The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47508

Michele C. Findler, Elder Abuse Prevention Program, WISE Senior Services, 1527 4th Street, Suite 250, Santa Monica, CA 90401, (310) 394-9871, mfindler@wiseseniorservices.org

Elder abuse is defined as any type of mistreatment that results in the harm of an older adult. There are four main types of abuse: physical, emotional/psychological, neglect, (including self-neglect) and financial abuse. Elder abuse occurs across all ethnic, religious and socioeconomic groups. Financial abuse, the illegal or improper use of a senior’s assets to benefit another person, is one of the fastest growing types of abuse. Financial abuse cases are often extremely complex, involving multiple types of abuse and can range from theft to extortion. Financial abuse can result in anxiety, depression, malnutrition and dehydration, decreased immune system functioning, cardiovascular disorders and heart attacks and is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. Losses associated with financial abuse can be devastating for seniors in that it can compromise a senior’s living situation and independence as well as affect a person’s sense of dignity, security and health status. The Los Angeles County Fiduciary Abuse Specialist Team (FAST) is a county-wide multidisciplinary team that provides case consultations and education on difficult to resolve cases of elder financial abuse. These cases often require knowledge of investments, real estate, insurance, probate and criminal law, finances and issues of mental capacity. The team consists of experts from a multitude of fields who assist workers from Adult Protective Services (APS), the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, the Public Guardian and local care management programs. The FAST provides a forum for discussion, education and resolution of difficult to resolve elder abuse cases.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Define the various types of elder abuse and give examples.
• Learn about a collaborative model approach which has successfully prevented the loss of assets for seniors and which has trained professionals who handle complex cases.

Keywords: Elderly, Advocacy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: WISE Senior Services, private non-profit organization.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.