Facts to Know as We Honor World Elder Abuse Day on June 15
How many older Americans are abused? Approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse. Some estimates range as high as 5 million elders who are abused each year. One study estimated that only 1 in 14 cases of abuse are reported to authorities.
Who are the abusers of older adults? Abusers are both women and men. In almost 90% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member. Two thirds of perpetrators are adult children or spouses.
What makes an older adult vulnerable to abuse?Social isolation and mental impairment (such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease) are two factors. Recent studies show that nearly half of those with dementia experienced abuse or neglect. Interpersonal violence also occurs at disproportionately higher rates among adults with disabilities.
What are the effects of elder abuse? Elders who have been abused have a 300% higher risk of death when compared to those who have not been mistreated. While likely underreported, elder financial abuse costs older Americans $2.9 billion per year. Yet, financial exploitation is self-reported at rates higher than emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect.
Are there criminal penalties for the abusers? Most states have penalties for those who victimize older adults. Increasingly, across the country, law enforcement officers and prosecutors are trained on elder abuse and ways to use criminal and civil laws to bring abusers to justice.
Visit www.ncoa.org for more educational & other toolkit information.
Attorney
General Andy Beshear joined Kroger, AARP and over 25 other partner
organizations to launch Scam Alerts - a text messaging service that notifies
consumers when con artists are on the attack.
Kentuckians
can sign up for Scam Alerts by texting KYOAG
Scam to GOV311 (468311). Or, enroll online at www.ag.ky.gov/scams
and select text message or email alert.
"Today we launch a transformational tool in our fight
against scams," Beshear said. "For the first time, we are going to be
able to directly communicate new or trending scams to the citizens of Kentucky.
This new alert system is transforming how Kentucky protects our consumers by
warning them the minute my office verifies a reported scam. Our partners from
across the state will help us spread the word about the new text alert system
so that we can better protect our seniors."
Scam
Alerts aim to combat the steep climb in reports of scams targeting Kentuckians
by phone, mail and email. Beshear's
announcement offered several tips to help seniors and all Kentuckians stay ahead of
scammers:
Hang
up. If
someone calls asking for money or personal information, hang up. If you think
the caller might be telling the truth, call back to a number you know is
genuine. And, avoid robocalls by registering your number on Kentucky's No Call list.
Do not pay upfront. Legitimate businesses
and government agencies will not threaten you for upfront payments.
Do not wire money or
send reloadable credit/gift cards to people you do not know. Legitimate
businesses and government agencies will not require you to use these payment
methods.
Slow down. Con artists prey on
fear and want to scare you in to taking action very quickly. Before you issue
payment or provide your personal information, verify the business by
researching it online or calling a family member or neighbor.
If it sounds too good to
be true, it probably is!
The
Office of the Attorney General's Family Branch Unit, which includes the Office of Consumer Protection and the Office of Senior Protection, is working to
make Kentuckians aware of the program and asks those interested in becoming a
Scam Alerts partner to call 502-696-5393.
AG Beshear's press releases are available on his
official website at www.ag.ky.gov.
 AT&T is making wireline home Internet service more affordable for low-income households through Access from AT&T, a new program designed to help bridge the digital divide. Qualifying households will get the fastest of three speed tiers – 10Mbps, 5Mbps or 3Mbps –available at their address. Internet speeds provided at 10Mbps and 5Mbps will cost $10 a month, and Internet speeds at 3Mbps will cost $5 a month. We will also waive installation and Internet equipment fees for participating households. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Access from AT&T is available to households with at least one resident participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and located within the 21 states where we offer home Internet service. “We’re making it easier for more people to connect to friends, family, their communities and the possibilities of the Internet,” said Cheryl Choy, vice president wired voice and broadband products, AT&T. “Access from AT&T is an affordable Internet option available to millions of Americans with limited budgets.” See more at: http://about.att.com/
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Neighborhood
Place has partnered with the Ky. State Farmer’s Market Senior Nutrition
Program.
The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program provides fresh, locally
grown fruits and vegetables from Kentucky Farmer’s markets to the dinner tables
of low income seniors who are nutritionally at risk. As of today, June 1, each
Neighborhood Place location will have 75 vouchers (valued at $28) for senior
60yrs of age and older who meet criteria.
The
vouchers are only redeemable at approved farmers markets across Jefferson
County for fresh fruits and vegetables. There is a brief certificate of
eligibility that must be completed at the Neighborhood Place that requires
seniors to verify income. If a seniors is physically unable to apply for
benefits, and/or shop at the markets , no worries, they may send a proxy on
their behalf.
When
calling Neighborhood Place, please ask to speak with the Community Services
Information and Referral Technician(s). Below is a list of APPROVED markets:
Bardstown
Road Farmers Market
Gray
Street Farmers Market
Phoenix
Hill Nulu Farmers Market
Douglass
Loop Farmers Market
Beechmont
Open Air Market
Call 502-574-5050 or your local Neighborhood Place location for more information.
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Start the Summer by
Being Safer!
Did you know June is also National Safety Month?
Injuries are a leading cause of disability for people of all ages – The good news is everyone can get involved to help prevent injuries. During National Safety Month, the OADC is working with community members to help reduce the risk of injuries. This June, we encourage you to learn more about important safety issues like prescription painkiller abuse, transportation safety, and slips, trips, and falls.
•Prescription painkiller abuse: Prescription painkiller overdoses are a growing problem in the United States, especially among women. About 18 women die every day from a prescription painkiller overdose – more than 4 times as many as back in 1999.
•Transportation safety: Doing other activities while driving – like texting or eating–distracts you and increases your chance of crashing. Almost 1 in 5 crashes(17%) that injured someone involved distracted driving.
•Slips, trips, and falls: One in 3 older adults falls each year. Many falls lead to broken bones and other health problems.
You can make a difference. Find out ways to help reduce the risk of these safety issues. Call the OADC or visit www.nsc.org for more information.
Care Source Louisville- seeking Medicare Sales (MA). 2-3 years experience is desired. Must have current KY Accident & Health Insurance license. Contact Jimmy Feliciano, Medicare Sales
Manager at 502-594-7886 or jimmy.feliciano@caresource.com
The Louisville
Financial Opportunity Corps is seeking one full-time VISTA and one
part-time Fellow who are dedicated to designing and delivering a financial
coaching program in Louisville, KY, that will place low-income and
economically disadvantaged individuals on the pathway to financial stability. For any questions, or to submit resume contact Erin Waddell at erin.waddell@lousivilleky.gov or 502.574.3082. Act quickly – final candidates will be selected by June 10, 2016!
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