Stop Elder Abuse Now

2009-04-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

"Paradise Costs" Becomes Part of NCEA-CANE National Database at the University of Delaware By Starlight Network News, Inc. United States of America Contact publisher via

"Paradise Costs-A Victim's Daughter Fights Back against Elder Abuse by Irene Masiello, afterword by Bennett Blum, MD now Databased at NCEA.gov located at the University of Delaware"

For_Immediate_Release:United States of America (Press Release) April 27, 2009 -- PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 27, 2009, New York City, New York-"Paradise Costs-A Victim’s Daughter Fights Back against Elder Abuse" (second edition) by Irene A. Masiello, afterword by Bennett Blum, M.D., has been included in the Clearinghouse on Abuse and Neglect of the Elderly, the nation’s largest federal data-base on elder abuse.

The Clearinghouse on Abuse and Neglect of the Elderly, or CANE, is established and located at University of Delaware. It is the nation's largest archive of published research, training resources, government documents and other sources on elder abuse and related issues.CANE operates along with the National Center on Elder Abuse (www.ncea.aoa.gov) and both function as distinctive, multi-disciplinary consortiums with expertise in elder abuse, exploitation and neglect.

For many years, the NCEA collaborators have worked towards assisting our nation in better understanding and responding to elder abuse, exploitation and neglect. Collaborators in the above have emerged from a range of professional fields making NCEA a valuable resource to many professionals working with victims of elder maltreatment, including: adult protective services; national, state, and local aging networks; law enforcement; health care professionals; domestic violence networks; and others.

"Paradise Costs-A Victim’s Daughter Fights Back against Elder Abuse," an interactive book, invites readers to participate in raising awareness of abuse, neglect and exploitation of the elderly. A proactive book including tear-out, prewritten letters to federal legislators ready to be signed and mailed, Paradise Cost, also offers an actual forensic report of a victim of abuse and exploitation.Additionally, the book contains the pioneering work of Bennett Blum, M.D., an internationally known forensic and geriatric psychiatrist. His work, now recognized and taught in most of the Western Hemisphere, defines undue influence and diminishing mental capacity in the elderly as well as many types of medical and psychiatric conditions affecting cognition.

It's estimated that elder abuse, neglect and exploitation will effect one-in-six elders.

Contact: 718-776-5644
Starlight Network News, Inc.
StarNetNews@cs.com
http://www.paradisecosts.com/
http://www.bennettblummd.com/

For more information:
Integrative Healing Center & Spa
1180 Northern Blvd., Ste 200,
Manhasset, NY 11030
516-676-0200

There will be a reading at the above location on June 10, 2009 from PARADISE COSTS-A VICTIM'S DAUGHTER FIGHTS BACK AGAINST ELDER ABUSE by the author, Irene A. Masiello at 7PM, and a book signing to acknowledge
International Elder Awareness Day June 15, 2009.

Please call for more information 516-676-0200 or 718-776-5644

LOBSTER RESCUED, ELDERS MURDERED

2009-03-07T08:01:00.000-08:00

Lobster Rescued; Elders Abused,
Exploited, Kidnapped & Murdered

By

Irene A. Masiello

George, the lobster, age 140, was rescued from a lobster tank in an upscale NYC restaurant on Jan. 10, 2009 by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) reported the Associated Press. Acting on a tip, incredibly, PETA was able to save this crustacean from being executed to pamper a palette.

For the last 7 years, after the death of my father via elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, I have been an advocate for awareness about elder abuse and its many hideous “faces.” I am stymied by the lack of concern, compassion and action in combating this terrible social ill that’s costing countless lives.

Though I am an animal lover myself, I was awed by the outrage of Americans at NFL’s Michael Vick for arranging and betting on dog fighting and people rushing to save a lobster when one-in-six seniors or more will be victims of some form of elder abuse.

Other social causes have made real progress. PETA can rescue a lobster and return it to the safety of the waters offshore Maine. MADD (Mother’s Against Drunk Drivers) has changed the laws of the land regarding drinking and driving. John Walsh, while courageously bearing the horrific pain of losing his little boy, took action and succeeded in revamping our laws regarding exploited and missing kids.

Yet, families of murdered, exploited and abused seniors who have suffered tragic losses have failed to awaken the consciousness of this country. While the elderly cannot picket, march in Washington, D.C., boycott or hold a rally, might we, the families of the victims, myself included, be dropping “the ball?”

Since my book, Paradise Costs—A Victim’s Daughter Fights Back against Elder Abuse, was released, I have heard from many. I have learned that everyone sees elder abuse from their own map of the world with many claiming to be victims.

Before elder abuse literally struck home, I was a transformational and holistic counselor. Through that work, I have come to recognize there are few problems but rather challenges to creativity. Therefore, from a personal perspective, I will not embrace the world of victimhood. My father was the victim and he “died” as a result of a not so mysterious sequence of events that are documented in my book which contains my dad’s forensic report.

Many of those who write and, rightfully so, are angry however I believe mustering cou-RAGE, channeling it into action and championing this cause using in-SPIRIT-ion. To me, information is power and, therefore, I seek to em-POWER.

Whether our loved ones have been victimized by guardianship or conservatorship abuse, actual physical abuse, exploitation, neglect, medical, pharmaceutical or legal malfeasance, the result is the same—a beloved person has been deprived of their right to life.

Let’s think bigger picture. Let’s redefine elder abuse in its broadest sense and turn to Amnesty International: “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the foundation of the international system of protection for human rights. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10th, 1948.

“Human rights are basic rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to regardless of nationality, sex, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, language, or other status.
“Human rights include civil and political rights, such as the right to life, liberty…economic rights including the right… the right to food…Human rights are protected and upheld by international and national laws and treaties.”
With the above in mind, it seems clear, elder abuse, in whatever form it takes is, obviously, a violation of human rights. In my opinion, so long as we are separatists in approach and calling elder abuse by one of its many names, we take away from our underlying social mantra and our aspiration to STOP ALL ELDER ABUSE NOW.

Might it would serve everyone’s best interest, especially our seniors, if we borrow a phrase from Ben Franklin, “Let’s all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately?”

So long as a single senior citizen anywhere in this nation does not evoke the action taken by PETA to protect the life of George the lobster, no person in this country is safe. So long as we stand apart, we will never do what MADD has done.

It is in keeping with the spirit of oneness, I want to invite everyone to turn your cou-RAGE into action.
We must put our experience and anger to work, we need to re-define the litany of horrific abuses against our family members as violation of human rights and re-introduce the words, “ELDER ABUSE,” as an umbrella phrase covering:
elder abuse
elder exploitation
elder neglect
guardianship abuse
conservatorship abuse
undue influence (mentally, emotionally, physically by anyone, e.g.: family, lawyers, probate courts, social services, etc.)
medical, pharmacological and legal malfeasance
breech of fiduciary duty
any of the above that shortens life and wellness
any of the above where cognitive ability is impaired or there is diminishing capacity (visual, mobility, hearing, nutritional infirmities, mental infirmities, intellectual impairment, sensory or social deprivation, etc)
in cases were elders sign documents they are unable to understand and/or EXPLAIN the ramifications of
power of attorney exploitation
any action or inaction by any person including family members and professionals that impacts longevity when the elder has specified their wish to live as long as possible
(please e-mail me if you have additional suggestions for the above list at irenemasiello@msn.com)

I am requesting, starting immediately, that volunteers unite with a common plea. Let’s stop elder abuse in all forms. Let’s get organized, let’s spread the word that none of us will tolerate members of our families being denied their human rights.

Remember: President Obama has asked this nation to serve in some capacity and, perhaps, our path to service has been defined by what we have experienced. And while speaking about our president, lets remember what Rosa Parks did in Alabama when she stood her ground and took her rightful place on a bus. Let's let the Civil Rights movement, MADD, PETA, ACT-UP, John Walsh and others be a template and inspiration to us.

Please, those who have Internet skills, watch TV, listen to the radio or simply cruise the net start data collection on any of the above. At least one volunteer from each U.S. state is needed to serve as “state captain” and another to serve as “state lieutenant.” Perhaps, military phrases may be seen offensive, however, you bet this is a war…let’s remember the casualties; let’s not let our losses be in vain.

For us, who are still standing, we aren’t victims YET. However, remember the statistics. Think about the faltering economy. The vulnerable elderly will be at the greatest risk to deviants and predators. And too many of us we will be, as well, when the expected 15 million victims plus of “elder abuse” manifests in the baby-boomer generation.

Choice time:

Are you part of the problem?

Okay, just keep calling your self a victim and lamenting. Nothing changes if nothing changes.

Are you part of the solution?

If PETA can act on a tip and save a 140-year old lobster in NYC…what can we do together to save our beloved elders and ourselves?

Please contact me at Rage_in_Action_Now@rocketmail.com for more details (or to add to the above list regarding redefining elder abuse) about an effort to organize, collect data, spread knowledge and em-POWER ourselves and STOP ALL ELDER ABUSE NOW.

Irene A. Masiello is a certified: CORE/transformational & holistic counselor, stress management consultant and adult educator. She is author of PARADISE COSTS—A Victim’s Daughter Fights Back Against Elder Abuse, afterword by Rabbi Bennett Blum, MD. Dr. Blum and Ms. Masiello are Members of the Elder Justice Coalition. Lists of red flags of abuse, exploitation and neglect as well as high risk seniors are available for your publication. ©Copyright, January 2009, Irene A. Masiello-all rights reserved. Permission is granted to reprint the above article, however, do not separate the tag lines or copy right from the article. Thank you.

Paradise Costs-Afterword by Bennett Blum, MD is available now

2008-11-27T04:53:00.000-08:00

Paradise Costs-A Victim’s Daughter
Fights Back Against Elder Abuse
(2nd edition)

Author: Irene A. Masiello
Afterword: Bennett Blum, M.D.

Sadly, the end of Mario Masiello’s life became a text book case of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, breach of fiduciary duty and misuse of Power of Attorney.

After he was seized from his family by neighbors in Walterboro, South Carolina, who, with the help of a failed system, exploited his diminished mental capacity and used undue influence, Mr. Masiello’s premature death followed.

In this heartbreaking true story, Mario, a hearing impaired W.W. II veteran with severe Alzheimer’s, and an insulin dependent diabetic was receiving all nourishment through a feeding tube after he also had suffered a stroke.

His daughter, the author of this book, offers readers a chilling toxicology report resulting from expert forensic analysis inside Paradise Costs. And she utilizes her father’s story to help others understand the nuances of elder abuse and exploitation by sharing this provocative, tragic tale.

Mr. Masiello represents millions of Americans who are victims currently or will be as the numbers of elder abuse victims explode; it is expected that one-in-six elderly will be victims.

Contained in this one-of-a-kind book are lists of 20 red flags suggesting elder abuse and/or exploitation may be underway, 15 techniques often used by abusers and over 25 personality characteristics that make some seniors high risk. Paradise Costs offers helpful hints for hiring caregivers, addresses dysfunctional family issues and more.

Through this powerful, thought provoking story, readers can acquire a clear understanding of what elder abuse and exploitation are—
CRIMES.

This unique book offers readers the opportunity to be proactive with simple prefabricated, tear-out letters to federal legislators.

Afterword by Bennett Blum, M.D

Dr. Blum, an internationally acclaimed forensic and geriatric psychiatrist, shares his remarkable pioneering assessment techniques in the areas of undue influence, mental capacity and competency are taught throughout much of the Western Hemisphere.

These professional tools are included in Paradise Costs making this book a must read for every professional whose work includes the health, safety and welfare of the elderly and everyone who is concerned with the issues of aging.

Contained in Paradise Costs are Dr. Blum’s:

Undue influence worksheets for police, adult protective services and probate investigators documenting abuse and exploitation and instructions on how to use them through Dr. Blum’s cutting edge “IDEAL” acronym (I)solation, (D)ependence upon the perpetrator, (E)motional Manipulation or (E)xploitation of Vulnerability, (A)cquiescence, (L)oss.

Also, what is normal aging, dementia (vascular or other types) overview, contributing factors in Alzheimer’s and the 7 stages of in this disease, other cognitive impairments, who to hire: mental health professional or attorney, guidelines for lawyers, what not to do, etc.

Dr. Blum’s “PARADISE 2” acronym is also included; a model on assessing diminishing mental capacity: 15 questions to consider, what about “wandering,” when to seek an expert’s assistance, selecting a qualified expert, 7 types of specialists, explaining medical terminology involved in assessing diminishing capacity, details and explanation of some common causes of dementia including Alzheimer’s, substance abuse, depression, nutritional ailments, mental illness, definitions of “alert and oriented, etc. and more.
----<>---------<>---------<>---------<>---------<>---------<>---------<>----
Also, included to educate professionals and family members: 16 ways to determine if financial capacity is affected; an article published online by the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Feb. 8, 2008 by Martin, et al. “Declining Financial Capacity in Patients with Mild Alzheimer Disease: A One-Year Longitudinal Study” – available at: http://ajgponline.org/papbyrecent.shtml.

Excerpt from Paradise Costs:

“…it’s absolutely critical that federal laws be amended and new ones be added as soon as possible to address the exploding and horrific issues of abuse and exploitation in probate law, powers of attorney, guardianship, breach of fiduciary duty and conservatorship, thereby, protecting the welfare of the largest number of elders.

Unfortunately, legislation is not a panacea though it is a vital step on a long and rigorous road.

No matter what the laws of the land are regarding elder abuse or exploitation, understanding and correcting the complex dynamics of these types of crimes will involve taking action while increasing education, improving mental health and examining one of the vast social ills that lie at its core…greed.

Materialism and its mantra–‘dying with the most toys’—has reached the saturation point having generated nothing but hatred, frustration, social unrest, war, near destruction of our planet and, now, economic chaos. It’s a dangerous and endless spiral leading to an abyss of human misery and spiritual degradation—a murky, meaningless blind alley of unconsciousness leading humanity and the earth to the brink of annihilation. It’s imperative that we expand our perspective to a more universal understanding of a transcendental tapestry where we are united with each other and, ultimately, nature.

And as a society, it is our moral responsibility to weave the treads of empathy, compassion, decency, equality and human rights into every fiber of our civilization to create a future safe from exploitation or abuse for every citizen.

Meanwhile, the painful reality remains…predators stalk the innocent and the most vulnerable are their victims. Those at risk or victimized, especially the elderly, cannot understand the lurking dangers, walk a picket line of protest, tackle the issues of crime and violence aggressively nor lobby in Washington.

In view of the above, it may make sense, as suggested by a reader of the first edition of Paradise Costs whose deceased brother was a victim, that elder abusers be legally compelled to register like child abusers.

Sadly, the elderly serve to remind us of our own mortality with so few of us comfortable with this inevitable fact of life. The peripheral issue of denial (another deadly social ill) deepens the complexity of the issues.

And in the meantime, victims die ignored, quietly stripped of their dignity and right to life and, often times, in plain sight. Too many line up for the spoils of crimes and dignify their participation with a litany of excuses after what is, realistically, looting the assets of the vulnerable. Accountability must be put in place in a system that fails for  too many reasons with those proven responsible facing harsh penalties including criminal charges, incarceration, suspension of professional licenses, fines, restitution, etc.

It’s vital that the issues mentioned above and demonstrated throughout the pages that follow be viewed as a violation of human rights and solutions be vigorously pursued as such. Paradise Costs is a social and humanitarian movement in book form urging evolution of consciousness to address serious issues now before a worst case scenario manifests the projected numbers and beyond into reality we as a civilized nation cannot nor will not tolerate.

It is to that end this book was written. This is a proactive rally against the painful lessons taught by my own personal history, one many of us can relate to, and by other catastrophic world events that are remembered as blights upon humanity.

Apathy and denial always costs in this ‘paradise’ known as democracy and everywhere else on our planet.

As President John F. Kennedy once said,
‘Let us resolve to be masters, not victims, of our history….’ "

Thank you,
Irene A. Masiello
September, 2008
© Copyright September 2008-Irene A. Masiello & Bennett Blum, M.D.
All rights reserved.

Contact:
Bennett Blum, M.D.
5425 E. Broadway Blvd.
PMB #358
Tucson, Arizona 85711
Telephone: (520)750-8868
E-mail: BennettBlum@aol.com
Website: www.BennettBlumMD.com

Contact:
Irene A. Masiello
c/o HealthWise Magazine
38-15 Bell Boulevard
Bayside, New York 11361
E-mail: IreneMasiello@msn.com
Website: www.ParadiseCosts.com

Paradise Costs Re-released to Mark ELDER AWARENESS DAY 2008-Afterword by Bennett Blum, M.D.

2008-06-15T15:29:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2008, 2:45PM, NY, NY

Re-release of Paradise Costs—A Victim’s Daughter Fights Back Against Elder Abuse Marks International Elder Awareness Day; June 15, 2008

NEW YORK, NY: Bennett Blum, M.D., internationally acclaimed forensic and geriatric psychiatrist and an expert in undue influence, has added his pioneering work to that of author Irene A. Masiello in Paradise Costs-A Victim's Daughter Fights Back Against Elder Abuse, the heart-wrenching story of an infirm, 80-year-old man with Alzheimer's who was taken from his family, stripped of his assets and exploited despite the pleas of his next of kin.

Driven by grim statistics from national elder advocacy groups indicating there may be more than 25 million cases of elder exploitation in America, Dr. Blum and Ms. Masiello have joined forces to inform readers via a compelling true story while providing professional assessment guidelines that are used internationally.

Masiello supports her father's tragic story with his suspicious forensic report exemplifying a terrifying reality facing the elderly in America today. Mario Masiello, a hearing-impaired, honorably discharged, World War II veteran, retired from the NYC Transit Authority and relocated to the quaint town of Walterboro, SC. Twenty years later, his blissful life was ravaged by the death of his wife and by several illnesses including diabetes, Alzheimer's and depression. Paradise Costs tells the chilling true story of the last years of his life when he was "grandpa-napped" from his family by neighbors and "friends."

The American Psychological Association estimates that approximately 2.1 million senior citizens are victims of physical and psychological neglect and abuse every year. Many cases go unreported. Ms. Masiello's objective is to provide a voice to the millions of silent or ignored victims. "I never thought this type of betrayal and brutality could happen in my family," says his daughter. "My experience has made me realize how little people know about the deadly American pandemic that is elder abuse."

Created in a workbook format, Paradise Costs shows Americans how to take action in support of federal legislation to stop elder abuse now. The sample letters and petitions (which are also available at www.ParadiseCosts.com) are designed to help readers voice their concerns to federal officials.

"I'm urging participation via our interactive book and web site to lobby legislators to pass the Elder Justice Act now on the floor of both Houses of Congress," says the author. "Hopefully, others will be spared the suffering my father was forced to endure, and their families will not have to look on helplessly in horror as mine did."

Dr. Blum states, "Paradise Costs is a tragic, true-life tale. Unfortunately, the behaviors depicted in this book are all too common. No one knows how often criminals, 'brand new best friends' or family members exploit the elderly…Money has always been associated with the worst of human behavior. Elder financial abuse is no exception. Some of those taking assets from the elderly have been tied to gang violence, prostitution and drug trafficking. Their elderly victims are often subjected to physical abuse, neglect, abandonment, sexual abuse and murder."

Recognizing the difficulty of the aftermath of this tragedy, Ms. Masiello is determined not to let her father's death be in vain. "My goal now is to take my story to the nation and raise awareness of this deplorable social ill that's plaguing America," she says.
---------

CONTACT: Irene A. Masiello
IreneAMasiello@cs.com
www.ParadiseCosts.com
CONTACT: Bennett Blum, M.D.
BennettBlum@aol.com
www.BennettBlumMD.com

Dr. Blum and Ms. Masiello are Members of the Elder Justice Coalition
-------------
Paradise Costs now contains lists used by professionals through much of the Western Hemisphere provided by Bennett Blum, MD, an internationally acclaimed forensic and geriatric psychiatrist, who has developed the PARADISE 2 and IDEAL model for assessing undue influence and diminishing capacity.

Also included in Paradise Costs are over 25 factors that make some seniors high risk. There is also a list of 14 factors that profile elder exploiters and abusers. Additionally, there is a list of almost 20 “red flags” commonly indicative of elder abuse and exploitation as well as six tips for hiring health care aides.

ALTERNATIVES TO NURSING HOME CARE?

2008-03-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

ALTERNATIVES TO NURSING HOME CARE?

by

Irene A. Masiello

Being a holistic counselor, I am all for alternatives and why not one for nursing homes?

It's been calculated that the average cost of nursing home may come close to or exceed $200 a day. But, there is a better way to get old and decrepit and enjoy it. Some brilliant person has checked on accommodations at the Holiday Inn.

I am told for a combined long term stay discount, senior and AAA discount, it's $49.23 per night. That leaves more than $150 a day for: breakfast, lunch and dinner in any restaurant we want (think about those early bird specials?), or room service, laundry, gratuities and TV movie specials. Plus, they provide a pool and one could not want for better exercise than swimming.

Also, most Holiday Inns have a workout room, a lounge and washer-dryer, etc. Most have free toothpaste and razors, some have coffee makers and free coffee and all have free shampoo and soap.

Five dollars worth of tips a day will have the entire staff tripping over themselves to help you. And, they treat you like a customer, not a patient.

There is usually a bus stop close by, and many times seniors ride free. The handicap bus will also pick you up if you fake some disability and why not? The federal, state and local government fakes interest in this country's seniors.

A local City University of NY community college provides free college classes to seniors on a space available basis. It's better than dormitory life. Hell,if there is a small refrigerator, buy a couple of six-packs and relive your youth. As with all health care matters, I checked with a licensed, professional medical specialist. My internist said this: "no beer if you're a diabetic." Beer contains maltrose (no wonder why it tastes so good) and it's a sugar. He, however, "highly recommends ANY non-sweet red wine," though. Now I remember the reason why this guy has been my doc for the last 25 years.

To meet other people, call a church bus on Sundays. For a change of scenery, take the airport shuttle bus and eat at one of the nice restaurants there. While you're at the airport might as well fly somewhere.

Otherwise, the cash keeps building up for other recreational purposes. If you are politically active, however, don't engage in forms of entertainment that got the former governor of NY dethroned, otherwise, have a good time....you're old and you might as well have some fun while you can.

Sell everything you own before someone steals it--have you heard that elder exploitation is a booming business, in fact, there may be reason to believe it is a cottage industry? Think about buying a lap top to stay connected to the net and all those special Internet deals while you are a moving target...moving about is great exercise, too. The world will always be at your finger tips with your wireless laptop. Check out www.CraigsList.com... Could you want for more?

It usually takes months to get into a decent nursing home. Holiday Inn will take your reservation today and everyday!

And you are not stuck in one place forever. If you don't like the place, take your business somewhere else...you are free to roam about the country and other countries as well. Think about it... you can move from Inn to Inn, or even from city to city. Let the city services determine where you stay. Want to see Hawaii? They have a Holiday Inn there, too.

Need more towels? TV on the fritz? Light bulbs need changing? Need a mattress replaced...more pillows? No problem. They fix everything, and apologize for the inconvenience. The staff at Holiday Inn is better than family and a couple of bucks makes them very happy and accommodating which is more than many of us can say for our kids.

Holiday Inn has a night security person, 24/7 front desk reception always ready to take your call and daily room service. The maid checks to see if you are okay everyday when you get fresh linens. Do you change your linens at home everyday? Your quality of life goes up at Holiday Inn.

If you are not okay, they will call a doctor, the coroner or an ambulance. If you fall and break a hip, Medicare will pay for the hip, and Holiday Inn will upgrade you to a suite for the rest of your life.

And no worries about visits from family. They will always be glad to find you, let alone see you, and they will probably check in for a few days mini-vacation, pay for themselves and not even inconvenience you. The grandkids can use the pool. What more can you ask for?

Like I always say...there are no such things as "problems." Everything comes down to creative challenge resolution.

But, wait, don't get started on this quite yet. Let me purchase Holiday Inn stock first. But before I do, please remember that old age and guile will always outsmart youth and talent. According to the New York Times yesterday, "the over-65 vote is traditionally twice as large at election time" than it is at the primaries. Let the election pollsters and media remember that when the boomers and their parents exit the voting booths in November.

© March 2008-Irene A. Masiello, All rights reserved.
Irene A. Masiello / author: PARADISE COSTS--A Victim's Daughter Fights Back Against Elder Abuse...the first pro-active, grassroots REALITY WRITING book urging Americans to help STOP ELDER ABUSE NOW / Elder Advocate & Member of the Elder Justice Coalition / Founder: Starlight Network News / Certified: Holistic Counselor, Stress Management Consultant & Adult Educator / NYC-based magazine columnist authoring a holistically based, spiritual self-help & personal empowerment column since 1998

Taking Elder Abuse Out of the Hands of States? A GREAT THING!

2008-02-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

From: Kathryn Bosse [mailto:kbosse@matzblancato.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 3:01 PM
To: kbosse@matzblancato.com
Cc: rblancato@matzblancato.com
Subject: Elder Justice Coalition Report

To the Elder Justice Coalition:

Please see attached for important Coalition information!

Kathryn Bosse, Associate

Elder Justice Coalition

1612 K Street, NW Suite 400

Washington, D.C. 20006

Ph 202-682-4140

F 202-223-2099

elderjustice@verizon.net

www.elderjusticecoalition.com

To the Coalition:

UPDATE ON ELDER JUSTICE ACT

We are pleased to report several important new co-sponsors to both S. 1070 and H.R. 1783:
Senator Jay Rockefeller ( D-West Virginia) a senior member of the Finance Committee joined as a co sponsor of S. 1070 earlier this week.

Meanwhile, H.R. 1783 garnered 6 new co-sponsors, 5 of whom are Members of Committees where the House bill was referred. They include:
Ed Markey (D-MA) - Energy and Commerce
Ed Towns (D-NY) - Energy and Commerce
Mike Ross (D-AK) - Energy and Commerce
Shelly Berkley (D-NV) - Ways and Means
Stephen Cohen (D-TN) - Judiciary
Loretta Sanchez (D-CA)

NEW ELDER JUSTICE LEGISLATION

Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA) has introduced H.R. 5352, the Elder Abuse Victims Act, to “protect America’s seniors from elder abuse by addressing and correcting the failures in state elder abuse policies, establishing specialized prosecution and research departments and training prosecutors and law enforcement on the best practices for handling these unique cases.” The Coalition was consulted in advance of the introduction of the bill and offered a statement in support of the bill. The Press Release from Rep. Sestak’s office is below:

Congressman Sestak Introduces Bill to Protect Seniors from Elder Abuse

WASHINGTON—Last evening, Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA) introduced the Elder Abuse Victims Act (H.R. 5352), a piece of legislation to protect America’s seniors from elder abuse by addressing and correcting the failures in state elder abuse policies, establishing specialized prosecution and research departments, and training prosecutors and law enforcement on the best practices for handling these unique cases.

“Everyday, too many of our nation’s seniors become victim to physical, emotional or sexual abuse,” said Congressman Sestak. “This legislation recognizes the limitations to our country’s approach to elder abuse prosecution and rehabilitation, and puts in place a system to assess and adequately respond to these deficiencies.”

Each weekend, Congressman Sestak visits senior groups and centers across the District. Over the past year, the Congressman has spoken to over 65 senior groups and centers on a variety of issues, including elder neglect and abuse at nursing homes. Last week, Congressman Sestak spoke at the Upper Darby Senior Center and Brighten at Broomall about the need to provide awareness and to address elder abuse through strengthening protections and providing greater training for law enforcement officers and prosecutors. Brighten of Broomall is among 52 nursing homes in the U.S. on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services list for “Special Focus Facilities Not Showing Significant Improvement.”

The number of elder abuse cases is on the rise across the country, according to estimates by the National Research Council Panel to Review Risk and Prevalence of Elder Abuse, between one and two million Americans age 65 or older have been victims of elder abuse. These are uncertain estimates because definitions of elder abuse vary widely from state-to-state, and there are many imperfections in our national effort to adequately prevent, prosecute, and rehabilitate victims of this type of abuse.

Congressman Sestak introduced the Elder Abuse Victims Act to ensure that elder abuse and neglect cases will be effectively handled and that criminals who commit such acts will be fully prosecuted under the law.
“We are pleased to work with Congressman Sestak on the Elder Abuse Victims Act. He is championing legislation to help protect our nation’s seniors from elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The legislation will not only study the state laws and practices to protect seniors, but would provide funding so that organizations, law enforcement officials, and prosecutors will become trained in identifying and addressing elder abuse and neglect.” said Bob Blancato, National Coordinator of the Elder Justice Coalition.

The Elder Abuse Victims Act will:
• Require the Attorney General to conduct a study evaluating state laws and practices designed to protect seniors from elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Within two years following enactment, require that the study be submitted to the Committee on Aging and the Speaker/Minority Leader of the House, in which they will: 1) describe and analyze state laws and practices designed to protect seniors from elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It will consider a state’s reporting laws to be sure that in cases of abuse, they will be reported and the reporter will not suffer retribution; 2) Provide recommendations on the need for more effective laws; and 3) recommend additions or revisions to the official definition of terms used to protect seniors from elder abuse and enforce laws to punish violators.
• Task the Attorney General with the responsibility of establishing a plan for elder justice programs and activities throughout the country.

Elder Abuse Victims’ Advocacy Grant
• Propose funding entities which specialize in the needs of victims of elder abuse. Health care, social and protective service providers, among others, would be eligible for the Elder Abuse Victims’ Advocacy Grant.

Elder Justice Prosecutorial Department Funding
• Fund the creation of the Center for the Prosecution of Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation by the American Prosecutor Research Institute of the National District Attorneys Association.
• Fund the creation of either elder justice prosecution positions or the creation of a position to coordinate elder justice-related cases. It will include training, technical assistance, and policy development for state prosecutors.
• Fund additional staff that will focus on elder abuse cases, an elder abuse “resource group” through the Executive Office of the United States Attorneys, nurse-investigators and other experts to assist in prosecution.

Support Law Enforcement in Elder Abuse Matters
• Fund training of law enforcement officials on the important factors involved in elder abuse cases.

“I believe that this legislation will strengthen the way by which we prosecute perpetrators of elder abuse and protect its vulnerable victims,” stated Congressman Sestak. “It will require a comprehensive review and study of states’ elder justice systems, including definitions of abuse- followed by a report to Congress- and it will do more to improve the prosecution and enforcement of elder justice cases.”

Since being elected to office, Congressman Sestak has worked hard to establish oversight for elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. He has been a leading advocate and co-sponsor of H.R. 1783, legislation that would allocate funds for state and local adult protective services that investigate reports of elder abuse and work with congressional committees to establish a national nurse aide registry. It would create grants to establish stationary and mobile forensic centers, develop forensic expertise and provide services for elder neglect and exploitation. Additionally, this legislation would provide incentives for individuals to receive training in providing better direct care in a long-term care (LTC) facility.

THE SKY IS FALLING: 1/3rd of Boomers May be Victims!

2008-01-15T15:50:00.000-08:00

THE SKY IS FALLING
1/3rd of Boomers May Be Victims
By Irene A. Masiello

We’re living in a voracious society with predators lurking in lending and in legislation not to mention a plethora of predatory offenders ready to lash out at the vulnerable.

In nature, predatory animals stalk the weak in order to survive. They slither along the brush on the plains or in the shadows of forestry ready to devour their prey. While humankind considers itself more "civilized," too many do likewise.

In life, business or politics, if common decency or, God forbid, human life gets in the way of profit margin, people are viewed as the expendable commodity. The bottom line for too many: get all they can and when an escape from the plundering is needed let’s delve into the compelling social issues of the times.

Observe the media frenzy about how much weight the celebrities gained or who's in which rehab, what major league baseball players are alleged to be involved with steroids and Congress’ interest in less than 100 professional athletes.

Meanwhile, America is pouring its much needed resources into a war that almost no one supports. The feds are trying to bail out the mortgage/credit industry. The infrastructures in our cities are collapsing. Many are complaining about the presidential candidates, their lack of qualifications and their spending millions on campaigns that resound with inconsistency and insincerity.

Nevertheless the largest voting block in America, 78 million baby-boomers and their parents, are at risk of being nothing more than fodder for predators with the national elder advocacy groups having estimated that as many as 27 million baby boomers alone may well be just that.

Elder groups report a substantiated statistical based warning that the numbers of victims of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation are exploding. An American pandemic already exists and it’s growing into a holocaust-like picture for the future.

A U.S. Department of Justice report indicates the ways in which to abuse, exploit or neglect a senior citizen are about as endless as the blabber coming out of the presidential campaign.

Five years ago, The Journal of the American Medical Association stated that it will be 30-40 years before we, as a nation, will be as aware of the issues regarding elder abuse as we currently are about child abuse.

The Elder Justice Act, meanwhile, sits unnoticed in both Houses of the Congress while the poorly funded elder advocacy groups attempt to grab the attention of our aging nation like Chicken Little compelling us to be aware that “the sky falling.”

Not to over-state the obvious, but something is seriously wrong in this country besides the war, the stock market, the various predatory situations, the mortgage crisis, corporate CEO's getting millions as a bonus, security and exchange fraud, the healthcare crisis, etc. Yet in the height of arrogance and hypocrisy, we want to share democracy with the rest of world even if we have to invade to do so.

Has the $20 million a day being pilfered off the elderly in California alone been fueling the war or Blackwater, bailing out the mortgage industry, helping to stabilize the sub-prime lending rate or funding the investigation into the drug habits of a handful of over-paid professional athletes?

We, as a nation, require a change in priorities.

Babyboomers, use your enormous numbers, voting power and resources to make it happen by lobbying for the Elder Justice Act. Write your senators, become a member of the Elder Justice Coalition and send a message, namely, that 78 million baby-boomers and their parents refuse to tolerate being fodder for barbaric acts of domestic terrorism.

Irene A. Masiello is a member of the Elder Justice Coalition and the author of a recently released book, Paradise Costs-A Victim's Daughter Fights Back Against Elder Abuse.

Paradise Costs--A Victim's Daughter Fights Back Against Elder Abuse a reality writing workbook including prefabricated tear out letters to lobby for the passage of Elder Justice Act as well as networking suggestions to STOP ELDER ABUSE NOW. See www.paradisecosts.com for free downloads and networking ideas on how to participate. © January 2008, Irene A. Masiello/Starlight Network News, Inc. - all rights reserved. Reprint permission is granted providing the title of the book, author’s name and site are included in the reprint, however, this may not be used to draw web traffic to your services unless you reprint this story on your homepage and publish a disclaimer that the author is not endorsing your services, good, etc. You may not use the name of this author, book, or reality writing technique copyrighted by the author as a Google link without the expressed written permission of the author or her legal representative. Please notify us of your intent to publish prior (Irenemasiello@msn.com) to publication and please include the link in an e-mail to the author. If publishing hard copies please send a tear out sheet to VINE COMMUNICATIONS INC. The Biltmore Hotel - Executive Offices 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Suite #240, Coral Gables, Florida 33134—THANK YOU.

legalities about personal stories

2007-12-20T09:26:00.000-08:00

Department of Justice document used in research purposes in Paradise Costs

2007-12-16T17:51:00.001-08:00

from "SOURCES" in Paradise Costs--A Victim's Daughter Fights Back Against Elder Abuse

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE DOCUMENT:
Johnson, Kelly Dedel, Financial Crimes Against the Elderly, (2003) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, US Department of Justice. http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/txt/pop/e07042443.txt

"Financial crimes against the elderly fall under two general categories: fraud committed by strangers, and financial exploitation by relatives and caregivers. These categories sometimes overlap in terms of target selection and the means used to commit the crime. However, the differences in the offender-victim relationships suggest different methods for analyzing and responding to the problem.

Fraud Committed by Strangers: Fraud generally involves deliberately deceiving the victim with the promise of goods, services, or other benefits that are nonexistent, unnecessary, never intended to be provided, or grossly misrepresented. There are hundreds of frauds, but offenders generally use a small subset of these against the elderly. The frauds typically occur within a few interactions.

• Prizes and sweepstakes. These frauds generally involve informing the victim that he or she could win, or has already won, a "valuable" prize or a lot of money. The victim is required to send in money to cover taxes, shipping, or processing fees. The prize may never be delivered or, if so, is usually costume jewelry or cheap electronic equipment worth less than the money paid to retrieve it.

• Investments. Because many seniors live on fixed incomes, they often want to increase the value of their estate and ensure they have sufficient funds to meet basic needs. In investment scams, offenders persuade the elderly to invest in precious gems, real estate, annuities, or stocks and bonds by promising unrealistically high rates of return. The investments often consist of fake gemstones, uninhabitable property, or shares in a nonexistent or unprofitable company.

• Charity contributions. Playing on some seniors' desire to help others, offenders solicit donations to nonexistent charities or religious organizations, often using sweepstakes or raffles to do so.

• Home and automobile repairs. Offenders may recommend an array of fraudulent "emergency" home repairs, often requiring an advance deposit. They may
subsequently fail to do any work at all, start but not finish the work, or do substandard work that requires correction. Common frauds include roof repairs, driveway resurfacing, waterproofing, and pest control. The offenders are often transient, moving among neighborhoods, cities, and even states. Dishonest auto mechanics may falsely inform customers that certain repairs are needed, or they may bill for services or repairs that were not requested or were not completed.

• Loans and mortgages. Seniors may experience cash flow shortages in the face of needed medical care or home repairs. Predatory lenders may provide loans with exorbitant interest rates, hidden fees, and repayment schedules far exceeding the elderly's means, often at the risk of their home, which has been used as collateral.

• Health, funeral, and life insurance. Many seniors are concerned about having the funds to pay for needed medical care or a proper burial, or to bequeath to loved ones upon death. Unscrupulous salespeople take advantage of these concerns by selling the elderly policies that duplicate existing coverage, do not provide the coverage promised, or are altogether bogus.†

• Health remedies. The elderly often have health problems that require treatment. Preying on this vulnerability, offenders market a number of ineffective remedies, promising "miracle cures." Unfortunately, given this false hope, many seniors delay needed treatment, and their health deteriorates further.

• Travel. Compared with younger adults, seniors often have more leisure time and are attracted to low-cost travel packages. However, many of these packages cost far more
than market rates, provide substandard accommodations, or do not provide the promised services.

• Confidence games. These frauds generally do not involve a product or service; instead, they include a broad array of deceitful scenarios to get cash from the elderly. The offender may pretend to be in a position of authority (e.g., a bank examiner), or otherwise trustworthy, concocting a story to get the victim to hand over cash, then disappearing.†† For example, the perpetrators of "lottery scams" claim to have won the lottery but to have no bank account in which to deposit the winnings. The offender promises the victim a premium in exchange for use of his or her account. After the victim makes a "good faith" payment to the offender, the victim never hears from the offender again.

† Harshbarger (1993) commented on this problem as having "all of the factors which create an environment for fraud and exploitation…the need is great, the cost is high, even legitimate policies are complex and confusing, and the population is vulnerable and living in fear of the day the bill comes due."
†† See Whitlock (1994) for detailed descriptions of numerous confidence games.
In addition to variations in the type of product or service offered, frauds vary widely in the means used to commit them.

• Telemarketing. Offenders call people at home, using high-pressure tactics to solicit money for fraudulent investments, insurance policies, travel packages, charities, and sweepstakes. Fraudulent telemarketing operations are designed to limit the benefit to the customer while maximizing the profit for the telemarketer and for the highly efficient contact of a lot of potential customers.†
† See Schulte (1995) for detailed descriptions of a variety of telemarketing scams.

• Mail. Fraudulent prize and sweepstakes operations often mail materials to a wide audience, relying on potential victims to "self-select" by returning a postcard or calling to indicate their interest. The mailings often look official, use extensive personalization (e.g., repeating the recipient's name in the text), include claims of authenticity, have contradictory content or "double-talk," and make a seemingly low-key request for the recipient to submit a small fee.2

• Face-to-face contact. Some frauds involving products and services (e.g., home and auto repairs) require face-to-face contact at either the victim's home or a business. Alternatively, a scammer gains entry to the victim's home by posing as a utility worker and distracts the victim while an accomplice burglarizes the home.
Successful frauds share common elements. The offenders gain trust and confidence through their charisma, by using a business name similar to that of a well-established organization, or by communicating a concern for the elder's well-being. They create the impression that the elder has been "chosen" or is "lucky" to receive the offer, and that such offers are rare. They encourage their victims to make an immediate decision or commitment to purchase products or services, which effectively limits the opportunity for consultation with others. Further, since the "special" offers are available to only a select group of customers, the offenders ask the victims to be discreet and not discuss the details, shrouding the transaction in secrecy and decreasing the chance of discovery by a family member, neighbor, or other concerned party. The frauds occur quickly, with little risk of exposure.
Financial Exploitation by Relatives and Caregivers: Unlike strangers, relatives and caregivers often have a position of trust and an ongoing relationship with the elderly. Financial exploitation occurs when the offender steals, withholds, or otherwise misuses their elderly victims' money, property, or valuables for personal advantage or profit, to the disadvantage of the elder. Their methods can include the following:

• simply taking the elder's money, property, or valuables;

• borrowing money (sometimes repeatedly) and not paying it back;

• denying services or medical care to conserve funds;

• giving away or selling the elder's possessions without permission;

• signing or cashing pension or social security checks without permission;

• misusing ATM or credit cards, or using them without permission;

• doling out the elder's money to family or friends; and

• forcing the elder to part with resources or to sign over property.3
The tactics offenders use include deceit, coercion, intimidation, emotional abuse, or empty promises of lifelong care. Further, they usually try to isolate the victim from friends, family, and other concerned parties. By doing so, they prevent others from asking about the elder's well-being or relationship with the offender, prevent the elder from consulting with others on important financial decisions, and, perhaps most tragically, give the elder the impression that no one else cares about him or her.

In addition, relatives and caregivers sometimes exploit the following financial and legal arrangements:

• Joint bank accounts. Under the guise of helping the elder with his or her financial affairs, the offender has his or her name added to the elder's bank account, allowing the offender to deposit, withdraw, or transfer funds. The offender may threaten or coerce the elder into giving consent, or get consent despite the elder's limited capacity to make an informed decision.

• Deed or title transfer. The elder transfers ownership of property such as homes, real estate, or cars to the offender. This may occur as the result of force or intimidation, or as a "gift" or other transaction the elder does not fully comprehend.

• Power of attorney and durable power of attorney. These legal arrangements give a person the authority to manage the elder's affairs on the elder's behalf. When used properly, the legally appointed agent makes decisions that are in the elder's best interest. Misuse arises when the agent induces the elder to sign the document; makes decisions or transactions that benefit the agent, to the detriment of the elder; uses the power after it has been terminated; or uses the power for purposes other than what is intended.

• Living trusts and wills. To avoid potentially expensive probate fees and estate taxes, an individual can transfer property and other assets into a trust. The effectiveness of this legitimate estate-planning tool depends, of course, on the trustworthiness of the person appointed to manage the trust. In addition, through a variety of emotional appeals, a perpetrator may induce an elder to change his or her will, making the perpetrator the sole beneficiary upon the elder's death.
Distinguishing between an unwise, but legitimate, financial transaction and an exploitative transaction resulting from undue influence, duress, fraud, or lack of informed consent can be difficult.4 Suspicious transactions may be well-intentioned but guided by poor advice. Generally, financial exploitation involves a pattern of behaviors, rather than
single incidents.

Related Problems: Financial crimes against the elderly share some characteristics with other crimes. Related problems requiring separate analysis and response include:
• identity theft,
• Internet fraud,
• check and credit card fraud, and
• prescription fraud.

Financial exploitation of the elderly may also occur in concert with other types of elder abuse, including:
• physical abuse,
• sexual abuse,
• emotional abuse, and
• neglect.

Factors Contributing to Financial Crimes Against the Elderly: Understanding the factors that contribute to your problem will help you frame your own local analysis questions, determine good effectiveness measures, recognize key intervention points, and select appropriate responses.

National Prevalence Estimates: As discussed above, there are many types of fraud and financial exploitation. In addition, states vary in terms of the age at which one is considered "elderly." These factors make it very difficult to estimate national prevalence. Typically, crime rates are listed in sources of official statistics, such as the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports and the Justice Department's National Crime Victimization Survey. However, neither of these sources provides information on victimization by fraud. Furthermore, studies relying on reports of victimization are particularly limited given the widespread agreement that fraud is
dramatically underreported.

However, several national organizations have completed studies offering various ways to quantify the rate of financial crimes against the elderly. Some of these focus on consumer fraud, estimating that somewhere between 20 and 60 percent of adult Americans have reported being the victim, or attempted victim, of it. 5 These studies do not separate prevalence estimates across age. Within the general category of consumer fraud are estimates of losses due to telemarketing fraud. In 2000, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging reported that, each year, consumers lose approximately $40 billion to telemarketing fraud, and estimated that approximately 10 percent of the nation's 14,000 telemarketing firms were fraudulent.6 Some researchers estimate that only one in 10,000 fraud victims reports the crime to the authorities.7

Other studies focus on the extent of financial exploitation by relatives or caregivers. In 1998, the National Center on Elder Abuse reported an estimated 21,427 substantiated cases of financial or material exploitation of an elder, accounting for approximately one-third of all substantiated elder abuse cases, including physical and sexual abuse and neglect.8 In 1998, using data from 24 states, the National Aging Resource Center on Elder Abuse estimated that 20 percent of elder abuse victims were victims of financial exploitation.9 State-level surveys have identified higher proportions of financial exploitation within reported elder abuse cases, with over 40 percent of elder abuse cases in California and North Carolina involving financial exploitation. 10

The usefulness of these studies in determining the scope of your local problem is rather limited. However, they show that the problem affects a large proportion of the population, regardless of age, and is likely to be underreported by victims and underrepresented in official statistics.

Underreporting:Researchers agree that elder fraud is dramatically underreported, which is problematic for several reasons. First, the failure to report means that the assistance of police, adult protective services, family members and others is not mobilized to stop the abuse. Second, even if intervention is not necessary, the underreporting of these crimes makes it very difficult for problem-oriented efforts to proceed because of a lack of information on the targets, methods and perpetrators. Finally, the lack of reporting may encourage the offenders to victimize others.

Many elderly victims do not report fraud because they feel ashamed, or they fear others will think they cannot care for themselves, which may trigger placement in a nursing home or long-term care facility. Significantly, many victims are not aware of support resources or do not know how to access them. In the case of financial exploitation, many victims have close ties to the offender and may feel protective. They may want to stop the exploitation and recover their assets, but not want the offender punished. In addition, many victims believe they are at least partially to blame.

Professionals (e.g., bankers, attorneys, accountants, and doctors) are also often slow to report suspected abuse.11 Their brief, episodic interactions with the elderly and their lack of expertise in undue influence and criminal conduct serve as barriers to reporting. Even if they suspect abuse, there often is no specific protocol for reporting it.

When elderly victims do report losses by fraud or financial exploitation, the report quality often makes investigation difficult.12 If cognitively impaired, the victim may not remember important details or may not be able to recount the sequence of events. Victim interviewers should put victims at ease and provide sufficient time and cues for accurate recall, or else the reports may lack important details. (These issues are discussed more thoroughly in the "Responses" section of this guide). Finally, cognitively and physically impaired seniors may feel overwhelmed at the prospect of traveling to the police station, district attorney's office, or court. Given that complicated cases of fraud and financial exploitation may take years to go to trial, it is possible that a particularly frail victim's cognitive or physical health will decline to the point that he or she cannot testify.

Not only do these barriers to intervention make prevention that much more critical, but they also highlight the importance of developing investigative techniques that
account for both the complexity of the crimes and the unique personal challenges of the victims.

Victim Vulnerabilities: The prevailing stereotype of elderly fraud victims is that they are poorly informed, socially isolated individuals–potentially suffering from mental deterioration–who cling to old-fashioned ideas of politeness and manners that interfere with their ability to detect fraud. It is true that dementia and other cognitive impairments sometimes play a role in elder fraud and financial exploitation. For seniors with advanced impairments, responses requiring their participation may have limited effectiveness. However, recent research has refuted prevailing stereotypes, characterizing the majority of potential victims as more educated, informed, and socially active than previously supposed. A major AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons) survey identified fraud victims as relatively affluent and well-educated, with extensive networks of family and friends.13 This survey identified several key points:

• Victims were likely to believe fraudulent sales pitches, thinking that their chances of winning were good and that the prizes offered for a fee were a good bargain.

• Over two-thirds of the respondents reported they had difficulty telling fraudulent and legitimate pitches apart, despite the fact that 90 percent had heard about telemarketing fraud.

• Many victims reported having difficulty ending a conversation with a telemarketer, even when they believed the offer was fraudulent. There has been significant debate about the extent to which age affects the likelihood of consumer fraud victimization. That debate is beyond the scope of this guide. However, it is important to recognize that old age alone is not a reliable predictor of fraud victimization. Understanding the role of other risk factors can help you analyze your local problem and devise appropriately targeted responses. A number of researchers have noted that the following personal factors affect the extent to which people are likely to be victimized:

• home ownership;

• likelihood of seeking advice before a purchase;

• knowledge of sources of consumer information and
consumer rights;

• financial risk-taking behavior;

• openness to marketing appeals;

• knowledge of the existence of frauds, scams, and
misleading practices; and

• ability to hang up on telemarketers.14

The research implies that a lack of knowledge and of certain consumer skills creates a susceptibility to fraud.

Victimization studies have found that seniors who have active social lives and experience a broad array of consumer situations may be vulnerable to fraud simply because of increased exposure.15 On the other hand, those who are socially isolated may also be vulnerable because they are less likely to seek advice before a purchase, and because the sales pitch itself addresses an unmet need for social interaction, resulting in their feeling obligated to be friendly or compliant in return.16

Although similar to elderly fraud victims in many respects, seniors exploited by relatives and caregivers differ in significant ways. There is no aspiration for monetary gain.

They may fear what the offender may do if they do not comply with his or her demands. They may also have long-term emotional ties to the offender that create conflict about reporting abuse, and may cause them to feel protective of the offender once the abuse is discovered.

Although not studied empirically, there are abundant references in the literature to various lifestyle characteristics of the elderly believed to be linked to fraud victimization. Although many seniors live in poverty, home ownership is high among this group, and many have savings, pensions, and social security income. In addition, seniors are more likely than other demographic groups to be home during the day, and therefore available to telephone and in-person marketing efforts. These factors, combined with an assortment of anxieties specific to the elderly–the fear of outliving one's savings, of losing one's financial independence, of failing health–create fertile ground for all types of fraud and financial exploitation.

Victim Facilitation: In contrast to victims of most other forms of crime, consumer fraud victims have a participatory role that is critical to a successful transaction. Victim compliance can fall along a continuum.17 At one end is the completely uninvolved victim, as in the case of identity theft or credit card fraud. Toward the middle is the victim who makes a purchase or financial arrangement that is not well-informed or well-researched. At the far end is the repeat victim. Even after victimization, many people repeat high-risk behaviors.

The following are key moments that put the victim at risk in the typical fraud transaction. They have clear relevance to points of intervention:18

• The victim makes the initial contact, or takes steps that lead to the initial contact, indicating receptivity to the pitch.

• The victim provides information about him- or herself that helps the offender to carry out the fraud.

• The victim allows the conversion of a business relationship to one of trust, and waives customary safeguards.

• The victim believes the offender's scenario or pitch.

• The victim writes a check, gives a credit card number, or otherwise provides access to funds.

In addition, certain traits might make people prone to fraud or financial exploitation. 19 Some of these are considered positive, such as good citizenship, compassion, generosity, respect for authority, and a trusting nature. Others are less desirable, such as being careless, susceptible to flattery, or easily intimidated. Some factors that seem irrelevant on the surface may also contribute to the likelihood of fraud victimization, such as being on Types of Influence: Consumer fraud relies on the manipulation of victims' emotions to get them to agree to a transaction. Emotional ploys include making the consumer feel he or she is part of a special group receiving VIP services, and creating a sense of urgency that prevents further research into the transaction. In addition, offenders may refuse to accept "no" for an answer, have an endless supply of rebuttals for any excuse the victim offers, and have an aggressive style that intimidates the victim into complying. These tactics are essential components of fraud and are effective primarily because of their appeal to the natural human desires to feel special, to find a bargain, and to please.

Particularly when investigating financial exploitation, vexing questions often arise as to whether the victim understood the transaction, appreciated the value of what he or she gave away or signed over, and comprehended the implications of the transaction. Three concepts are particularly critical when analyzing the range of frauds and associated crimes:21

• Mental capacity. While a gradual decline in functional skills such as memory, calculation, and information-processing is natural as age advances, more pronounced
declines can be brought on by particular illnesses, nutritional deficiencies, depression, and certain medications. Obviously, given the complex nature of many financial transactions, mental capacity plays an important role in making sound purchases and managing financial affairs.

• Consent. Essentially, the term means to accept or agree to the proposal of another. To be legally binding, the person giving consent must be able to understand the implications of the transaction.

• Undue influence. Perpetrators may use an array of techniques to gain power over the victim's decision-making and ensure compliance. These include isolating the victim, promoting dependency, and inducing fear and distrust of others. By threatening the victim, exerting pressure to act quickly, or deterring the victim from seeking advice from others, offenders use undue influence to prevent voluntary consent.

Experts in this area note that vulnerability to undue influence is unrelated to intelligence. However, if an elder is cognitively impaired, has sensory deficits (e.g., vision or hearing loss), or has nutritional deficits, he or she may be more easily manipulated because of a lack of faith in his or her own memories and perceptions. 22

The influence used to perpetrate financial crimes falls along a continuum. 23 On one end, the influence is rather benign, as the victim is not actually tricked or forced into doing something against his or her will. On the other end is the rather clear-cut case of theft in which the perpetrator takes something without the victim's consent. One step past benign, coercion involves undue influence using domination, intimidation, and threats. Further still, fraud involves swindling by deception, trickery, or misrepresentation.

Understanding the victim's mental status and the types of influence used is essential for devising appropriate responses to the problem.

Offender Characteristics: The offender-victim relationship is the main criterion used to distinguish the major categories of financial crime in this guide.

Strangers:Consumer fraud offenders are usually strangers to their victims, although they may observe victims' patterns (e.g., times in or out of the house, spending habits, etc.) to identify them as a potential "mark." Telemarketers have no face-to-face contact with victims and may call from thousands of miles away. Given the attention that elder fraud has received in recent years, there are surprisingly few empirical studies of offenders, particularly in light of the extensive literature on victim characteristics. 24

Offenders vary greatly in terms of age, race, socioeconomic status, and education level. Most elder fraud offenders are male. They may be motivated by profit or a need to feel powerful and important. The challenge of the fraud itself may provide a "high," particularly when it is pulled off against wealthy or well-educated victims. In general, offenders are not bound by conventional norms or business ethics, and rationalize their behavior. In clinical studies, criminologists have found offenders to have all types of psychological dysfunctions, revealed in their distorted thinking processes and lack of regard for others. 25

In terms of behavior, those who perpetrate fraud against the elderly often present themselves as self-assured, friendly, and sophisticated. They are persistent, yet can often avoid raising suspicion. "What the con man does is an extreme expression of normal business dealings– salesmanship based on the ability to persuade others…the promise of gain is central to society…and it is not abnormal to offer opportunities to make money or improve one's health." 26
Fraudulent telemarketers frequently work out of "boiler rooms"–temporary, highly mobile operations that can be disassembled and reassembled quickly. Boiler-room
operations typically have six stages: 27

1. Solicitation. Telemarketers identify new prospects through either incoming mail (postcards or certificates returned by people responding to bulk mailing) or unsolicited outgoing calls. "Mooch" or "sucker" lists are critical for efficiency at this stage, and most calls are out of state.

2. Sales. The pitch is usually a written script, although most callers are given wide latitude in what they can promise and in price negotiation. A "front room" contains less-experienced callers who make the initial contacts. Calls to consumers who do not accept the offer are transferred to a "no-sale room," where more-experienced callers pressure the consumers and explain away their concerns. Callers in a "reload room" target past victims, using an assortment of bogus promises to get them to buy again. Notably, the "reload room" callers usually solicit the bulk of the company's illicit income.

3. Verification. Shortly after the sale is complete, a caller recontacts the customer, reviews the sales terms, and arranges for payment. At this stage, the caller attempts to obscure any misrepresentation made during the initial stage.

4. Collection. To avoid buyer's remorse, the scammers must secure payment quickly. They do so by requiring overnight check mailing, bank draft authorization, or electronic funds transfer. Notably, because of their instability and illegal business practices, most boiler rooms cannot obtain bank merchant accounts for credit card sales.

5. Shipping. While one might guess that the promised product is never shipped, successful boiler rooms have found that reliable shipping minimizes consumer complaints, which in turn decreases the likelihood of law enforcement intervention. Most boiler rooms use a "10 to 1" principle, awarding a prize valued at approximately one-tenth of the fee paid.

6. Customer service, harassment, and intimidation. Ongoing availability to customers is important to handle problems. In fraudulent operations, scammers may belittle or berate complainants, or use delay tactics and empty promises to frustrate them into giving up the pursuit of recovery. These organizations generally provide refunds only with the threat of law enforcement action.

Understanding boiler-room mobility and structure is essential to intervention efforts targeting the operations themselves.

Relatives and caregivers. Financial exploiters of the elderly rely on the nature of their relationships with them to support the abuse. The victim has often formed a close bond with the offender, and may be unaware of or deny the abuse. In addition, the victim may fear being alone or being placed in a nursing home if the offender is removed. These dynamics are important to understand in addressing the emotional impact on the victim.

A national survey found that offenders tend to be significantly younger than their victims, with 40 percent age 40 or younger, and another 40 percent age 41 to 59. Nearly 60 percent are male, and nearly 60 percent are relatives. 28
There are three general categories of offenders:†
† Sklar's (2000) typology actually includes a fourth category–professional crime groups, which are not discussed here.

1. Adult children, grandchildren, and other relatives. While an elder might generally believe that a relative is providing financial assistance, the relative may be withdrawing cash from joint bank accounts for personal use, using the elder's credit card to make unauthorized purchases, or embezzling money by refinancing the elder's home. This is the largest category of offenders, and, sadly, the abuse is often not discovered until after the elder's assets have been depleted.

2. Professional caregivers. Home health aides offer invaluable assistance to seniors who need help to live independently. However, they sometimes abuse an elder's trust by intercepting and activating unsolicited credit cards in the elder's name; taking jewelry, cash, or other valuables; forging or altering checks for their own use; or tricking the elder into transferring titles and deeds to the caregiver.

3. Close friends or others in a position of trust. This group can include neighbors, handymen, bank tellers, real estate agents, or investment advisors. In general, such offenders may encourage investments and expenditures that benefit only themselves, steal money or property, or arrange for changes to wills, trusts, or mortgage financing for their own benefit.

Questions of consent or voluntary gift-giving make the investigation of potential abuse cases difficult. Gift-giving habits vary across families, as do cultural expectations regarding elderly care; thus it is essential that you examine each situation within the appropriate context. 29 Further, you should examine any business relationship an elder may have in terms of the nature of the arrangement.

30 For example, a relationship with a gardener or housekeeper may be based on a "good faith" exchange in which each party negotiates in his or her own self-interest (barring deception and misrepresentation). However, some business relationships, such as those with financial planners, bankers, or health care workers, require the professional to act in the elder's best interest. Sometimes, a "good faith" relationship evolves beyond the original intent (e.g., the housekeeper begins to help the elder with finances). These relationships become abusive when the perpetrator continues to act in a self-serving way, rather than make decisions based on the elder's best interest. 31

Regardless of the category of offender, there are two basic types. 32 The first type includes dysfunctional people with low self-esteem who may be abusing substances,
feeling stressed, or feeling the weight of their caregiver responsibilities. They do not generally seek out victims, but instead passively take advantage of opportunities that arise. The second type includes those who methodically target vulnerable seniors, establish power, and obtain control over their assets.

Warning Signs and Indicators

Crime prevention efforts have identified a number of warning signs and indicators of both consumer fraud and financial exploitation of the elderly. Because the means of
committing the two types of crime are different, the signs and indicators are listed separately here.

Warning signs of consumer fraud. 33 These include the following:
• stacks of unsolicited mail proclaiming the recipient to be a "guaranteed winner";
• unusual number of packages containing inexpensive costume jewelry, plastic cameras, watches, etc.
• excessive numbers of magazine subscriptions;
• unsolicited phone calls from operators offering "fantastic opportunities" to claim prizes or invest;
• difficulty covering basic expenses such as food, utilities, etc., when income should support these needs;
• at the bank, accompaniment of the elder by a stranger who encourages a large withdrawal; and
• checks and withdrawals for individuals, marketing companies, or other businesses, or transactions that the elder cannot explain.
Indicators of financial abuse. 34 These include the following:
• A recent acquaintance expresses an interest in finances, promises to provide care, or ingratiates him- or herself with the elder.
• A relative or caregiver has no visible means of support and is overly interested in the elder's financial affairs.
• A relative or caregiver expresses concern over the cost of caring for the elder, or is reluctant to spend money for needed medical treatment.
• The utility and other bills are not being paid.
• The elder's placement, care, or possessions are inconsistent with the size of his or her estate.
• A relative or caregiver isolates the elder, makes excuses when friends or family call or visit, and does not give the elder messages.
• A relative or caregiver gives implausible explanations about finances, and the elder is unaware of or unable to explain the arrangements made.
• Checking account and credit card statements are sent to a relative or caregiver and are not accessible to the elder.
• At the bank, the elder is accompanied by a relative or caregiver who refuses to let the elder speak for him- or herself, and/or the elder appears nervous or afraid of the person accompanying him or her.
• The elder is concerned or confused about "missing money."
• There are suspicious signatures on the elder's checks, or the elder signs checks and another party fills in the payee and amount sections.
• There is an unusual amount of banking activity, particularly just after joint accounts are set up or someone new starts helping with the elder's finances.
• A will, power of attorney, or other legal document is drafted, but the elder does not understand its implications.
These warning signs and indicators have been incorporated into a variety of education tools targeting family members, banks, attorneys, and other concerned parties. These are discussed in the "Responses" section of this guide.

Lack of Oversight of Legal Documents
Given that legal documents such as trusts, joint bank accounts, and powers of attorney give a third party such enormous decision-making power, it is surprising that the preparation and execution of these documents is not more closely regulated. With regard to powers of attorney, very few states require them to be registered, few require a lawyer's involvement in drafting the document, and witnesses are not required to ensure the elder's signature is voluntary. 35

Although most states require notaries, they are not trained to assess mental capacity and therefore cannot protect an impaired elder from abuse. No record of ongoing use is provided to the elder, so even fully competent seniors are not able to monitor transactions made on their accounts. Finally, few states have formal procedures for revoking the authority granted under power of attorney, which allows the offender to continue abusing this power even after intervention.

Laws and Agencies Involved Every state has adopted laws to prohibit particular types of fraud and, often, to enhance penalties for fraud against the elderly. Older consumers are, of course, protected by general consumer protection laws, telemarketing laws, and other statutes governing theft, embezzlement, fraud, etc.
However, given that each state crafts its own laws, there are significant differences that make a description of national legislation concerning elder financial abuse impossible. These differences tend to apply in the following six areas: 36
1. definition of "elderly";
2. definition of abuse, whether physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, or neglect;
3. classification of abuse as criminal or civil;
4. standards for reporting abuse;
5. methods for investigating abuse; and
6. recommended sanctions.
Not only do these differences make it difficult to describe the various legislative approaches, but they also make it difficult to investigate and prosecute fraud offenders who may have victimized people in several states, all of which have different statutory requirements.
Further, fraud and financial abuse cases come under the jurisdiction of several agencies. Federal agencies such as the FBI, Postal Inspection Service, and Secret Service, as well as state and local police, may be involved in investigating large-scale consumer fraud operations. The lack of information-sharing across these agencies has been identified as a significant barrier to effective intervention. 37

When a financial crime involves the misuse or abuse of legal documents, the case may also be classified as a civil matter, requiring additional cooperation with the
prosecutor and court of jurisdiction. Banks and phone companies are also critical partners in investigating fraud or financial exploitation. Finally, given that the senior's welfare is paramount, social service agencies, such as adult protective services and medical and mental health services, must also be included in a coordinated effort to protect the senior from further harm.

Fraud and financial exploitation cases present a complicated web of behavior, intent, and consequences. The scope of jurisdiction and various areas of expertise required are unlikely to be found in any one agency, requiring cooperation across traditional jurisdictions and professional boundaries."

Irene A. Masiello / author: Paradise Costs--A Victim's Daughter Fights Back Against Elder Abuse...a pro-active, grassroots reality writing book / Elder Advocate / Member of the Elder Justice Coalition / Founder: Starlight Network News / NYC-based Magazine Columnist

__._,_.___

a story a day...December 16, 2007...from New Jersey

2007-12-16T16:54:00.001-08:00

While we will present personal stories about alleged abuses, Irene A. Masiello, Paradise Costs--A Victim's Daughter Fights Back Against Elder Abuse or the Starlight Network News, Inc (SNN) has no personal knowledge of, or concerning the statements made above and have conducted no independent investigation as to the truthfulness or accuracy of those statements. The author of the statements is solely responsible for the content of those statements and all facts, observations, theories and opinions expressed in those statements. These are a version of events based upon the declarations and alleged declarations of aggrieved parties. No final judgment has been made concerning the credibility of any or all of these statements nor is one being made, expressly or impliedly, by their publication here nor can one be made without a complete, independent investigation. We urge you to report all suspected offenses of elder abuse, exploitation or neglect to your state and local law enforcement authorities. Thank you

Our family’s nightmare began in August 2004. My parents, Ralph and Maydelle T, had moved to Delaware to be near son Paul in 2003, after living in Red Bank, NJ for 47 years. Mom, now 77, suffers from Parkinson’s disease and related dementia. Dad, aged 82, suffers from normal pressure hydrocephalus, and has difficulty walking and breathing.

After Mom broke her hip, our cousin reappeared after an absence of 8-10years. She is Dad’s niece and is a real estate broker in New Haven, CT.

When Teresa proposed bringing Mom to Connecticut for treatment, we agreed, wanting the best medical care for our wife and mother. We trusted Teresa as a family member. Once in Connecticut, she told us Mom couldn’t come back to Delaware.

In September 2004, we received notice that Teresa had been appointed Mom’s Temporary Conservator by the Probate Court of Woodbridge CT. This was done “ex parte” (emergency), so we weren’t notified until afterwards. We agreed to an independent conservator, envisioning a neutral party who would work with us. Three attorneys were then appointed, the conservator, Mom’s attorney and the Guardian Ad Litem (GAL). These total strangers advise the court on “what is best for Maydelle”. Their view of us has been formed not through direct knowledge, but through (mis)information supplied by Teresa.

A judge denied our motion disputing the Connecticut court’s jurisdiction of the case, even though Mom has never been a Connecticut resident, never voted in Connecticut, has never had a Connecticut driver’s license or paid taxes in Connecticut. Dad, her husband of 50 years, and two daughters live in New Jersey.

The Judge decided that it was in Mom’s “best interest” that she stay in Connecticut. This effectively ended my parent’s marriage of 51 years, as Dad could not travel to Connecticut. Dad had to obtain a mortgage (at age 80!) because he was denied access to funds in joint accounts. In a proposed division of the estate, the Judge stated that he was being ”generous” in allowing Dad 50% of the joint funds, when in fact Dad was the principal contributor to that estate.

Our family (Dad, myself and my siblings), is united in wanting Mom to return to New Jersey to be near us in her final years. However, after 3 years of brainwashing by my cousin and her allies, Mom is now separated from us not only by distance, but also emotionally.

There’s a very obvious conflict of interest here: the court and its officers are the ones who get to decide whether the source of their financial “gravy train” stays in Connecticut or is allowed to leave the state! It is clearly in THEIR best interests financially that Mom stay in Connecticut. The Probate Court’s primary function in this case should be the reuniting of Maydelle with her FAMILY, and the true conservation of her person and financial estate, NOT the reallocation of her hard-earned assets to court officers’ own bank accounts!

We appealed Judge's decision in Superior Court, and another Judge Angela decided on September 28, 2007 that Connecticut has NO JURISDICTION over Mom. However, she is still in Connecticut due to the appeals process, and as she is now in the final stages of Parkinson’s disease, she may die in Connecticut.

I would not wish our circumstances on anyone. A loving family has been torn apart by a self-serving legal system containing an insidious corruption of cronyism and greed, used to the utmost by someone who knows how to manipulate the system for her own perfidious ends. Unfortunately, we now know our family is not alone in this horrible situation. As more Americans approach what should be their “Golden Years”, this assault on fundamental rights is being repeated nationwide. Being aware of the disastrous possibilities is the first step to protecting yourself and your loved ones!

Irene A. Masiello, Paradise Costs--A Victim's Daughter Fights Back Against Elder Abuse or the Starlight Network News, Inc (SNN) have no personal knowledge of, or concerning the statements made above and have conducted no independent investigation as to the truthfulness or accuracy of those statements. The author of the statements is solely responsible for the content of those statements and all facts, observations, theories and opinions expressed in those statements. These are a version of events based upon the declarations and alleged declarations of aggrieved parties. No final judgment has been made concerning the credibility of any or all of these statements nor is one being made, expressly or impliedly, by their publication here nor can one be made without a complete, independent investigation. We urge you to report all suspected offenses of elder abuse, exploitation or neglect to your state and local law enforcement authorities. Thank you

a story a day...December 15, 2007...from Florida

2007-12-16T16:54:00.000-08:00

While we will present personal stories about alleged abuses, Irene A. Masiello, Paradise Costs--A Victim's Daughter Fights Back Against Elder Abuse or the Starlight Network News, Inc (SNN) has no personal knowledge of, or concerning the statements made above and have conducted no independent investigation as to the truthfulness or accuracy of those statements. The author of the statements is solely responsible for the content of those statements and all facts, observations, theories and opinions expressed in those statements. These are a version of events based upon the declarations and alleged declarations of aggrieved parties. No final judgment has been made concerning the credibility of any or all of these statements nor is one being made, expressly or impliedly, by their publication here nor can one be made without a complete, independent investigation. We urge you to report all suspected offenses of elder abuse, exploitation or neglect to your state and local law enforcement authorities. Thank you
=======================

"Bill was a bachelor, no children and lived alone. He was a self-made successful businessman, community member for 40 years, a big smile and popular. Our dad died in 1946 and left Mom a widow with nine children. Bill came home from the military, young and proudly wearing his uniform, ready to help. He loved family, friends and help he did, all those years. My big brother, my idol; I loved him, everybody did, I thought, but I was so wrong.

In 2001, signs of dementia were noted by family, friends and a diagnosis of severe progressive dementia late 2003 by personal physician. Bill's six surviving siblings, elderly and limited lived elsewhere, except one. They strived to meet his needs.

A previous acquaintance returns, bringing family, offers assistance, self-appointed caregiver with request of money to meet her needs. "We will marry” she says “or be his common law spouse, sell his business, we need the money." Red flags are large and waving. Challenging, I replied, any misdeeds done by anyone compromising his health and welfare is unacceptable, the answer is no.

Pleas for assistance from protection entities, law enforcement, etc. were futile. Frustration, worry and tears were daily in my world.

Mid 2005, Adult protection and hospital intervened per hospital request and an investigation was ordered. Bill had a wreck and
now hospitalized. (Over a year later we learned the investigation had been closed shortly after his death) The car made accessible by his self-appointed caregiver with a POA [power of attorney]. The POA seemingly purchased via the internet or office supply was accepted and used also as a medical POA. Bill died during that hospitalization. Life gone from an elderly man with serious existing illnesses and a horrific disease called Alzheimer. A family member was appointed PR.

Shocking facts was being learned. The request for awareness and alert for unusual cash transactions had been ignored. A driver’s license not revoked. Insurance not transferred to vehicle but a title, tag and registration was noted. Using a POA with a questionable address and signature card, large sums of funds had been withdrawn from bank. Bill's home and business had been purchased for 1/4 of the appraised value months after a POA was issued and a diagnosis of severe progressive Alzheimer dementia.

Four months prior, his death the home was gifted back by another deed. The business was kept by the purchaser. All deed transactions and POA was signed and stamped by notary and witnesses. They were filed in courthouse records.

The appearance of attorney representation was unnoted on all documents. On signature page some lines was drawn through with changes made. Bill's wallet and cash had been turned over to POA by hospital security after his death.

A document resembling a restraining order with c/c to law enforcement ordered PR to not enter the estate property per occupiers
(POA). Requested hearing paid and filed in Probate Office per PR for eviction was ignored.

A filing for common-law-marriage in common pleas court demanding Bill be named as spouse of the female POA beginning 18 years before by law firm that employed the notary and witnesses of previously mentioned documents. Months later the case was moved to Probate Court. Final ruling was no common-law-marriage existed. No physical evidence was presented by the plaintiff.
In excess of $20,000 was paid by siblings. No attorney fees were granted by the court. Over a year had passed since Bill's death.

Court order for occupiers to return all assets and property taken pay, some expenses and clean, repair was ignored. Bill's business, car, physical and monetary assets were gone, just a few dollars left in the bank. Home and grounds, garage was trashed. No personal papers or will was located. The siblings was left with the chaos.

Before the common-law-marriage ruling, the POA notified a local funeral home, unassociated with arrangements to obtain Bill's obituary notice, list her as his wife and have it printed in local newspaper. A requested correction was later published.
But, I believe Bill's reputation was left for the public to wonder and his family’s character was left questionable, possibly left in tatters.

After much evidence gathering by family, investigator and estate attorney the case was reopened. A county grand jury indicted the woman involving abuse, neglect exploitation. Months later a bond hearing was scheduled. She did not appear and a bench warrant was issued. The indictment is now over a year and the bench warrant is six months old.

The locals say the woman lives in the area and is seen often. A victim impact request is on file but request for information is dismissive and not forthcoming. Comments of normally not prosecuted is common at county and state levels. The public says nothing will be done. The attorney generals office verbally declined to intervene unless requested solely by the solicitor. The solicitor handling the case declines to speak with me or return telephone call request. A challenge of the deed was declined by the estate attorneys.

The judicial system is unfamiliar to me. But, I believe Bill was stripped of his civil rights to live his life, in his home and in his own way. I believe individuals took advantage of an elderly vulnerable citizen and his health and welfare was compromised. I believe the protection Bill was entitled to under our rule of law was denied him. America should be made aware of any citizen that is denied those rights. Any individual doing misdeeds to a vulnerable citizen should be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Those citizens are entitled to justice and closure for their families."

excerpt of PARADISE COSTS now available at AMAZON.com

2007-12-16T14:11:00.000-08:00

Excerpt from PARADISE COSTS--A VICTIM'S DAUGHTER FIGHTS BACK AGAINST ELDER ABUSE

"Never in my wildest imagination could I have fathomed that my Dad's birth data would one day serve as an identification number in a forensic toxicology lab five years after his death. However, after his life ended under suspicious circumstances, I would be compelled to conduct my own investigation to determine whether my father was a victim of some type of concerted effort.

As a family, we needed to find healing and closure. The only way to come to terms with Dad’s demise would be to eliminate and/or define the possibility of foul play.

My father died in late August 2001 and the events in our home town, New York City, delayed forensic analysis. A geriatric expert advised us that the terrorist act on the WTC would cause labs around the world to be on a macabre overload as millions of specimens would pour in. He urged us to wait years before submitting evidence; we did.

In 2006, we braced ourselves for whatever the findings would be. Forensic analysis of a lock of my father’s hair, taken merely as a sentimental gesture, was done utilizing highly specialized scientific instruments to assure accurate findings.

The forensic expert performing the examination is the director of a university toxicology department at a well-known medical school and his lab is licensed by the United States Department of Justice. He’s qualified to testify as an expert witness. He had explained the testing would reveal what, if any, chemicals or drugs my father had ingested approximately one to six months prior to his death.

Our family remains chillingly devastated by the forensic report. We could not let our grief immobilize us and, therefore, we are sharing our horror story to raise consciousness about elder abuse and exploitation.

The results didn't seem possible. My father was an 80-year-old bedridden, Insulin-dependent diabetic caught in the grip of severe Alzheimer's. He was taken away from his family despite their protests and was totally reliant on strangers to nourish him through a feeding tube. How could he have willingly ingested the substances forensic toxicology revealed?

After reading this story and seeing the actual forensic report included within, readers are asked to be the judge and jury. They are urged to contemplate the levels of intervention that failed in the prevention of a tragic event.

We, an empowered and educated generation, must act and advocate in many ways, including using the “verdicts,” or, prefabricated letters and petitions contained in this book, to put a stop to a growing epidemic sweeping this country: elder abuse and exploitation.

Contemplate the staggering statistics:

 The American Psychological Association estimates that each and every year, over 2.1 million older Americans are victims of physical, psychological or other forms of neglect and abuse.

 The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates there may be as many as 5 million victims of financial exploitation a year in the U.S. It’s estimated that actual numbers of victims may be 5 times as many. But the Center acknowledges that no one knows the true number of victims because there is no comprehensive data collection nationwide and many seniors suffer in silence. Millions may hide their embarrassment or remain in denial, while countless others don’t have the competency to comprehend that they are being abused or exploited.

 The National Committee to Prevent Elder Abuse (NCPEA) estimates that $20 million per day is pilfered from the elderly… in California alone.

 National Institute of Health estimates that 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease now.

 The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 1 in 10 individuals over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 already have Alzheimer’s. It’s estimated that within the next 25 years, the numbers of sufferers will triple.

 The Alzheimer’s Association states the number of Americans with Alzheimer's has more than doubled since 1980; it will continue to grow and by 2050 the number of victims with Alzheimer's could range from 11.3 million to 16 million. Increasing age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's.

 Every 72 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s; the related costs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias exceed more than $148 billion annually.

An attorney who worked in an elder law clinic stated, “An abused dog has more rights and will get more protection under the law than the elderly.”

If that is indeed the case and, it was in this story, changes are urgently needed to protect the elderly against a virulent social ill. Paradise Costs is a wake-up call.

It’s essential that the jury of public opinion be aware of what defines elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. Our understanding needs to expand beyond the image of an elderly person tied to a bed or being beaten. As this terrifying, compelling story demonstrates, too often, more subtle and ugly forms of exploitation and abuse go undetected and never are identified or reported for what they are: crimes.

Paradise Costs is a simple, effective, self contained community rally to take social action in book form. The venue is provided: reality writing. And, while younger generations may mistakenly believe this is an elder issue only, The Journal of the American Medical Association stated in a 2002 article that it will be 30-40 years before the awareness of elder abuse reaches what it NOW for child abuse.

That puts 30-year olds at risk 30 years from now.

Our future will be the result of decisions we make or don’t make now.

Readers can easily armchair-lobby for the Elder Justice Act (Senate Bill number: S-1070 and House Bill, HR: 1783) legislation now on the floor of both Houses of Congress, by simply signing the prepared tear-out reality writing letters and following the simple instructions included in this book." (c) Copyright 2000-2007-Irene A. Masiello, Starlight Network News, Inc. All rights reserved; please do not rerint without permission.

purchase the softcover with quickest deliver time at: http://buybooksontheweb.com/peek.aspx?id=4103
or at Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com

Contact the author for an autographed copy at irenemasiello@msn.com; a portion of the author's proceeds will be donated to a non-profit elder adovocate group support elder justice.

Free by-lined articles are available for your publication. Please contact Vine Communications or the author. Thank you.

The first story will be my own; this is the Paradise Costs press release issued one month ago today

2007-12-14T20:32:00.001-08:00

New Book Exposes Elder Abuse in America

Driven by grim statistics from national elder advocacy groups stating there may be more than 25 million cases of elder exploitation a year in America, a victim's daughter offers her father's suspicious forensic report to readers to exemplify a terrifying reality. Created in a work-book format with pre-written reality writing letters as tear-outs, Paradise Costs--A Victim's Daughter Fights Back Against Elder Abuse, is a frightening personal narrative calling attention to the Elder Justice Act now before both Houses of Congress.

New York (PRWEB) November 14, 2007 -- Deception, corruption, exploitation and manipulation collide in Paradise Costs: A Victim's Daughter Fights Back Against Elder Abuse, the heart-wrenching story of an infirm, 80-year-old man with Alzheimer's who was taken from his family, stripped of his assets and exploited despite the pleas of his next of kin.

What makes this story even more compelling? It's not fiction.

Mario Masiello, a hearing-impaired, honorably discharged, World War II veteran retired from the New York City Transit Authority and relocated to the quaint town of Walterboro, South Carolina to realize his life-long dream of utopian living. Twenty years later, his blissful life was ravaged by the death of his wife and by several illnesses including diabetes, Alzheimer's and depression. Paradise Costs tells the chilling true story of the last years of his life when he was "grandpa-napped" from his family by neighbors and "friends."

"I never thought this type of betrayal and brutality could happen in my family," says Irene A. Masiello, Paradise Costs author and Mario's daughter. "My experience has made me realize how little people know about the deadly American pandemic that is elder abuse."

The American Psychological Association estimates that approximately 2.1 million senior citizens are victims of physical and psychological neglect and abuse every year. However, the numbers are grossly misleading for too many cases go unreported while most people are unaware or under-informed of elder abuse's broader definitions.

In this gripping personal narrative the author gives a voice to countless victims who suffer and die in silence while the staggering issues paint a gruesome picture. Driven by more grim statistics from national elder advocacy groups stating there may be an additional 25 million cases of elder exploitation, Irene shares her family's story. In a bold stance, she drives home the pervasiveness of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation by offering her father's suspicious forensic report to readers to exemplify a terrifying reality. Even more important, she offers a viable solution to the problem that allows every American to be pro-active in helping to eradicate this social ill.

"As difficult as the aftermath of this tragedy has been, I am determined not to let my father's death be in vain," says Irene. "My goal now is to take my story to the nation and raise awareness of this deplorable social ill that's plaguing America."

Irene's objective is to provide a voice to the millions of victims that fall through the cracks every year. As readers accompany the Masiello family along their horrific journey they can't help but recognize and call for legislation that could prevent their own families from being victimized by this fast-growing phenomenon. It's robbing our seniors of their dignity and right to life while causing pain and hardship for their loved ones.

In an effort to create a reality-writing campaign, prefabricated "tear-out" letters and petitions to government officials are contained in Paradise Costs, and are available as free downloads at the book's website, www.paradisecosts.com. Readers can follow simple directions on how to e-mail legislators right from the site.

"I'm urging participation via our interactive book to lobby legislators to pass the Elder Justice Act [EJA] now on the floor of both Houses of Congress," says the author. "Hopefully, others will be spared the suffering my father was forced to endure and their families will not have to look on helplessly in horror as mine did."

Masiello, a member of the Elder Justice Coalition, is urging national reform addressing elder issues and continued support to implement, amend and enforce the EJA. A portion of her proceeds from her book will be donated to a non-profit organization supporting that cause.

For more information, please visit www.ParadiseCosts.com or contact Vine Communications at (305) 447-8678. If your family has been a victim please share a 1000 word synopsis of your story including the name of your town or county and state.

One story a day will be shared providing you agree to post your story on www.Craigslist.org in the LOCAL NEWS section. Please follow the rules on Craigslist.
One story and one listing per person on every day. THANK YOU

Eastablishing the rules about publishing stories will be a definied more carefully in the next few days.

###

December 14th 2007...we begin, the first story is in:

2007-12-14T20:20:00.000-08:00

STOP ELDER ABUSE NOW

2007-12-14T17:35:00.000-08:00

Here's an excerpt from my book and the reason why "a small group of committed citizens" will change the world....Margaret Mead said many years ago that, a small group is the "only thing that has EVER changed the world." Everyday, there will be a story of elder abuse posted here and the location of the story could be Anywhere, USA.

from PARADISE COSTS--A Victim's Daughter Fights Back Against Elder Abuse...

"Before, during and after my father’s death, lawyers and social workers repeatedly made requests—they urged me to take his story public. In what has been a staggering evolution of consciousness for me, I have done so. I could not allow grief to cripple me— the stakes are too high.

Seventy-eight million baby boomers are the next generation of potential victims. In telling this painful and harrowing story it is my hope that we, an empowered and educated generation, will act and advocate in many ways including using the letters and petitions contained in this book to put a stop the pandemic of elder abuse existing in this country.

We must act now for the statistics are staggering:

 The American Psychological Association estimates that each and every year over 2.1 million older Americans are victims of physical, psychological or other forms of neglect and abuse.

 The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates there may be as many as 5 million victims of financial exploitation a year in the U.S. It’s also estimated that actual numbers of victims may be 5 times as many. The Center acknowledges that because there is no comprehensive data collection nationwide many seniors remain uncounted and suffer in silence. Millions may hide their embarrassment or remain in denial while countless others don’t have the competency to comprehend that they are being abused, neglect or exploited.

 The National Committee to Prevent Elder Abuse (NCPEA) estimates that $20 million per day is pilfered from the elderly…in California alone.

 National Institute of Health estimates that 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease now.

 The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 1 in 10 individuals over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 already have Alzheimer’s. It’s estimated that within the next 25 years the number of sufferers will triple.

 The Alzheimer’s Association states the number of Americans with Alzheimer's has more than doubled since 1980; it will continue to grow, and by 2050 the number of victims with Alzheimer's could range from 11.3 million to 16 million. Increasing age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's.

 Every 72 seconds someone develops Alzheimer’s; the related costs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias exceed more than $148 billion annually.
The Alzheimer’s Association reiterates that Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of the aging process. It is a devastating disorder of the brain’s nerve cells that impairs memory, thinking and behavior. Obviously, victims of this ailment will be the most vulnerable among us.

An attorney who worked in an elder legal clinic told me, “An abused dog has more rights and will get more protection under the law than the elderly.”
If that is the case and, for my father’s it indeed was, immense changes are urgently needed to protect the elderly. Therefore, Paradise Costs is a wake-up call for action. We must change the laws now or millions will face victimization and too many with be casualties.

The emotional, physical and financial exploitation my parent suffered is all too common. Tragically, my father lacked the competency, as millions do, to recognize how he was being exploited.

It’s essential that the jury of public opinion—those reading this frightful story—be aware of what defines elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Our understanding needs to expand beyond the image of an elderly person tied to a bed or being beaten. As this story demonstrates more subtle forms of exploitation and abuse too often go undetected and are never identified or reported for what they are: crimes.

In the pages that follow, it will become dreadfully clear how vulnerable senior citizens are and perhaps in ways one could never imagine. My father’s story is not included in the ugly statistics; he fell through the cracks. Too many do.

Auschwitz survivor Elie Wiesel said societies are judged by how they treat the defenseless. He spoke to the unique needs of the elderly stating that our society “is too busy worshiping the culture of youth” to value them. Instead of ignoring the needs of the elderly, Wiesel said, people should consider it an opportunity and a privilege to extend a helping hand to them. “Why does our society try to do so much for children but so little for the old?” he asked.

Elder abuse, neglect and exploitation are not indigenous to any one area of this country. It is a multidimensional and pervasive collective ill that permeates throughout every layer of our society. It’s an issue that’s everyone’s business.

The Journal of the American Medical Association (appendix 2) has estimated that it will take 30-40 years before the awareness of elder abuse achieves the level of recognition that child abuse has now.

Can we wait that long?

Readers as participants in “reality writing” can change the future. It’s within the scope of the most enlightened and powerful generation of all time, the baby boomers, to use its huge political and economic clout on this crucial issue.

After you read this story, please make a decision about whether this cautionary, tragic tale has enough merit to motivate you to action remembering that as many as one-in-three baby boomers may be victims of some form of elder abuse.

If it does serve as a wake-up call, please “vote” your consentience by signing and mailing the prefabricated reality writing letters included in Chapter 10. Please pass around the petitions also included and mail or fax them to your U.S. Senators. Feel free to make copies of any part of the reality writing section of this book and pass it along to others.

The Elder Justice Act (EJA) came before both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate just as the finishing touches were put on this book in late March 2007. It is critical that the EJA, U.S. House of Representative Bill number HR-1783 and the U.S. Senate Bill number S-1070, be supported into law as soon as possible. And readers can help by imploring action now and in the future by becoming proactive immediately via reality writing.

After the EJA passes our task is not complete and, therefore, we must remain vigilant. It’s vital that the EJA be amended, as needed, and enforced to serve the welfare of the largest number of elderly.

We must, therefore, remain proactive demonstrating our ongoing interest and support for social reform on behalf of the elderly of this nation.

It’s obligatory for concerned citizens to continue to pressure Congress with reality writing letters enclosed in this book to drive home our imperative message.
We, as committed and watchful citizens, must demonstrate our steadfast interest by pledging to remain involved by continuing to telegraph our federal legislators that we want to stop elder abuse now.

It is to that end this book was written. This is a pro-active rally against the painful lessons taught by my own personal history, one many of us can relate to, and by other tragic world events that are remembered as blights upon humanity.
Apathy always costs in this “paradise” known as democracy or anywhere else on our planet.

As Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, “Justice denied anywhere diminishes justice everywhere.”

Thank you,
Irene A. Masiello
Member of the ELDER JUSTICE COALITION
April 2007 (and now on December 14, 2007)

SEND YOUR STORIES TO:
standing2gether@yahoo.com

Rules as of now (this will be checked with my attorneys on Monday)
1000 words (spell checked and properly punctuated, please)
no names (refer to yourself as a first name and a location only)
county and state only. No names will be printed and we reserve the right to
edit. Thank you.

Thank you for the support...please keep it going

2007-12-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

Blogs are springing up, groups are forming and I have heard from people all over the country. Please read Paradise Costs. It's not about my father any more. It's about everyone of us who is vulnerable. My ignorance about the subject originally prompted my anger, however, thanks to the social workers and attorneys of South Carolina, my eyes were opened to a social ill of enormous proportion.

Please act now and write, call, pester a senator, beg, plead, register to vote...why isn't the Elder Justice Act part of the presidential campaign?

Thank you Ray at ElderAbuseHelp.org and Andrew at http://elder-abuse-spotlight.blogspot.com/2007/11/new-book-exposes-elder-abuse-in-america.html

Thanks to all those who are sending e-mailing and thanks to Antonio Martinez for introducing us to presidential hopeful Gov Richardson of New Mexico

2007-11-29T18:04:00.000-08:00

The stories I am reading are worse that my own. It saddens me deeply to see the pain of elder abuse striking so many families. It's a sad commentary on what's happening in our country. I am speechless at the outpouring of grief and despair.

On another note, Governor Bill Richardson of NM is a delightful man and I certainly hope he finds his way to the ballot.

Please, readers, do your best to get out there in the world and start talking about elder abuse. It may be the last taboo in our society.

Please make a difference and send letters to senators as instructed on the site.

Thanks and God bless,
Irene

From victim to advocate...

2007-11-25T16:17:00.000-08:00

Many years ago when the events in Paradise Costs unfolded, I was ignorant of the social implications of what my family faced. I over-simplified the matter. I saw the events as local issues. However, I have grown in my consciousness. My mind has expanded. There was a time when that would have been good news. Sadly, I have been staggered by a reality that effects more Americans than I could have ever imagined.

Do we hear more about elder abuse now or is elder abuse growing?

I cannot answer that question. What I can answer is this. Will elder abuse go away?
No, it won't. The numbers are growing (the stats are on this site) yet why isn't the Elder Justice Act or the numbers of victims part of the Presidential campaign?

That's a good question and perhaps baby boomers need to be asking ourselves that and then asking the candidates the same question. Perhaps they fear the baby boomers and the power that we have. Our reach is far and deep. We control the next election. THINK ABOUT IT. Use your political and economic clout, baby boomers. Call your Senator's office. Ask the provocative questions. STOP ELDER ABUSE. Take a stance.

We can change the future by taking ACTION NOW!

thank you,
Irene

thank you to those who have written

Paradise Costs: A Victim's Daughter Fight Back Against Elder Abuse was released on 11/10/07

2007-11-20T15:14:00.000-08:00

We are asking the senior citizens of America to participate
in a pro-active rally to: STOP ELDER ABUSE NOW.

Please call your senator and congressman and send
your reality writing letters TODAY.

Every senior citizen is a "foot soldier" in a war to stop this pandemic from spreading to the estimated numbers. It's simple MAKE A CHOICE.

Are you part of the problem?
Well, then, keep doing nothing... and pray that this social ill does not manifest in your life. DENY that it exists. Find fault with the messanger...find fault with the message...find fault with the victim. Keep your head buried in the sand and take a THIS CANNOT HAPPEN TO ME attitude.

WILL YOU BE PART OF THE SOLUTION?
If you are solution oriented rather than blame oriented, PLEASE make copies of the reality writing letters that are tear outs in this book or downloadable and free right at this site and ask your doctor, house of worship, college, newspaper, gym, senior center to give them to anyone who will particpate and can spread the word. Fill out yours please and mail them to your senators TODAY.

PLEASE... Ask your local STAPLES, OFFICE DEPOT, FED EX, KINKO'S location to donate 100 copies to save the lives of senior citizens across this country. Join the ELDER JUSTICE COALTION (Google it, please?), hold a rally, a love in, a sit in, a copy in...do something, anything, to draw attention to the ELDER JUSTICE ACT now on the floor of both Houses.

WHY HAVEN'T YOU HEARD ABOUT THE ELDER JUSTICE ACT? CALL YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER AND ASK THEM WHY and tell them we have FREE by-lined articles for that purpose to rally this nation to STOP ELDER ABUSE NOW.

Be an advocate or be a victim. It's your choice for the decision you make now has implications in the creation of your future.

CHOSE ACTION, please?

THANK YOU,
Irene

Irene A. Masiello
reach me at:
irenemasiello@msn.com

STOP ELDER ABUSE NOW...Paradise Costs will be in print soon

2007-09-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

An attorney working to support the Elder Justice Act has vowed to take Paradise Costs and it's cause to Hillary Clinton and to every office in Washington he can. Why? He's only in his forties.

Elder abuse is EVERYBODY'S problem. According to an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (November, 2002) it will take 30-40 years before our awareness of elder abuse becomes what it is NOW for child abuse. That means that those who are in their thirties and forties now will be victims as well.

As the agency statistics state in the baby boomer generation there may be 1 in 3 victims. Look around the dinner table, boomers, when you are out with your friends. One in three may be a victim of the same types of abuses documented in Paradise Costs.

Hasn't world history taught us the cost of apathy?

If not, Paradise Costs will be in print very shortly and we will be on international radio shortly after.

Thanks for your patience and your prayers during what has been a time consuming effort.

Sincerely,
Irene A. Masiello

Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burn Out from HEALTHDAY News

2007-07-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY, July 8 (HealthDay News) -- Geriatrics experts are offering a new easy-to-understand information sheet designed to help prevent burnout in people caring for elderly parents or other older loved ones.

The new information sheet, Caring for Mom and Dad, How to Avoid Caregiver Burnout, is available online from the American Geriatrics Society's Foundation for Health in Aging.
It's estimated that as many as 44 million Americans care for older loved ones, and the level of care ranges from occasional assistance with chores to 24-hour care. While providing care can be rewarding, it can also be stressful and frustrating.

"Increasingly, Americans are becoming caregivers to their aging loved ones. It's important that people taking on the role of caregiver understand what they should do to maintain their own physical and emotional health in the process," Jan Busby-Whitehead, a Foundation for Health in Aging board member and chair of the AGF's public education committee, said in a prepared statement.

The new information sheet offers advice on how to plan for older loved ones' changing care needs; making simple home modifications that ease the job of providing care; working with older loved ones' health-care providers; asking family and friends for help with caregiving; and the types of community services available for older adults and their caregivers.

TIP SHEET: http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/tipsheet_caregiver.pdf

Elder abuse is EVERYONE'S BUSINESS.

PLEASE NOTE: a portion of the proceeds of every copy of Paradise Costs will be donated to a non-profit elder advocacy group:

2007-05-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

Our goal is to see that the ELDER JUSTICE ACT, now before the US Senate and Congress,
is passed into law and we will be making a donation of a portion of the proceeds of each and every copy of Paradise Costs to help ensure that powerful advocacy groups will act on behalf of 78 million babyboomers.

According to an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association printed in November, 2002, it's estimated that it will take 30 to 40 years for awareness of elder abuse BECOMES what it is currently for child abuse.

That means that the children of babyboomers will be high risk as well. Please act today and download the reality writing letters and petitions located on the right hand navigation bar on the Paradise Costs site.

When one of us are at risk, we are all at risk...please see the Allegory in Paradise Costs.

Also, see the ACTUAL forensic report of a victim who fell between the cracks in our failing system located inside each and every edition of Paradise Costs.

Will you family be a victim of elder abuse, exploitation and/or neglect? You will find out by reading a shocking, tragic story.

It's coming soon......

thank you,
Irene A. Masiello
www.ParadiseCosts.com
ParadiseCosts@cs.com
Member: ELDER JUSTICE COALITION

Paradise Costs is currently being published

2007-05-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

A frightening story will demonstrate the depth of imperative social issues and interactive writing will make it possible for readers to have their voices heard in Washington, DC.

Please be patient...we are in the final stages of making the book available at the publisher's site,
at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Borders, etc.

An autographed copy can be obtained directly from the Paradise Costs website (www.ParadiseCosts.com) by including $5.95 S & H to the purchase price of the book through a PayPal transaction by credit card only.

Irene Masiello will be available in the NYC-Metropolitan area to speak to groups concerned with the health and wellness of the elder community. To book a talk contact through the website or call (718)776-5644 and please leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Thank you,
Irene A. Masiello
Member of the Elder Justice Coalition
ParadiseCosts@cs.com

Help Stop Elder Abuse with "Paradise Costs" with interactive reality writing

2007-04-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to armchair advocacy to STOP ELDER ABUSE now.

Both Houses of Congress have the Elder Justice Act 2007 placed before them to protect the elderly population of this land. The numbers are staggering and PARADISE COSTS, one family's struggle against this social ill, will tell a story that's symbolic of millions of storys.

We are grateful to NY Times best-selling author John Bradsaw, author of Elder Rage, Jacqueline Marcell and Larry Dossey, MD, author of many celebrated books on current day breakthroughs in medicine and the heakling power of prayer.

There will be more unfolding. Please stay tuned.

Vists our site at www.ParadiseCosts.com

thanks,
Irene A. Masiello
Member of the Elder Justice Coalition
Author of PARADISE COSTS