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On Wednesday, May 4, the Daily Press held a live Web chat on elder abuse. Last year in Virginia, more than 17,000 complaints were received statewide by Adult Protective Services for neglect, abuse and financial exploitation of seniors. Almost 60 percent were substantiated. Abuse happens in all socio-economic groups and all educational levels. Shervonne Banks and Gloria Dixon from Newport News Social Services answered your questions on recognizing abuse and the resources available.

Follow the transcript below.

Ask the Experts: Everything you should know about elder abuse

(05/04/2011)

  

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11:56

Prue:  Welcome to our Wednesday Health Chat. Today's topic is elder abuse. Wednesday May 4, 2011 11:56 Prue

11:57

Prue:  Joining us today are Gloria Dixon and Shervonne Banks of Adult Protective Services in Newport News. Ask your questions now. Wednesday May 4, 2011 11:57 Prue

11:58

Prue:  Last year there were more than 17,000 complaints made in Virginia with regard to elder abuse, which can take many forms. Wednesday May 4, 2011 11:58 Prue

11:58

Prue:  Do you want to know what constitutes elder abuse? Wednesday May 4, 2011 11:58 Prue

11:58

Prue:  Wonder what to do if you suspect it? Wednesday May 4, 2011 11:58 Prue

12:00

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Good afternoon! My name is Shervonne Banks, Senior Citizen Advocate for the City of Newport News and I'm looking forward to answering your questions on Elderly Abuse or any associated topics. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:00 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:00

Prue:  Welcome to our experts. Send in your questions now. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:00 Prue

12:00

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  alzheimers father was admitted to a psych hosp for adjusting his meds. While there he obtained bruises, hematoma on forehead, broken glasses, and toenail pulled off nailbed. was hospitalized for treatment of cellulitis of his leg due to injury. What recourses do I have Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:00 Guest

12:01

Prue:  Readers: Welcome to our chat on elder abuse. We have experts from NEwport News social services to answer your questions. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:01 Prue

12:01

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Good afternoon! My name is Gloria Dixon, Adult Services Supervisor with the Newport News Department Human Services. I'm looking forward to answering your questions on Elderly Abuse or any associated topics. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:01 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:04

Prue:  Do you have an answer for the person concerned about bruising while in a psych hospital? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:04 Prue

12:04

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Alzheimer question - Thank you for your questions. Your recourses are as follows: Contact the APS Hotline at your local department of Human Services and Hospital Administration. It is important that you describe the incident in detail. Virginia's APS Hotline is 1-888-832-3858 and Newport News Hotline is 757-926-6329. Again, thank you! Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:04 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:05

Prue:  APS is Adult Protective Services. Can you tell readers what happens after you make a complaint? What can you expect to happen? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:05 Prue

12:05

[Comment From NN_Hpt ResidentNN_Hpt Resident: ]  Is elder abuse as prevalent as child abuse or has the Mickey Rooney case just highlighted it more? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:05 NN_Hpt Resident

12:06

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  That is great question Prue. APS complaints are investigated within 24 hours of reporting. The investigation is a 45 day process. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:06 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:07

Prue:  I think I read in Virginia at least (in answer to NN-Hpt resident) that about 10 times as many child abuse complaints are lodged as for seniors.... but then you have to consider that children are coming in contact with schools etc. so there are more opportunities for observation. Experts? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:07 Prue

12:07

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Thank you for questions NN_Hpt Resident. Adult Abuse is very prevalent but often goes unreported. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:07 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:07

Prue:  What goes on during the 45-day investigation? What is in place to protect victims during that time? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:07 Prue

12:09

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  I attempted to speak to the administraor about his injuries and she was quick to blame the ambulance and er. Unfortunately attorneys dont feel there is any money to pursue this. I am trying now to file with Dept of Health and Hosp Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:09 Guest

12:09

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Prue - During a 45 day investigation, a worker initiates face to face contacts with client. Safety is the leading factor during an investigation. If neccessary, the client is removed and placed in a safe environment. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:09 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:10

Prue:  Where might a senior be placed for their safety? WIth a relative or in an institution? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:10 Prue

12:10

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Guest - Include APS in your contacts. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:10 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:11

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Prue - It really depends on the situation but those are good options. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:11 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:11

Prue:  But Social Services has the authority to move someone? Or does it have to go through the courts? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:11 Prue

12:12

Prue:  Who should Guest address his concerns to? To Social Services? Adult Protective Services? Which is the most appropriate route? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:12 Prue

12:12

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Prue - Social Services has the authority to move someone if the individual is competent and they agree to move. The court system is used for incompetent individuals. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:12 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:12

[Comment From RitaRita: ]  Is there anything that resembles foster care for older adults? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:12 Rita

12:13

Prue:  Great question from Rita. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:13 Prue

12:13

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Guest - You should definitely follow up with Adult Protective Services and the Virginia Department of Health. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:13 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:13

Prue:  Readers: Today's "health" topic is elder abuse -- how to recognize it, what you can do if you suspect it, and what it is. We have experts from Adult Protective Services in Newport News who can answer your questions. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:13 Prue

12:13

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  ok thank you Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:13 Guest

12:14

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Rita - There is a such thing called Adult Foster Care; however, it is not available in all localities. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:14 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:14

Prue:  Is it available locally do you know? Is it state-financed? How would Rita find out about its availability? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:14 Prue

12:16

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  I think my dad is being overmedicated to keep him quiet at the nursing home where he is. Any ideas? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:16 Guest

12:16

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Rita - Newport News does not have the Adult Foster Care Program. The following cities do: Hampton, Portsmouth, and Norfolk. You should contact each individual locality for availability and costs. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:16 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:17

[Comment From RitaRita: ]  I will contact APS at James City County and the city of Williamsburg. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:17 Rita

12:18

Prue:  I've heard that overmedication is a big problem. Where can you start with this? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:18 Prue

12:18

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Guest - Please contact the Administrator and discuss the issue. If you are authorized to reveiw his medical record, please do so. I would also contact the local Department of Human Services - Adult Protective Services Unit. If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation, contact APS. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:18 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:18

[Comment From marymary: ]  what is considered abuse of seniors? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:18 mary

12:18

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  What is the most common form of abuse? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:18 Guest

12:20

Prue:  Readers: we are here until 1 p.m. with two experts on elder abuse -- it's more prevalent than you think. They can answer your questions about how to recognize it and what to do if you suspect elder abuse. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:20 Prue

12:20

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Mary - Abuse can appear in many ways. Here are some ways of identifying abuse: forced isolation, lack of affection or care for an adult, bruises, conflicting stories about accounts or details, prevention of adults speaking to others, inappropriate sexual relationship or language, and etc. I encourage you to visit http://www.dss.virginia.gov for more information on this topic. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:20 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:21

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  What do you do if you suspect the abuse if being done by a family member? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:21 Guest

12:21

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Guest - Self-neglect is the biggest form of abuse. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:21 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:22

Prue:  Can you explain what self-neglect is -- and what can be done about it. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:22 Prue

12:22

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Guest - I encourage anyone who suspects abuse to contact Adult Protective Services in the locality where the family members lives. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:22 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:24

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Prue - Examples of self-neglect could be a lack of personal care, inadequate nutrition, wandering, choosing to purchase misc. items over food or medication, etc. Please visit http://www.dss.virginia.gov for more information. You could also contact your local APS. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:24 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:24

Prue:  Readers: For all your health information go to www.dailypress.com/health. Also, follow our daily Health Notes blog which now has a Fitness Fridays component at dailypress.com/health-health-notes-blog. We're also on Facebook and Twitter keeping you up to date with everything that's happening regarding health both locally and nationally. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:24 Prue

12:25

Prue:  If someone is not taking care of themselves -- self-neglect -- what can Social Services do about that? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:25 Prue

12:26

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Prue - Adult Services can initiate an investigation on this issue. They can also build a rapport with the individual and recommend services that may meet their needs. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:26 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:27

Prue:  In regard to the over-medication problem, you answered "If you have access to their medical records" -- who typically would have this access -- and if you don't, how would you be able to get access? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:27 Prue

12:27

Prue:  Can you tell me some of the services that might be available to the self-neglect person? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:27 Prue

12:28

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  how can you protect someone with dementia from being exploited Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:28 Guest

12:28

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Pure- Do to HIPPA laws, medical records are considered confidential unless permission is given to an individual. Confidentiality is crucial! Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:28 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:29

Prue:  Does that permission to access records have to be in writing? Do family members automatically have access? Or no one? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:29 Prue

12:29

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Prue- Depending on the individual's needs, companion services, Assisted Living, nursing home, home health, physical therapy, Meals on Wheels, etc. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:29 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:31

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Guest - Family interaction and medical intervention is important for individuals needing protective services. Exploitation comes in various forms such as financial, sexual, etc. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:31 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:31

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Prue- Medical facilities have approved forms that require signature in order to obtain access to medical records even for family members. Again, privacy is very important. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:31 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:32

Prue:  What if seniors can't afford these services -- or say they don't want them. What can you do then? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:32 Prue

12:33

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Prue - If an individual declines services, we have to respect their decison. An adult has the autonomy to make their own decisions. If seniors are unable to afford services, they will need to contact the Eligibility Department of Human Services for assistance. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:33 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:34

Prue:  Readers: We are talking to Gloria Dixon and Shervonne Banks from Adult Protective Services in Newport News. They can answer your questions about elder abuse -- last year more than 17,000 complaints were made statewide - and more than 60 percent were "founded" - that is it was found that abuse had occurred. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:34 Prue

12:35

Prue:  What if you think someone isn't capable of making their own decisions -- what happens then? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:35 Prue

12:35

Prue:  Do most of the cases have a dementia/Alzheimer's component? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:35 Prue

12:36

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Prue - The individual would have to be medically and pyschologically accessed in order to make a determination of competency. If you would need assistance with this matter, contact the Physican or Adult Protective Services to initiate the process. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:36 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:36

[Comment From mary-bethmary-beth: ]  I've heard that financial abuse is a big issue for seniors. How does this usually happen. What should we look out for? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:36 mary-beth

12:37

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Prue - Most of our cases are not Dementia or Alzheimer's. Most individuals would simply like to keep their independence,even when they are at-risk. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:37 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:38

Prue:  That's interesting. Thanks for the information. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:38 Prue

12:40

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Mary-Beth - Financial abuse is a great concern! Signs of financial exploitation are as follows: missing checks, isolation, unaccounted money, several changes in Power of Attorney's, and etc. Financial exploitation could result as of an individual's trust for another. For more information contact your local APS or visit http://www.dss.virginia.gov. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:40 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:40

Prue:  Readers: We're here until 1 p.m. EST to answer your questions on elder abuse. As the population ages it's a growing problem -- also with families living far apart and people living longer Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:40 Prue

12:41

Prue:  Are there any guardianship/power of attorney solutions that you recommend? Or are those the people who typically abuse seniors? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:41 Prue

12:41

[Comment From NN_Hpt ResidentNN_Hpt Resident: ]  Is APS a separate department from the rest of the DSS, or can any case manager handle these types of problems? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:41 NN_Hpt Resident

12:43

Prue:  You've answered lots of questions about how to deal with abuse when it happens -- what are your suggestions for preventing it? Are there advance measures that people can take while they're relatively young and in good health? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:43 Prue

12:43

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Prue - We do not want to indicate that people with Power of Attorney's or Guardianships are the abusers. Guardianship petitions are granted through the courts and monitored through the courts. Power of Attorney's are not regulated as stringently. For verification, check with an Elder Law Attorney. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:43 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:44

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  what happens if abuse is confirmed. Does social services take the care person to court? I don't think I've ever read of a case like this. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:44 Guest

12:45

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  NN_Hpt Resident - The Department of Human Services is made up of multiple areas. Adult Protective Services is only one unit. Social workers in Adult Protective Services specifically handle Adult Protective Services complaints. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:45 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:46

Prue:  Readers: Be sure to check out www.dailypress.com/health for all your health news. Also, if you want to find transcripts of previous health chats on topics from depression to pregnancy, go to www.dailypress.com/health and click on the tab Archived Live Web Chats. IT's your chance to hear what the experts have to say. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:46 Prue

12:46

[Comment From frankfrank: ]  what can you do if you think your home helper is stealing from you Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:46 frank

12:48

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Prue - There are several things that you can do to prevent abuse. We suggest you research the many areas of elder abuse and participate in forums such as this. We encourage you to be aware of seniors and individuals with disabilities in your community. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:48 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:48

Prue:  When you call APS to make a complaint can you remain anonymous or do you have to give your name? IF you don't give your name do they take the complaint seriously. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:48 Prue

12:48

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  How many self-report abuse? Or is it all from doctors and friends? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:48 Guest

12:49

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Guest - In the event an individual is not incapacitated, the abuse individiual will have to pursue legal action. If the individual is incapacitated, Human Services will intervene. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:49 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:50

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Frank - Contact your local authorities and the Home Health Agency. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:50 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:51

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Guest - Reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation are called in from multiple sources. Reporters are confidential. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:51 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:51

Prue:  When should you call APS and when should you call the police? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:51 Prue

12:52

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Prue - In the event a nurse is stealing, you can pursue both at the same time. APS can help you initiate the process. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:52 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:53

Prue:  What if you're not a senior (APS) and not a child (CPS), who can you call in cases of neglect or abuse? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:53 Prue

12:54

Prue:  IExperts: In our last couple of minutes, could you repeat the definition of what elder abuse is -- and give out any hotline numbers you have. Thanks. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:54 Prue

12:55

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Prue - Adult Protective Services service clients 18 and up and they must be disabled or a senior citizen or incompetent. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:55 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:56

Prue:  And if you don't fit those categories -- say you're 45 and not disabled -- you call the police? Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:56 Prue

12:56

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Prue - Any person, including financial institutions, may report suspcted abuse to APS. If you or someone you know is being mistreated, contact your local Department of Human Services or you may call the 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-888-832-3858. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:56 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:57

Prue:  Readers: We've been talking to Shervonne Banks and Gloria Dixon of Adult Protective Services in Newport News on the subject of elder abuse. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:57 Prue

12:57

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Prue - Yes. Police are a great first option! Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:57 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:58

Prue:  Their message is that there's help out there from Adult Protective Services, part of the Department of Social Services. They check out charges of abuse and also connect seniors with resources in the community. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:58 Prue

12:59

Prue:  Readers: Thanks for joining us. For a transcript of the chat, you can go to www.dailypress.com/health and click on Archived Live Web Chats. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:59 Prue

12:59

Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  We appreciate your participation and enjoyed answering questions on Elder Abuse today. Remember, May is Older American's Month and Elder Abuse Prevention Month! Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:59 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

12:59

Prue:  Experts: Thanks for all the great information you provided on the topic of elder abuse. It's really good to know that there's help out there. Wednesday May 4, 2011 12:59 Prue

1:00	Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo:  Thanks Prue! Wednesday May 4, 2011 1:00 Ms. Banks and Gloria Dixo

1:00	Prue:  I'm closing the chat now. Thanks. Bye -- and look out for your elderly family members, neighbors and friends. Wednesday May 4, 2011 1:00 Prue

1:01