joining the Jewish Home Family in 2014, Silver Elliott served as the president and CEO of Cedar Village Retirement Community in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Silver Elliott began her career in acute care, serving strategic roles in marketing, planning, and public relations. Entering the world of older adult services in 2007, she immediately became involved on both a state and national level. She serves on the board of the Association of Jewish Aging Services and served as chair of the board from 2013–2015. She was a board member of LeadingAge Ohio and joined the board of LeadingAge New Jersey in 2015. She is also a member of the board of the Visiting Nurse Association of Central New Jersey. In 2012 Silver Elliott joined the board of LeadingAge, the organization that represents nonprofit senior care providers around the country, and currently serves as chair.
Passionate about elder abuse prevention, Silver Elliott was instrumental in founding the Shalom Center at Cedar Village in 2010 and in developing Senior Haven at the Jewish Home in 2015. She is the recipient of numerous state and national awards for innovation and leadership and has spoken at conferences both around the country and internationally. Her biweekly blogs in The Times of Israel have been published continuously since 2015.
ELDER JUSTICE: A Call to Action on Tuesday, March 16, 3:00 p.m.
HONORING PSRC SOCIAL WORKERS
On March 16 at 3:00 p.m. we will honor PSRC social workers, David Roussell and Nicole Maccarone. Join us in celebrating World Social Work Day and find out how our social work team can assist you and your family.
ELDER JUSTICE: A Call to Action on Tuesday, February 16, 3:00 p.m.
In June 2020, PSRC began holding monthly meetings to discuss elder justice issues. Throughout the year there were speakers from a variety of agencies, universities and legal disciplines that provided attendees information on how elder abuse is handled in NJ. On February 16 at 3:00 p.m. we will do a recap, with a focus on elder abuse prevention. To get our conversation started, here are some prevention measures from the National Center on Elder Abuse.
How can elder abuse be prevented?
Educating seniors, professionals, caregivers, and the public on abuse is critical to prevention. If you’re an older adult, you can stay safe by:
• Taking care of your health.
• Seeking professional help for drug, alcohol, and depression concerns and urging family members to get help for these problems.
• Attending support groups for spouses and learning about domestic violence services.
• Planning for your own future. With a power of attorney or a living will, you can address health care decisions now to avoid confusion and family problems later. Seek independent advice from someone you trust before signing any documents.
• Staying active in the community and connected with friends and family. This will decrease social isolation, which has been connected to elder abuse.
• Posting and opening your own mail.
• Not giving personal information over the phone.
• Using direct deposit for all checks.
• Having your own phone.
• Reviewing your will periodically.
• Knowing your rights. If you engage the services of a paid or family caregiver, you have the right to voice your preferences and concerns. If you live in a nursing home, call your Long Term Care Ombudsman. The ombudsman is your advocate and has the power to intervene.
https://acl.gov/programs/protecting-rights-and-preventing-abuse/elder-justice
The Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) receives federal funding to investigate and prosecute Medicaid fraud in New Jersey, including the physical or financial abuse of elderly or incapacitated adults who receive Medicaid benefits or who reside in facilities that receive Medicaid benefits.
Historically, MFCU actions centered on financial exploitation cases, but in 2017, as reports of caregiver assaults on the elderly rose nationwide, the office turned greater attention to the physical abuse of elderly or incapacitated patients. Last year, the MFCU enhanced its efforts to address the problem of elder abuse in New Jersey by establishing a state-wide “Elder Protection Task Force.” Under the auspices of the MFCU, this multi-agency group meets quarterly to share information about elder abuse, coordinate responses to reports of elder abuse incidents in the state, collaborate on investigations, and raise public awareness of the problem.
About the EPTF: In 2018, the Elder Protection Task Force (“EPTF”) was launched by the New Jersey Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The EPTF investigates allegations of financial exploitation, abuse, and/or neglect of elderly and incapacitated adults receiving Medicaid benefits from the State of New Jersey. Examples of the types of cases the EPTF investigates and prosecutes include physical abuse, domestic violence, neglect or isolation, financial abuse, sexual abuse, identity theft, institutional abuse and neglect, and cons and scams.
Speaker: Detective Danielle M. Han is currently assigned to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice-Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor. She has been with the Division for nearly twenty-two years, investigating Medicaid Fraud for over sixteen years. Detective Han has also been assigned to the Money Laundering Section and holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the Rutgers School of Criminal Justice. Over the past few years, Detective Han has been focusing on elder abuse cases, particularly financial exploitation matters. Throughout the course of these investigations, Detective Han has developed successful working relationships with various state agencies, including the Office the Public Guardian, the Office of the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly, and the various county Offices of Adult Protective Services.
ELDER JUSTICE: A Call to Action on Tuesday, December 15, 3:00 p.m.
- Accepts complaints via phone, fax, in writing, and by email.
- Accepts complaints from any source. All complaints are confidential. Anonymous complaints are accepted.
- Conducts investigations of those complaints and either resolves and/or refers the problem to a regulatory or law enforcement entity for further action.
- Can conduct public or private hearings and subpoena documents or personal testimony.
- Has full unrestricted access to elderly residents of long-term care facilities and their records.
- Works with resident councils to empower residents to advocate for themselves.
ELDER JUSTICE: A Call to Action on Tuesday, November 17, 3:00 p.m.
ELDER JUSTICE: A Call to Action on Tuesday, October 20, 3:00 p.m.
WHAT IS WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY ?
The Princeton Senior Resource Center (PSRC) is committed to elder justice in our community. “We don’t want to think that someone would abuse or neglect an elderly person, but unfortunately it happens far more often than we may realize. Awareness of an issue is the key to preventing further harm to our most vulnerable. The upcoming PSRC events will educate us and remind us of what to do if we suspect abuse or have been the unfortunate victim of abuse or neglect,” says Sharon Hurley, PSRC director of social services.
During the month of June, PSRC is focusing on elder justice and the work of WEAAD by hosting several programs that will educate and strengthen social support in the wider Princeton community.
Monday, June 15 at 11:00 a.m.
Beware the Green-Eyed Monster: Elder Abuse and Exploitation 2020
Presenter: Robert J. Shanahan, Esq. of Shanahan and Voigt, LLC
Tuesday, June 16 at 10:30 a.m.
TED Talk — An Age for Justice: Confronting Elder Abuse in America
Wednesday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m.
Elder Justice Forum
with presentations by Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, WomanSpace, and Certified Wealth Management and Investment, LLC
Tuesday, July 21 at 3:00 p.m.
Elder Justice Discussion
ABOUT MONDAY’S EVENT
Monday, June 15 at 11:00 a.m.
Beware the Green-Eyed Monster: Elder Abuse and Exploitation 2020
Presenter: Robert J. Shanahan, Esq. of Shanahan and Voigt, LLC
A recent study found that up to one million older Americans may be targeted yearly for elder abuse. This same study indicates that family members and caregivers are the culprits in 55% of all cases. Even so, this number, and the percentage of cases involving family members, is considered greatly understated by those on the front lines of this issue: social workers and medical and legal professionals.
Astonishingly, our local authorities are less than aggressive in addressing cases of elder abuse. Some do not have the interest, others do not have the staff or money to be effective, still others believe there are more pressing issues to resolve. Yet the number of cases climbs yearly, real people in our neighborhoods and towns are seriously hurt, suffer and live their remaining years in emotional and physical pain.
This program will address the issue of elder abuse, particularly by family members, as seen through the eyes of an elder law attorney who has “boots on the ground.” We will discuss the government authorities that confront this issue and where they fall short, as well as what we, as citizens, can do to protect seniors from falling prey.
ROBERT J. SHANAHAN
Robert J. Shanahan Jr. Esq. focuses his practice in estate planning, elder law and probate matters. Mr. Shanahan additionally practices in business law and nonprofit matters. He is a trained, experienced mediator and offers dispute resolution services, particularly for those arising from probate and elder law matters. Additionally, Mr. Shanahan’s firm, Shanahan & Voigt, LLC, offers a breadth of additional services to families and businesses throughout central New Jersey.
Mr. Shanahan received his Juris Doctorate Degree from the Temple University School of Law in 1985, and obtained licensure in New Jersey in the same year. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1981 from William Paterson University, with honors. Robert is a member and past president of the Hunterdon County Bar Association, and is a member of its elder law committee. He is also active in the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and its New Jersey Chapter. He is pro bono counsel for Volunteer Guardianship One on One, in Flemington, New Jersey, and a former president. Bob was named as a Super Lawyer in 2020.
You may contact Bob at 908.751.1551, or robert@legalcounselnj.com. For more information, visit legalcounselnj.com.
ABOUT THE FORUM SPEAKERS
Wednesday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m.
Elder Justice Forum
with presentations by Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, WomanSpace, and Certified Wealth Management & Investment, LLC
CERTIFIED WEALTH MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENT, LLC
Kurt Baker is a certified financial planner professional and accredited investment fiduciary with Certified Wealth Management & Investment, an independent Registered Investment Advisory firm. In 1978 he received a congressional appointment to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy and graduated with a BS in Marine Engineering. In 1983 he created a real estate investment partnership beginning a long and diverse career in financial services. As a fiduciary financial advisor, he specializes in partnering with individuals and small business owners fifty and older to prepare for and enjoy a successful retirement. After the loss of his beloved son Kenny at nineteen to anxiety and depression in 2009 he co-founded Attitudes In Reverse®, a national nonprofit focusing on youth mental health awareness and suicide prevention. He is a U.S. masters swimmer, past chair of the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Plainsboro business partnership and host of the weekly radio show, Master Your Finances.
THE BAYARD RUSTIN CENTER FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
The Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, located on 21 Wiggins St. in Princeton, NJ, is an educational enclave, community activist center, and safe-space for our LGBTQIA kids, our intersectional families, and all our beautifully diverse folks, connecting our disparate communities, both locally and nationally. Currently the center’s virtual headquarters broadcasts a 7:00 p.m. nightly Social Justice Power Hour on the BRCSJ Facebook page with information, inspiration, and entertainment, a solace to many during this challenging time.
Carol Watchler is a retired high school educator who continues to work for a safe and welcoming climate in schools and communities across the spectrum of diversity issues. She is committed to advocacy and activism for social justice through her efforts as a board member and the community outreach coordinator for Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice. Carol has been a leader on sexual orientation and gender identity issues in the New Jersey Education Association and the National Education Association working with school districts and community groups throughout the state to achieve respect and equity for LGBTQ persons.
WOMANSPACE
Womanspace is the leading nonprofit agency serving domestic violence and sexual assault. Heidi Mueller is the domestic violence victim response team coordinator for Womanspace. She is responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising approximately one hundred volunteers available twenty-four hours a day to respond to thirteen municipal police departments as well as the NJ State Police, TCNJ Campus Police, and Princeton University Office of Public Safety, in Mercer County. Twice annually, she conducts eighty-five hour domestic violence victim response team and sexual assault support service advocate volunteer trainings. Ms. Mueller also conducts community education sessions on the dynamics of domestic violence, its effects on children, and other related topics. She works very closely with Mercer County’s Domestic Violence Liaison Officers and conducts annual law enforcement role call trainings throughout the County.
