Caring about elder abuse
UD to host May 12 conference on elder abuse, exploitation
3:36 p.m., April 7, 2016--Neglect and abuse of older adults is a pervasive, national problem, yet one that remains largely hidden in the shadows. Studies indicate that 1 in 10 older adults experience abuse or neglect, but only a fraction of cases is ever reported or made known to agencies and organizations that could help.
On Thursday, May 12, the University of Delaware will host the multidisciplinary Elder Abuse and Exploitation Conference bringing together professionals, advocates, students and community members to better understand elder abuse and take responsible actions.
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Presented by UD’s Center for Drug and Health Studies (CDHS) in partnership with the Division of Professional and Continuing Studies, the conference seeks to raise awareness of the problem, and lead a dialogue of integrated solutions, approaches and strategies.
“Population projections indicate that the fastest growing demographic segments in Delaware will be those over 65, as well as those over 85 years old,” explained UD’s Karen Stein, who is a nationally recognized leader on elder abuse issues and a keynote speaker at the conference. “While we all wish to age gracefully and with dignity, the sad truth is that some of our most vulnerable, aged citizens will be abused, neglected or financially exploited.”
“This conference will give caring individuals, whether professionals or concerned citizens, the information, tools, and knowledge to do what we can to help prevent elder abuse, neglect and exploitation,” added Stein, associate professor in the UD’s School of Public Policy and Administration.
Local restaurants have collaborated with the May 12 event to raise awareness of elder abuse issues, and to help support the conference with fundraisers May 9-11. Visit this website for locations and details.
The event will feature several nationally known speakers, including Elizabeth Loewy, general counsel and senior vice president at EverSafe, a technology company focused on the prevention of financial exploitation and identity theft in later life. Formerly the chief of the New York County district attorney’s elder abuse unit, Loewy successfully prosecuted the complex and highly publicized financial exploitation case involving philanthropist and socialite Brooke Astor.
Also speaking will be Philip Marshall, grandson of Brooke Astor, who shares his family’s story to further awareness of elder justice issues.
Delaware Secretary of Health and Social Services Rita Landgraf will also present, along with many other local experts and practitioners in elder justice, health care, social services and related fields.
“We are very excited that this conference will be bringing together national and local experts, and we are honored to have such experienced and dedicated advocates sharing their knowledge,” said Sharon Merriman-Nai, associate scientist at CDHS. “In addition, it’s truly a collaborative Delaware effort, with representatives from the Attorney General's Office, the Department of Health and Social Services, our own UD faculty and the private sector."
“For 30 years, UD has been a pioneer in promoting research and awareness of elder abuse,” added Stein, who serves as editor in chief, with Merriman-Nai as associate editor, of the Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, the official journal of the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA). “Our work at the national level continues, but we are also engaged at the state and local levels through the Delaware Attorney General's Senior Protection Initiative and other efforts.”
Conference organizers are particularly interested in encouraging student participation. Students are invited to attend the conference at no charge by submitting a one-minute video answering the question “Why should I care about elder abuse?” Submissions may come from UD undergraduate or graduate students, as well as from students at other colleges and universities. Visit the website for participation details.
Added Merriman-Nai, "The timing of the conference couldn't be better for encouraging people to take action. May is Older Americans Month, and June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The May 12 conference is being held at John M. Clayton Hall, on UD's Laird Campus in Newark. Discounts are available for early registration through April 15, as well as discounts for nonprofit organizations, senior citizens, and students. Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities are also available.
For more information or to register, or to inquire about sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, please call 302-831-7600, write to continuing-ed@udel.edu or visit the Elder Abuse and Exploitation Conference website.