Elder Abuse
What is Elder Law?
The practice of elder law refers to assisting people with the legal aspects of issues that affect all of us in our later years. But many elder law issues should be dealt with before you are elderly. This elder law issue includes: Estate planning Wills Trusts Health care planning Social security and retirement benefits…
Read MoreHoliday Season Brings Increase in Phone Scams Targeting Seniors
When the holiday decorations go up, so do the number of phone calls to the elderly. This is when scammers work to gain access to their bank accounts, credit cards and other financial assets. According to a survey from the financial educational organization Investor Protection Trust, one in five Americans age 65 and older has…
Read MoreProgressive Approach to Elder Abuse Uses App to Help Protect Seniors
A new app will allow those who work with the elderly in Erie County, New York to report concerns about abuse and upload documents and photos. Designed for service providers and advocates for seniors, the Legal Risk Detector app has been introduced through a joint effort from the Center for Elder Law & Justice, the…
Read MoreElder Abuse Legislation Headed to President’s Desk
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is hoping that legislation boosting both enforcement and penalties for those who target seniors will become law as soon as possible. The proposed law would also improve how enforcement is coordinated between the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission. Sparked by what happened to a local couple who were scammed into…
Read MoreEmergency Room Teams Now Part of the Battle against Elder Abuse
For older patients, the emotional and physical impact of abuse often leads to premature death. Doctors, nurses and others in the ER are on the front lines and could make a difference in identifying elder abuse. Sadly, many of the elderly or disabled are unable to tell others that they are being abused. This makes…
Read MoreNew Jersey Enacts Law That Increases Abuse Reporting Requirements, Shrinks Fines for Failing to Report
With the maximum penalty for failing to report abuse reduced from $5,000 to $500, some claim that Peggy’s Law simply aligns state law with federal regulations. An article from McKnight’s Senior Living, “NJ law increases requirements, decreases some fines in reporting of suspected abuse cases,” that provides the history behind “Peggy’s Law,” which took seven…
Read MoreMinnesota Legislature Asked to Review Elder Abuse Secrecy Law, Says Minnesota Governor
It’s one thing to protect whistleblowers, but preventing families from getting all of the details, if loved ones have been abused or neglected, just doesn’t sit right with governor. A recent report from KARE 11 TV, “Governor wants review of elder abuse secrecy issue,” explains that the Governor of Minnesota has asked the state’s legislature…
Read MoreLong Term Care Settings the Focus of New Law in Oregon
The State Department of Human Services says that the new law will provide a comprehensive approach to improving both safety and quality of care in long-term care settings. With the passage of House Bill 3359, Oregon legislators are putting changes in place to improve the quality of life for individuals living in licensed long-term care…
Read MorePractical Legislation Addresses Elder Abuse Issues in New York State
A number of important bills were passed at the end of the legislative session, including some surprisingly common-sense solutions to estate planning and elder abuse problems. Among a number of new laws recently passed in New York State are several that provide ways for health care workers and bank employees to do a better job…
Read MoreBurden of Elder Care Eased in Hawaii with Passage of Kupuna Caregivers Act
Family caregivers who are helping their elders, will now receive financial assistance for associated costs from the state of Hawaii. It is a nod to a tradition that will be gratefully appreciated. The Kupuna Caregivers Act, signed into law by Hawaii Governor David Ige. It is the first of its kind in the U.S., according…
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