29th Annual VCPEA Conference Highlights | | Thank you to everyone who helped make our 29th Annual VCPEA Conference in Newport News a success! Speakers from across the state and country led sessions on hoarding, trauma-informed care, ageism, the elder shelter movement, stalking, strangulation, and dementia. Conference presentations and materials can be found on our website. | | Opening speaker, Lisa Marshall, shared her incredible journey as a caregiver for her husband living with Alzheimer's Disease. Lisa is the author of the book "Oh, Hello Alzheimer's". | | Commonwealth's Attorney for Newport News, Howard Gwynn, welcomed attendees and inspired them with the Mark Twain quote: "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." | | Bill Massey, CEO of the Peninsula Area Agency on Aging, provided updates on Older Americans Act programs and the Administration of Community Living. | | Cathy Devore, former VCPEA Board Member, closed the conference by sharing insights and humor on how professionals in this field can take care of themselves. | | Honoring National Pride Month | | |
Each June we honor National Pride Month, which coincides with the 1969 Stonewall riots. While often a time of rainbows, parades, and festivities it is also a time to honor the unique experiences and struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community.
It has been estimated that there are nearly 3 million lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender people age 50 and older in the U.S. This number is estimated to increase to approximately 7 million by 2030. While LGBTQIA+ older adults face the typical challenges of aging, they are also at an increased risk of discrimination and abuse due to their sexual orientation and / or gender identity.
A 2006 study by Metlife Mature Market Institute, found that 27% of LGBT Baby Boomers reported that they had "great concern" about discrimination as they age. A more recent study by SAGE, found that LGBTQIA+ older adults were more likely to live alone, not by choice, and have a smaller support system.
The Caring and Aging with Pride Study is a longitudinal study of 2,560 LGBT adults age 50-94.5. The study has found that 68% of participants had experienced verbal harassment and 43% were threatened with violence. The study has found that transgender older adults experience higher rates of discrimination than cisgender LGBQ older adults. The study also showed that African-American older adults reported the highest level of lifetime LGBTQ related discrimination.
Due to their increased rates of isolation, LGBTQIA+ older adults are at an increased risk for elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. However, a fear of being stigmatized or discriminated against because of their gender identity or sexual orientation, may make them less likely to seek support services.
Service providers can support LGBTQIA+ older adults through the following ways:
- Provide on-going education for staff.
- Learn how intersectionality may increase risks for LGBTQIA+ older adults of color.
- Ensure the use of inclusive language in all aspects of your work.
- Be honest about and address any internal biases that may be affecting your work.
- Build and strengthen partnerships with LGBTQIA+ organizations in your community.
- Remember that the LGBTQIA+ community is as unique and diverse as any other cultural group.
For more information:
| | Elder Justice News and Resources | | |
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. WEAAD is in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.
In a society that values the just treatment of all people, WEAAD reminds us that elder abuse has implications for all of us, and so it’s important to find the right solutions to it. WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to educate each other on how to identify, address, and prevent abuse.
Visit the National Center on Elder Abuse for more information and tools to honor WEAAD in your community!
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New Resources from NAPSA
NAPSA has provided information and toolkits to support advocacy for federal Adult Protective Services funding and Social Services Block Grants.
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New from Justice in Aging
Justice in Aging has released new information on how the current federal proposed budget would harm older adults and adults with disabilities.
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New Resource from National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)
Ethics in Elder Mistreatment Podcast Series
This podcast series explores elder mistreatment through an ethical lens. Join us in examining ethical dilemmas in elder abuse prevention and intervention while considering principles of autonomy, consent, and justice for older adults.
Episode 1: Mandated Reporting
Mandated reporting of elder abuse raises ethical considerations, including balancing and older person’s autonomy and self-determination while promoting their safety and security, while also considering potential unintended consequences of reporting such as increased harm or distress. To help navigate this ethical terrain, we invited Dr. Georgia Anetzberger and Dr. Zach Gassoumis to weigh in.
Please note NCEA's resources and publications are now under a new website:ㅤ | USC Center for Elder Justice
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2025 Loudoun County Elder Abuse Awareness Day Program
Wednesday, June 11th, 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
The Lodge at Hanson Park 23394 Endeavor Drive Aldie, VA 20105
Hosted by Loudoun County’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services’ Area Agency on Aging and the Department of Family Services’ Adult Protective Services
According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 older adults experience some form of abuse. The program is being held for caregivers, community partners, law enforcement, social workers, attorneys, and healthcare professionals to bring to light issues such as dementia, protecting older and vulnerable adults from abuse, and other topics.
Pre-registration is required for this free program. Lunch will be provided.
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Webinar: Navigating Ethical Issues in the Care of Older Adults
Wednesday, July 9th, 1:00 - 2:00 PM Eastern
Hosted by the American Society on Aging
There are a variety of areas where ethical issues can emerge when working with older adults: complex family dynamics, end-of-life wishes, preserving dignity and respect, promoting independence, and keeping the individual safe. When these issues arise, it can be challenging to navigate the best course of action. Join this webinar to learn about ethical principles that can guide professionals in the support of older adults and their families. Learning about these principles and ethical decision-making models can help people to understand how to reduce the risk of harm, how to advocate for the older adult, and how to report issues to the proper authorities when necessary.
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Preventing Fraud and Scams: Safeguarding Older Adults
Wednesday, August 6th, 1:00PM - 2:00PM Eastern
Hosted by the American Society on Aging
Today, scammers are more sophisticated than ever, and older adults are a common target of their deception. Consequently, older adults’ financial security and livelihood could be compromised. It also can take an emotional toll, causing distress, embarrassment and mistrust. Understanding the factors that put older adults at risk for fraud and scams can help loved ones to recognize vulnerabilities and identify resources to support and protect older adults against fraud. Join this webinar to learn more about common scams that target older adults and ways to safeguard them from falling victim to these predators.
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Training and Professional Awareness Support (TAPAS) Grant
VCPEA announces the continued availability of funding to support local, regional, and statewide training and professional awareness events that directly address the problems of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Virginia. Applications for TAPAS are accepted on a rolling basis.
For more information on TAPAS, visit www.vcpea.org.
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