Video - Training Resources on Elder Abuse

Guides to Preventing and Reporting Abuse and Neglect

Source: Department of Justice, Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse

Published: 2023

Summary:

DMFEA Outreach is committed to protecting California and its citizens through prevention and education. The program provides free valuable tools and resources for District Attorneys, Skilled Nursing Facilities/Residential Care Facilities, Schools, and Law Enforcement Agencies. The Outreach team will travel anywhere in California to offer these free programs.

Link: Guides to Preventing and Reporting Abuse and Neglect

Topics: Caregiving, Financial Abuse, Mandatory Reporting, Overview/General

Access: Download, Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Advocates, Caregivers, Community, Social Services

Level:

Rhode to Elder Justice Webinar Series

Source: RI Coalition for Elder Justice (RICEJ)

Published: 2025

Summary:

The RI Coalition for Elder Justice (RICEJ) is a partnership among victim service agencies, senior service agencies, community groups, advocacy groups, law enforcement, and state and federal agencies. We were founded in 2020 as part of the Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse Later in Life grant awarded to Saint Elizabeth Community by the DOJ Office on Violence Against Women. Our vision is a Rhode Island where vulnerable adults are valued and protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Link: Rhode to Elder Justice Webinar Series

Topics: Caregiving, Emotional/Psychological Abuse

Access: Web-based, Web-based (Fee)

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning, Teaching Others

Audience: Advocates, Caregivers, Community

Level:

Exploring Restorative Approaches to Elder Justice

Source: California Elder Justice Coalition

Published: 2022

Summary:

Exploring Restorative Approaches to Elder Justice- Webinar #1: Syracuse, New York’s “Long Game” for Adopting Restorative Approaches to Elder Abuse (January 2022)

Webinar recording

Restorative Justice Toolkit

In 2016, a small group of Syracuse, New York service providers and researchers gathered to explore restorative justice approaches to elder abuse. Recognizing the challenges they faced, the group developed “the long game,” which began with a qualitative research project to evaluate service providers’ perceptions of using RJ in this context. They went on to explore RJ approaches to elder abuse around the world, which resulted in an article analyzing existing efforts and offering recommendations and a conference that brought together leaders of the RJ and elder abuse movement to share models and expertise. The presenters will discuss their research, tentative conclusions, and their “eCORE Project,” which offers community building and conflict resolution circles to seniors.
Presenters:
• Maria Brown, Assistant Research Professor, School of Social Work and Aging Studies Institute, Syracuse University Falk College
• Mary Helen McNeal, Professor and Director, Elder and Health Law Clinic, Syracuse University College of Law

Exploring Restorative Approaches to Elder Justice- Webinar #2: A Circle Approach to Healing the Harm of Financial Exploitation (February 2022)

Webinar recording
Restorative Justice Toolkit

The Waterloo Restorative Justice Elder Abuse Project, developed over two decades ago, remains one of the few programs of its kind serving older adults. Attendees to this session will preview a video depicting how the Waterloo program uses a peacemaking circle to reduce the harm to family relationships following financial elder abuse. The video’s producer and circle co-facilitators will discuss the benefits and challenges of applying restorative justice to elder abuse, potential applications and settings in which it can be used, and steps for implementing programs.
Presenters:
• Eva Marszewski is founder and director of Peacebuilders (Canada), a nonprofit organization that provides restorative programs and services to young people and works towards effecting change in the justice and education systems.
• Arlene Groh, retired consultant, Healing Approaches to Elder Abuse Waterloo (Ontario) and founding director of the Community Care Access Centre’s Restorative Justice Approach to Elder Abuse Project.

Exploring Restorative Approaches to Elder Justice- Webinar #3: A Cultural Perspective on Restorative Justice (March 2022)

Webinar Recording
Restorative Justice Toolkit

This session highlights traditional tribal practices for responding to elder abuse that are based on a culture of respect and justice for elders, and will explore ways those traditional practices may interface with or inform restorative approaches in mainstream institutions.
Panelists include:

Jacqueline Gray (ret.), Research Associate Professor, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and principal investigator, National Indigenous Elder Justice Initiative (NIEJI) at the Center for Rural Health, University of North Dakota
Maylynn Riding In, Graduate Research Assistant, NIEJI, and Health Policy Research Scholar, Public Health Education, University of North Dakota (Presented by Wendelin Hume, Associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, University of North Dakota)
Kay Pranis, national leader in restorative justice and author of multiple books, including the Little Book of Circle Processes: A New/Old Approach to Peacemaking

Exploring Restorative Approaches to Elder Justice– Webinar #4: Restorative Justice / Elder Abuse Prevention Showcase (April 2022)

Webinar Recording

Restorative Justice Toolkit

This session will highlight restorative practices and approaches that are being applied to prevent elder abuse by local communities and tribes.
Panelists include:

Mike Payne, Detective Constable, Special Victims Unit and Senior Support Team, Waterloo Regional Police Service
Margaret Carson, Program Manager, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Adult Protective Services Program
Maylynn Riding In, Graduate Research Assistant, National Indigenous Elder Justice Initiative (NIEJI), and the Health Policy Research Scholar, Public Health Education, University of North Dakota

Webinars 3 and 4 are co-sponsored by the National Indigenous Elder Justice Initiative (NIEJI) at the Center for Rural Health at the University of North Dakota, and the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), in addition to our series co-sponsors Institute on Aging and Legal Aid Association of California. The series is made possible by a grant from the van Loben Sels/RembeRock Foundation.

Link: Exploring Restorative Approaches to Elder Justice

Topics: Financial Abuse, Legal, Overview/General, Screening/Assessment

Access:

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Advocates, Community, Legal/Law Enforcement, Public Policy

Level:

Elder Health Care Abuse: Fraud and Scam Prevention

Source: Empowered Aging

Published: 2021

Summary:

More About Micki Nozaki: Micki Nozaki is the Director of the California Health Advocates Health Care Fraud Prevention and Education Program known as the Senior Medicare Patrol. The Senior Medicare Patrol is a national, federally-funded program that provides Medicare fraud prevention education and outreach throughout the state to older adults, their families, and caregivers as well as persons with disabilities. Prior to assuming her current role, Micki spent several years in the private sector developing and implementing information protection and privacy programs. Health care fraud is elder abuse and Micki is deeply passionate about protecting older adults and persons with disabilities from being victimized by criminal fraudsters and scammers. She asks that we all do our part to protect those most vulnerable among us.

Video Recording

Powerpoint Slides

Link: Elder Health Care Abuse: Fraud and Scam Prevention

Topics: Financial Abuse, Multidisciplinary Teams, Overview/General, Prevention/Intervention

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Advocates, Community, Health Care

Level:

Just to Have a Peaceful Life

Source: Terra Nova Films

Published: unknown

Summary:

This video profiles a woman who was married to an abusive husband for 45 years. She had five children who were also routinely abused by the husband. She left her husband three times when the children were small only to return because of financial need. She kept hoping he would mellow as he got older, but finally left him again at age 61 only to soon return again because of health problems. She died at age 63 without ever achieving the peaceful life she longed for.

Link: Just to Have a Peaceful Life

Topics: Domestic Violence in Later Life

Access: Order (Fee)

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Advocates, Community

Level:

In Their Own Words: Domestic Abuse in Later Life

Source: Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)

Published: 2008

Summary:

This training package will fill a significant gap in training resources for a wide range of practitioners who, through their daily professional responsibilities, regularly encounter older victims of domestic abuse. Through the voices of older survivors of abuse, these materials will facilitate important discussions about the dynamics of abuse in later life, barriers to living free from abuse, interventions, and potential collaborations to address the needs of victims.

Link: In Their Own Words: Domestic Abuse in Later Life

Topics: Domestic Violence in Later Life

Access: Download

Intended Use: Teaching Others

Audience: Advocates, Caregivers, Health Care, Legal/Law Enforcement, Social Services

Level:

The Neuroscience Behind Financial Scams

Source: United States Department of Justice

Published: 2020

Summary:

Join us for the webinar, The Neuroscience behind Financial Scams. Older Americans lose billions annually to financial scams and experience of range of harms resulting from their victimization. At times our response is incredulous and at times sympathetic. What is nearly universal is a lack of understanding of why older adults fall victim to these scams. Using brain science and psychological principles, Erik Lande, a neuropsychologist, will guide attendees through an explanation of the mechanisms that facilitate vulnerability to financial scams. Debbie Deem, a former FBI victim specialist who worked frequently with scam victims, will discuss the challenges victims and law enforcement experience, as well as strategies and resources that can assist victims and their families.

Speakers:

Erik Lande, Insight Neuropsychology, and Consultant, Ventura Adult Protective Services
Debbie Deem, Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST) Coordinator Ventura County, and retired FBI victim specialist

Link: The Neuroscience Behind Financial Scams

Topics: Financial Abuse, Overview/General, Screening/Assessment

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Community, Finance

Level:

Addressing Concerns About Retaliation

Source: National Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC)

Published: 2024

Summary:

Retaliation, and the fear of retaliation, can prevent residents and family members from raising their concerns about care and safety. It also has a chilling effect on the reporting of abuse or neglect in long-term care facilities, leaving many living in fear and without relief from harm. Retaliation can range from very subtle to obvious actions and it may be difficult to determine whether staff are retaliating or if a resident’s needs are not being met for another reason, such as understaffing. Retaliation is never acceptable; it is a violation of the resident’s rights.

In a new episode of the Pursuing Quality Long-Term Care podcast, join us for a conversation with an Ombudsman, a long-term care resident, and a gerontologist as we discuss how to identify retaliation, action steps to take when it does occur, and how to advocate to prevent retaliation from happening in the future.
Special Guests:
Tasha Erskine-Jackson, Regional Ombudsman, Connecticut Aging and Disability Services
Jeanette Martinez, Connecticut Long-Term Care Resident
Eilon Caspi, Gerontologist and Dementia Behavior Specialist

Listen Here: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and YouTube
Watch the Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXLqiN_nP9w
Additional Resource: https://theconsumervoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CV_Retaliation_Handout_web.pdf

Link: Addressing Concerns About Retaliation

Topics: Long-term Care, Neglect

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Caregivers, Social Services

Level:

The Value of Participating on Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Teams

Source: Elder Justice Initiative (EJI)

Published: 2024

Summary:

Elder abuse multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) are expanding across the country and yet not all communities are familiar with them. This session begins with a brief introduction to multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), followed by a presentation on the nature and functioning of protection teams and jurisdictional challenges. Attendees then will learn from an experienced team about the value of participating on an MDT. A live demonstration will be provided by the Montgomery County Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team showing how MDTs function and the benefit to law enforcement investigations.

Link: The Value of Participating on Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Teams

Topics: Multidisciplinary Teams

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Legal/Law Enforcement

Level:

Elder Financial Exploitation and the Criminal Justice System

Source: Elder Justice Initiative (EJI)

Published: 2024

Summary:

Financial exploitation, as well as other forms of abuse, increases the risk of premature death in older adults by 300%. Across the country, reports of elder financial exploitation are increasing dramatically. The need for law enforcement to identify and effectively respond to these cases is becoming increasingly urgent. Through case examples, attendees will learn about ways in which elder financial exploitation is perpetrated, its impact on victims and their families, the barriers law enforcement and prosecutors face in investigating and prosecuting it, and innovative and effective ideas for overcoming these barriers and bringing justice to these deserving victims.

Link: Elder Financial Exploitation and the Criminal Justice System

Topics: Financial Abuse, Legal, Prevention/Intervention

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Legal/Law Enforcement

Level:

Law Enforcement and Elder Abuse Investigations

Source: Elder Justice Initiative (EJI)

Published: 2024

Summary:

Law enforcement is often the first to respond to a report of elder abuse. Yet many things are unique about responding to an elder abuse situation, from interviewing older adults to collecting evidence to figuring out if there might be a memory problem. In this session attendees will learn the essentials of elder abuse and will be introduced to a practical web-based tool (Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement, (EAGLE)) through a live demonstration. Using a case-based approach we will apply this new knowledge and examine law enforcement’s place in the larger context of other elder justice professionals. Emphasis will be placed on partnerships and collaborations that can make law enforcement investigations more productive.

Link: Law Enforcement and Elder Abuse Investigations

Topics: Legal, Multidisciplinary Teams, Screening/Assessment

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Legal/Law Enforcement

Level:

Ohio Mandated Reporter Online Training

Source: Benjamin Rose Institute

Published: 2024

Summary:

Learn to identify and report adult maltreatment.

As many states expand the scope of professionals who are required by law to report potential instances of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation, two newly-introduced online courses from Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging provide mandated reporters with the consistent, effective and practical training they need.

These self-guided, interactive modules allow participants to understand the various types of abuse, recognize potential cases of adult maltreatment, and understand how and when to report them to the proper authorities.

The two modules take about 60 minutes each to complete and are very affordably priced to allow access to a wide range of professionals. The courses are currently specific to the State of Ohio, but can be easily modified to accommodate the regulations and reporting structures of other states.

Mandated reporters of adult abuse now span a wide range of professionals. In Ohio, for example, nursing home workers, attorneys and financial planners, dentists and medical professionals, clergy, coroners, real estate brokers, firefighters and EMTs are among the many professionals who are required by law to report known and suspected cases of abuse. Simply put, training these professionals in identification of adult maltreatment and in proper reporting protocols can reduce suffering and save lives.

Training Module 1 enables any mandated reporter to understand and define the various types of abuse.

This module enables participants to identify the common characteristics of both victims and perpetrators, as well as understand the reasons why abuse is so under-reported across the country.

Actual case studies are used to exemplify real -world scenarios and to aid participants in identifying potentially abusive situations.

Training Module 2 helps mandated reporters understand their responsibility to report abuse.

This module provides participants with a downloadable Reporting Protocol, a step-by-step guide for understanding which state agency is responsible for investigating abuse depending on client characteristics.

Also included is access to the Recognizing Abuse Tool, developed by Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging and used in various federally funded projects in Utah, Oklahoma and Texas to screen for suspected abuse.

Cost of these online courses is just $10 for Module 1, $15 for Module 2 or $20 for both. Bulk discounts are available for professional associations offering the trainings to multiple members.

Continuing Education Credits Available

The training has been approved for nursing*, social work ethics**, and continuing legal education hours*** in Ohio.

*This CE Activity, OLN-I-3147-2023 offered by Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging has been approved for 1.0 contact hour by the Ohio Board of Nursing through the approver unit at the Ohio League for Nursing (OBN-006-92) and the program is approved to be offered through September 18, 2025. This CE Activity, OLN-I-3148-2023 offered by Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging has been approved for 1.0 contact hour by the Ohio Board of Nursing through the approver unit at the Ohio League for Nursing (OBN-006-92) and the program is approved to be offered through September 18, 2025.

**The Ohio Counselor, Social Work, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board has also approved the modules (CE Broker Tracking Numbers: MSX06238964 & MSX06238542) for one ethics continuing education hour each through June 30, 2025.

***The Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Continuing Legal Education has approved each self-study module for 1.0 general contact hour through December, 31, 2024.

Link: Ohio Mandated Reporter Online Training

Topics: Emotional/Psychological Abuse, Financial Abuse, Mandatory Reporting, Neglect, Overview/General, Physical Abuse, Prevention/Intervention, Public Awareness, Screening/Assessment, Sexual Abuse

Access: Download, Web-based (Fee)

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Advocates, Caregivers, Community, Finance, Health Care, Legal/Law Enforcement, Public Policy, Social Services

Level:

ELDER ABUSE CURRICULUM FOR MEDICAL RESIDENTS AND GERIATRIC FELLOWS

Source: USC Keck School of Medicine

Published: 2023

Summary:

As mandated reporters, physicians require training to screen, recognize, and respond to elder mistreatment in the clinical setting. Developed through the collaboration of elder abuse experts, geriatricians, and primary care physicians from the University of Southern California, University of California, Irvine, University of California, San Diego, and University of California, San Francisco, this interactive curriculum is available to integrate into residency and fellowship training programs.

Content is presented in an engaging, interactive format. National experts provide clinical pearls and knowledge drawn from years of experience and translational research. Material is delivered through didactic learning and expert instruction, coupled with interactive practicum exercises, experiential learning activities, role play scenarios, ethical dilemmas, and facilitated discussions. Instruction will engage the learners, animate the delivery of information, and optimize the learning exchange.

Link: ELDER ABUSE CURRICULUM FOR MEDICAL RESIDENTS AND GERIATRIC FELLOWS

Topics: Cognition/Capacity, Overview/General, Screening/Assessment

Access:

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Health Care

Level:

Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement Roll-Call Training Videos

Source: Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement

Published: 2024

Summary:

Roll-Call Training Videos include following topics:

Understanding Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse: False Imprisonment

Elder Abuse: Neglect

Elder Abuse Physical Abuse

Financial Abuse by a Stranger

Financial Exploitation by a Family Member

Interviewing Older Adults

Link: Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement Roll-Call Training Videos

Topics: Domestic Violence in Later Life, Financial Abuse, Overview/General, Physical Abuse, Screening/Assessment

Access:

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Community, Legal/Law Enforcement, Social Services

Level:

Interviewing Older Adults

Source: Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement

Published: 2023

Summary:

Tips for Interviewing Older Adults including:

Overcoming Ageism

Do’s and Don’t for Memory Loss

Interviewing at the Right Time and Place

Be Prepared to Help

Tip Sheet

Video

Link: Interviewing Older Adults

Topics: Cognition/Capacity, Overview/General, Screening/Assessment

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Legal/Law Enforcement, Social Services

Level:

SAFE: Safe Accessible Forensic Interviewing for Elders

Source: US Department of Justice

Published: 2023

Summary:

Developed to meet the growing need for victim-centered interview techniques for use with older adults in criminal contexts, SAFE is grounded in forensic interviewing best practices with considerations and adaptations to account for age-related changes in cognition, underlying neuropathology (e.g., dementia), individual disability, language capacity, and cultural background. All of the training materials needed to offer SAFE are provided below, with each training curriculum intended for a different audience (see Training Overview).

Link: SAFE: Safe Accessible Forensic Interviewing for Elders

Topics: Cognition/Capacity, Domestic Violence in Later Life, Legal, Screening/Assessment

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Legal/Law Enforcement, Social Services

Level:

Innovations in Healthy Aging – Elder Abuse: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention

Source: University of Arizona Health Sciences

Published: 2023

Summary:

As we age, our susceptibility to abuse and neglect increases, particularly for people who live with dementia. It can be hard to distinguish between a common age-related change and a change that may actually be a forensic marker of abuse or neglect such as a bruise or pressure sore. Many people who engage in abusive behaviors are ashamed or deeply sorry yet do not have the wherewithal to act differently; this does not excuse abusive behavior but it does help us understand and prevent it. In this lecture we will discuss how to detect abuse/neglect, what to do if you have a suspicion and how to help prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Video Recording

Link: Innovations in Healthy Aging – Elder Abuse: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention

Topics: Cognition/Capacity, Overview/General, Prevention/Intervention, Screening/Assessment

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Caregivers, Community, Health Care, Social Services

Level:

Combating Physical Elder Abuse

Source: Empowered Aging

Published: 2022

Summary:

Laura Mosqueda, MD, FAAFP, AGSF, is a professor (with tenure) of Family Medicine and Geriatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. She is a widely respected authority on elder abuse and an expert on medical education curriculum design, development, and implementation. Since joining the Keck School of Medicine of USC, her roles have included: Chair of the Department of Family Medicine, Associate Dean of Primary Care, and Dean. In addition, she is the principal investigator of an NIA-funded R01 study to understand the causes of the abuse of people with dementia and is the Director of the National Center on Elder Abuse. This federally-funded initiative serves as the nation’s coordinating body and clearinghouse for information on research, training, best practices, news, and resources. Dr. Mosqueda is also a fellow in the Health and Aging Policy Fellowship Program. As a clinician, researcher, educator, and academic administrator, she has a unique perspective that is informed by her extensive experiences in the community, including her role as a volunteer long-term care ombudsman.

Webinar Video

Link: Combating Physical Elder Abuse

Topics: Domestic Violence in Later Life, Overview/General, Physical Abuse, Screening/Assessment

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Health Care

Level:

Prevention in Action: Investing in Healthy Families and Communities

Source: APS Technical Assistance Resource Center

Published: 2021

Summary:

How can we stop violence before it happens? This webinar explores new possibilities in prevention, drawing on lessons learned from CDC’s DELTA FOCUS programs for preventing intimate partner violence across the country. Participants will learn ways to cultivate meaningful relationships with multidisciplinary community partners to bring us closer to our shared horizon.

NOTE: This webinar contains videos not recorded during the live event. You may view those videos with the following links: Moving Forward (Centers for Disease Control) | When I am an Elder (Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault) | Benefit of Therapeutic Horticulture on Women Who’ve Experienced Violence (University of Kentucky)

Video: Recording

Link: Prevention in Action: Investing in Healthy Families and Communities

Topics: Mandatory Reporting, Overview/General, Prevention/Intervention, Screening/Assessment

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Advocates, Community, Social Services

Level:

Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation

Source: The Center for Elder Law and Justice

Published: 2020

Summary:

Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation

Attorney Gabrielle Markle & Social Worker Amanda Chase on Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation of Older Adults.

Video

Senior Financial Safety Tool

The Senior Financial Safety Tool is a web-based application designed to identify and flag potential risks of financial exploitation and connect you with free legal assistance and resources.

Download the training plan here.

See all of the online training videos here.

Link: Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation

Topics: Financial Abuse, Legal, Multidisciplinary Teams

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Community, Finance, Legal/Law Enforcement

Level:

Senior Financial Safety Tool

Source: The Center for Elder Law and Justice

Published: 2020

Summary:

The Senior Financial Safety Tool is a web-based application designed to identify and flag potential risks of financial exploitation and connect you with free legal assistance and resources.

Download the flyer here.

Download the training plan here.

See all of the online training videos here.

Link: Senior Financial Safety Tool

Topics: Financial Abuse, Legal, Prevention/Intervention, Screening/Assessment

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Advocates, Community, Finance, Legal/Law Enforcement

Level:

Fighting for Dignity: A Film on Injurious and Fatal Resident-to-Resident Incidents in Long-Term Care Homes

Source: Terra Nova Films

Published: 2020

Summary:

A large number of injurious resident-to-resident incidents in long-term care settings are not recognized, reported, nor prevented. Through the graphic and deeply painful experiences of three families whose vulnerable loved ones were either physically or sexually harmed, this powerful 20-minute film encourages care providers to improve care practices that would help prevent such episodes.

As it sheds light on the under-studied and under-recognized phenomenon of injurious and deadly resident-to-resident incidents, the film also emphasizes the need to understand that behavioral expressions labelled as “aggressive” in the context of dementia, typically occur when the “fighting” resident’s own emotional and physical needs are not being met.

Link: Fighting for Dignity: A Film on Injurious and Fatal Resident-to-Resident Incidents in Long-Term Care Homes

Topics: Caregiving, Long-term Care, Physical Abuse

Access: Order (Fee), Web-based (Fee)

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Advocates, Caregivers, Community

Level:

Elder Abuse: Five Case Studies

Source: Terra Nova Films

Published: unknown

Summary:

This video explores the issues of family abuse against an older adult very personally from the point of view of five different victims. Their candor in telling about their situation gives the viewer insight into the ambivalent feeling of older abuse victims as they try to find resolution to their pain. In the context of their struggle we also see the various interventions that can be used to help stop the abuse, including counseling, shelters, supportive services and legal action.

Link: Elder Abuse: Five Case Studies

Topics: Overview/General

Access: Order (Fee), Web-based (Fee)

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Advocates, Caregivers, Community

Level:

I’d Rather Be Home

Source: Terra Nova Films

Published: unknown

Summary:

This video follows, over a period of seven years, the case of Norman, an older man repeatedly abused by one of his adult sons. The son lives at home (along with Norman’s wife and other adult son). Since Norman is unwilling to take legal action, the situation seesaws for years with Norman leaving home for short periods of time and then returning, hoping his son will change. Eventually, after a severe beating, Norman ends up in a nursing home, has a mild stroke and is placed under state guardianship.

Link: I’d Rather Be Home

Topics: Caregiving, Cognition/Capacity, Domestic Violence in Later Life, Long-term Care, Physical Abuse

Access: Order (Fee)

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Advocates, Community, Social Services

Level:

Will Power

Source: Terra Nova Films

Published: 2018

Summary:

Will Power uses the filmmaker’s personal experiences in saving his ancestral land to provide a powerful framework for action to prepare siblings and their parents for the emotional, financial, and legal challenges that age and death can bring on. It is usually difficult for families to gather and discuss issues related to elder care, estates, and finances, and Will Power provides an entertaining platform to spark much-needed discussions on these too often avoided topics. It is not only a “how to” guide, but more importantly, a “why to” guide that offers the tools and information needed to navigate and complete proper legal planning for seniors. Topics include: fiduciary responsibility, trusts vs. wills, power of attorney, health care proxy, living wills, sibling rivalry, and value and heritage of land.

Link: Will Power

Topics: Caregiving, Cognition/Capacity, Legal, Prevention/Intervention

Access: Order (Fee)

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Advocates, Caregivers, Legal/Law Enforcement

Level:

Money Matters: Help for Caregivers Who Handle Other People’s Finances

Source: Lichtenberg Older Adult Nest Egg

Published: 2020

Summary:

Free Online Learning

Learn the warning signs of early cognitive impairment, how to hold difficult discussions, the clues to detecting financial mismanagement and the basics of managing another person’s money.

Detecting Early Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults

20 MINUTES

Changes in thinking skills may be an early sign of dementia. Learn to spot the first symptoms and get help.

Holding Difficult Conversations

20 MINUTES

Compassionate techniques for good communication even when the subject elicits strong emotion.

Detecting Financial Mismanagement

20 MINUTES

How do you know if your loved one is being exploited? Uncover the signs and put protections in place.

Managing Someone Else’s Money

20 MINUTES

Many older adults have a diminished capacity to handle finances and need help from a family member or trusted friend. Learn how to do it.

View all of our Online Learning Segments

Link: Money Matters: Help for Caregivers Who Handle Other People’s Finances

Topics: Caregiving, Financial Abuse, Overview/General, Prevention/Intervention, Screening/Assessment

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Advocates, Caregivers, Community, Finance, Social Services

Level:

Engaging Challenging Clients and Crisis Communication

Source: APS Technical Assistance Resource Center

Published: 2020

Summary:

This webinar will address engaging clients within the context of a therapeutic relationship, how to engage challenging clients, crisis management, and present the LEAP (Listen, Empathize, Agree, Partner) approach to engagement. Join California Licensed Clinical Social Worker Heather Sylvester of the Riverside University Health System in learning promising practices for approaching challenging clients via instruction and case scenarios. NOTE: A video originally shown during this webinar has been omitted from the recording due to copyright issues. That video is located here.

Link: Engaging Challenging Clients and Crisis Communication

Topics: Multidisciplinary Teams, Overview/General, Screening/Assessment

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Social Services

Level:

Trauma-Informed Care

Source: The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center

Published: 2019

Summary:

Ensuring that residents who are trauma survivors receive culturally competent, trauma-informed care is one of several new federal requirements which will go into effect when Phase 3 of the revised federal nursing home regulations are implemented November 28, 2019. Attendees learned about trauma-informed care, the new federal requirement, how trauma-informed care relates to resident-centered care, and what this means for Ombudsman program advocacy and communication. Presenters included Nancy Kusmaul, Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and Patricia Hunter, Washington State LTC Ombudsman.

Slides

Link: Trauma-Informed Care

Topics: Long-term Care, Multidisciplinary Teams, Screening/Assessment

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Health Care

Level:

Tending to Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Teams

Source: APS Technical Assistance Resource Center

Published: 2020

Summary:

Creating and sustaining an elder abuse multidisciplinary team (MDT) is a complex task. This webinar explores ways to sustain your work in our current climate and beyond. Talitha Guinn-Shaver, a Multidisciplinary Team Technical Advisor with the US Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, looks at what we know about successful MDTs from research and practice and discusses ways to overcome common challenges.

Video

Link: Tending to Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Teams

Topics: Multidisciplinary Teams

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience:

Level:

APS Supervisor as Trainer

Source: APS Technical Assistance Resource Center

Published: 2019

Summary:

This webinar is designed for APS supervisors who train new workers. The webinar offers foundational information of adult learning and offers strategies and tips to maximize training time and efforts. It provides tools for evaluating performance and offering effective feedback to workers.

Speaker:

Carol T. Kubota, LCSW

Link: APS Supervisor as Trainer

Topics: Mandatory Reporting, Screening/Assessment

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Social Services

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Supported Decision Making, Guardianship, and APS: What’s Choice Got to Do With It?

Source: APS Technical Assistance Resource Center

Published: 2019

Summary:

There are no studies proving people are safer under guardianship, but many show the benefits of self-determination in avoiding and reducing maltreatment of vulnerable adults. Supported Decision Making recognizes that all people need help in making decisions; this session will discuss approaches that APS workers can use to address vulnerabilities while supporting a person’s decision making, reducing unnecessary guardianships.

Speakers: Jonathan Martinis, Senior Director for Law and Policy, Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse UniversityAnita Raymond, Program Manager, Center for Excellence in Supported Decision Making and Care Management & Consultation Programs, Volunteers of America MN

Link: Supported Decision Making, Guardianship, and APS: What’s Choice Got to Do With It?

Topics: Cognition/Capacity, Multidisciplinary Teams

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Social Services

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Promising Practice Spotlight: Quality Assurance in Hawaii

Source: APS Technical Assistance Resource Center

Published: 2019

Summary:

This webinar highlights promising practices from the Hawaii Department of Human Services, Social Services Division, which received an ACL APS Enhancement Grant. in 2016. Hawaii designed an electronic quality assurance case review tool to audit cases, collect input, and analyze data to be transmitted into the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System (NAMRS). Staff from Hawaii APS discuss the project, provide a brief demonstration of the tool, and discuss challenges and lessons learned.

Speakers:

Kawika Ki’ili, Software Development Center, University of Hawaii Maui

Scott Seto, Social Services Division, Hawaii Department of Human Services

Donna Shitabata, Social Services Division, Hawaii Department of Human Services

Tammy Tom, Center on Aging, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Lori Tsuruda, Social Services Division, Hawaii Department of Human Services

Link: Promising Practice Spotlight: Quality Assurance in Hawaii

Topics: Mandatory Reporting, Screening/Assessment

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Social Services

Level:

If It Is Not Documented, It Is Not Done

Source: APS Technical Assistance Resource Center

Published: 2020

Summary:

This webinar will focus on the development of documentation skills for adult protective services professionals. By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to: 1. explain the rationale for applying critical thinking skills into case practice documentation by using a specific format; 2. outline the process and content guidelines for documenting case practice activities including client contacts, visitation, assessment, case planning meetings, supervisory sessions, and case staffing; 3. demonstrate the clinical and technical knowledge and skills needed to write, review, and critique case documentation illustrative of effective and reflective case practice.

Speaker: Heather Stowe, PhD, Clinical Director, Department of Aging and Community Living, Government of the District of Columbia

Link: If It Is Not Documented, It Is Not Done

Topics: Mandatory Reporting, Screening/Assessment

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Social Services

Level:

Funding APS: Common and Less Common Sources

Source: APS Technical Assistance Resource Center

Published: 2020

Summary:

National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) National Policy Advisor, Bill Benson, provides an overview of the funding sources primarily used for APS, highlighting Social Service Blog Grant (SSBG), Medicaid administrative claiming, and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding. Jennifer Spoeri and Jennifer Mays of the APS program administered by the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) describe their success in securing VOCA funding for their APS program and identify some of the challenges in seeking and using VOCA funding for APS.

Link: Funding APS: Common and Less Common Sources

Topics: Mandatory Reporting, Overview/General

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Advocates, Finance, Social Services

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Understanding and Utilizing State Elder Abuse Statutes

Source: NCLER

Published: 2020

Summary:

Every advocate should know and understand the elder abuse statutes in their state. The statutes define elder abuse, establish who is eligible for services from Adult Protective Services (APS), define reporting responsibilities in the state, specify available civil legal remedies, and set the general framework for APS or law enforcement. This information empowers advocates to know what to report, when to report, who to report to, and what the process may be when a report is filed. Advocates should understand the elder abuse statutes and develop working relationships before they need them.

This training includes:
• Developing a model of who is eligible for services from APS based on state elder abuse statutes.
• Comparing abuse that has taken place to definitions in state law.
• Understanding relationship between state elder abuse statutes and criminal laws.
• Understanding the need for programs and services for persons not eligible under state statute or for acts not within the description of elder abuse in the state statute.

Presenters:
• David Godfrey, Senior Attorney, ABA Commission on Law and Aging
• Karl Urban, Senior Research Manager, WRMA and APS Technical Assistance Resource Center

Video

Link: Understanding and Utilizing State Elder Abuse Statutes

Topics: Legal, Overview/General

Access: Download, Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning, Teaching Others

Audience: Advocates, Legal/Law Enforcement

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Forensic Markers of Physical Abuse and Documenting Physical Abuse for Prosecution

Source: The United States Department of Justice

Published: 2017

Summary:

Research about elder abuse is expanding our knowledge about its causes, risk factors, outcomes and interventions.

Sidney Stahl, Ph.D., Consultant, Elder Justice Research Initiative, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, hosts a discussion with Laura Mosqueda, M.D., FAAFP, AGSF, Chair, Department of Family Medicine, Professor of Family Medicine and Geriatrics, Associate Dean of Primary Care, at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, and Page Ulrey, J.D., Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Seattle, WA.

Dr. Mosqueda. MD has completed some of the only forensic research in the context of elder abuse. She will share her findings with attendees and introduce a physician-friendly protocol for documenting physical abuse for prosecutors should the case go to trial. The webinar is being co-presented by Ms. Page Ulrey who will describe the value of the new protocol from a prosecutor’s perspective.

Link: Forensic Markers of Physical Abuse and Documenting Physical Abuse for Prosecution

Topics: Multidisciplinary Teams, Screening/Assessment

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning, Teaching Others

Audience: Advocates, Health Care, Legal/Law Enforcement, Social Services

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The Effects of the Opioid Crisis on Long-Term Care Residents – Points of Advocacy

Source: The National Consumer Voice

Published: 2019

Summary:

Opioid misuse and abuse has become a national epidemic. Yet opioid use in long-term care settings hasn’t gotten the same attention as in other settings. To gain more information about the impact of this epidemic on long-term care facility residents, Consumer Voice obtained feedback from residents and ombudsmen through in-person discussions and online questionnaires about the resident experience. This webinar presents the findings and information gathered, and shares select strategies and recommendations for effective advocacy in addressing resident issues related to opioid use and misuse.

Presenters: Lori Smetanka, Executive Director, Consumer Voice; Jamie Freschi, Consultant, National LTC Ombudsman Resource Center; and Eden Ruiz-Lopez, Assistant Deputy Director, National Center on Elder Abuse

Link: The Effects of the Opioid Crisis on Long-Term Care Residents – Points of Advocacy

Topics: Long-term Care, Prevention/Intervention, Substance Use Disorder

Access: Download, Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning, Teaching Others

Audience: Caregivers, Community, Health Care, Social Services

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Finding the Right Fit: Decision-Making Supports and Guardianship

Source: Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative

Published: 2019

Summary:

Finding the Right Fit: Decision-Making Supports and Guardianship can help. This interactive, user-friendly online training provides information and guidance on supports for decision-making. Learn about:
•Supporting someone to make decisions;
•Legal options such as power of attorney, advance directive, and guardianship; and
•Serving as a guardian.

Learn from realistic scenarios:
•Sam, an adult with an intellectual disability, wants to make his own decisions. His parents are worried about his health and safety. How can Sam and his parents work together?
•Jimmy’s mental illness contributed to his financial troubles. His sister has always supported him in times of crisis. If Jimmy has a mental health crisis, what legal options would allow his sister to manage his money?
•Maria, who had a stroke, cannot communicate. She did not have advance care planning documents like a power of attorney. How can her brother make sure her bills are paid and she is getting the best medical treatment?

Balancing Values. Finding the Right Fit is about:
•Protecting the rights of people to make their own decisions;
•Focusing on what the person needs and wants;
•Considering guardianship only if other options won’t work; and
•Making sure every form of decision-making assistance comes without the intention to influence, take advantage, or harm.

Link: Finding the Right Fit: Decision-Making Supports and Guardianship

Topics: Caregiving, Cognition/Capacity, Prevention/Intervention

Access: Download, Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning, Teaching Others

Audience: Caregivers, Community

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Adult Protective Services Workforce Innovations (APSWI)

Source: San Diego State University School of Social Work

Published: 2019

Summary:

Adult Protective Services Workforce Innovations (APSWI) is a training program of the Academy for Professional Excellence, a project of the San Diego State University School of Social Work.

APSWI provides innovative workforce development to APS professionals and their partners. Our mission is to provide exceptional learning and development experiences for the transformation of individuals, organizations, and communities to ensure that abused and vulnerable older adults and adults with disabilities receive high quality, effective interventions and services.

APSWI in partnership with state and national organizations has developed a nationally recognized Core Competency Training Curriculum for APS professionals. This curriculum is reviewed and approved by experts in the elder and dependent adult abuse fields.

These videos are all FREE for APS programs to use and are available on our webpage. Click here or on the link below for more information.

Link: Adult Protective Services Workforce Innovations (APSWI)

Topics: Financial Abuse, Neglect, Prevention/Intervention, Screening/Assessment

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning

Audience: Caregivers, Community, Social Services

Level:

MDT Guide and Toolkit

Source: The United States Department of Justice

Published: 2017

Summary:

MDT GUIDE AND TOOLKIT

The goal of this guide is to encourage and facilitate the development and growth of elder abuse case review Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs). In this guide, you will find information about MDT structures and functions, along with common issues with which a team will need to grapple in developing a case review MDT. There is no one way to create or maintain a MDT. Therefore, this guide offers a variety of ideas, sample materials, resources and tools intended to guide the development and sustainability of an MDT.

Any community can start an MDT. The form and function of your MDT will depend on the community in which it is developed. It may at times be frustrating as you face obstacles in your community. This guide can assist you in anticipating and planning for challenges and applying the knowledge and experiences of other MDTs to the development of your team.

Currently, the elder abuse MDT approach has received little empirical evaluation, although there are exceptions. However, there are no published studies that provide clear direction on how to create and maintain high functioning MDTs in any discipline, although work in this direction is burgeoning. Therefore, this guide draws heavily upon MDTs in other disciplines (child abuse, education, business, medicine).

Link: MDT Guide and Toolkit

Topics: Mandatory Reporting, Multidisciplinary Teams, Overview/General, Prevention/Intervention

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning, Teaching Others

Audience: Advocates, Health Care, Social Services

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AARP BankSafe Training

Source: AARP

Published: 2019

Summary:

AARP launched a free online training platform as part of their BankSafe Program for bank and credit union employees. More than 2,000 professionals from banks, credit unions, trade associations, adult protective service agencies, law enforcement agencies, and the legal field were participants in AARP’s development of the training platform.

Link: AARP BankSafe Training

Topics: Financial Abuse, Legal, Mandatory Reporting, Prevention/Intervention

Access: Web-based

Intended Use: Self-directed Learning, Teaching Others

Audience: Community, Finance, Legal/Law Enforcement, Social Services

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