Learn How to Spot and Stopping Elder Abuse
Stopping elder abuse is something that has become quite an issue throughout Minnesota, whether that abuse occurs in a nursing home, in a home setting, or by a family member.
Anoka County attorney, Tony Palumbo, is on a crusade to bring more attention to elder abuse so that people can spot it and stop it. He made it a part of his campaign when he ran for county office and moved forward when elected in 2011 by assembling a team to focus on the issue.
This team consisted of attorneys who met with workers within social service departments, legal advocacy groups, and financial institutions to talk about the signs of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and financial abuse in the elderly and how to stop it.
Palumbo stated that his office had a few referrals of such cases from the Anoka County Adult Protection Services department at points in the past. In 2013 alone, there were 30 reports received. Most of these cases involved financial exploitation.
With Palumbo’s help, the statewide campaign was launched on June 11, 2013 to bring attention to the elder abuse issues that occur in Anoka County and throughout Minnesota. This effort is called the Stop Abuse and Financial Exploitation of Elders in Minnesota Initiative. The mission of this initiative is to arm Minnesota residents with information about elder abuse, which Palumbo says is a growing issue as the baby boomer age group grows.
Others involved in this campaign include county attorney offices, legal agencies, and organizations that work with the elderly.
One of the first items on the agenda was to create a video that featured the personal stories of victims. This is set to air on June 23on public television. Resources have also been put together for attorneys and members of law enforcement for them to reference as they investigate and prosecute elder abuse cases. Of these resources is a website and a mobile phone app that members of law enforcement can download to their phones to help them investigate cases.
Urgent Need for Stopping Elder Abuse
Of those featured in the video is Darlene Thill. She was hospitalized when she was 78-years-old after being severely beaten by her husband. Thill is encouraged by the initiative because she says people need to know that such cases happen at any age.
Stopping Elder Abuse – Start With Reporting Suspected Abuse and Neglect
For more information from the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Health Facility Complaints concerning nursing homes, assisted living and other elder care providers view resolved complaints at the MDH website.
If you have concerns about any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore toll free at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.
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