Honoring Social Work Month | |
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This March we honor National Social Work Month. Social workers touch the lives of older adults and their families in so many ways—in hospitals, nursing homes, social service agencies, and libraries to name a few.
Driven by ethical principles of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, the value of human relationships, integrity, and competence, social workers are on the front-lines of critical societal struggles.
The theme for Social Work Month 2025 is “Social Work: Compassion + Action.” According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), "In a world often fraught by political turmoil and societal upheaval, the theme speaks to the core of our profession: the need to transform compassion into tangible action and produce positive, tangible results. It calls on social workers to not only provide support, but to engage in advocacy, influence policy, and work toward lasting, systemic solutions."
"Social workers have shaped our society in myriad, positive ways for more than a century. They pushed for Social Security, a minimum wage, a 40-hour work week, Medicare, and equal rights for people who are Black, women, and people who are LGBTQIA2S+," says NASW.
VCPEA honors and thanks social workers for the vital role they play in supporting older adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, and exploitation. While not always easy, their work helps to ensure that all people have dignity, respect, and safety.
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29th Annual VCPEA Conference Updates | |
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The annual VCPEA conference will be held May 14-16, 2025 in Newport News, Virginia. This highly rated annual event − Virginia’s only conference that focuses solely on the prevention of elder abuse ─ draws individuals from multiple professions. We are excited to have a lineup of renowned speakers on topics such as hoarding, financial abuse, ageism, dementia, stalking, and more.
For more information on the conference, visit www.vcpea.org.
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We invite you to become a sponsor for the 29th Annual VCPEA Conference. We welcome exhibitors from across the Commonwealth.
Your sponsorship/exhibit support allows us to:
- Feature nationally known speakers for our 200+ conference attendees
- Provide scholarships to those who would otherwise not be able to attend,
- Cover audiovisual and event costs.
For more information on the conference, visit www.vcpea.org.
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2025 Helen J. Napps Award of Excellence: Now Accepting Nominations
All nominations are due April 14th 2025!
The Helen J. Napps Award of Excellence, established by the Virginia Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, recognizes professional excellence by individuals who work in the area of elder abuse prevention and/or elder abuse protection.
Nominees must demonstrate moxie, integrity, attitude, and adaptability in their actions. They may work in adult protective services, domestic violence services, aging services, mental health services, health services, rehabilitation services, law-enforcement, legal services, health care, academia, guardianship, research, volunteerism, or any other discipline that participates in elder abuse prevention and/or protection.
Nominations are due April 14th. The award winner will be notified by April 18th. The winner will receive free conference registration and two-night hotel stay to the VCPEA Elder Abuse Conference at the Newport News Marriott at City Center, May 14th to 16th, 2025, will be recognized at the conference, and will receive a testimonial plaque.
To learn more about the award or to submit a nomination, please visit www.vcpea.org.
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Elder Justice News and Resources | |
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Slam the Scam to Raise Awareness of Imposter Scams
Social Security imposter scams continue to be widespread across the United States. National “Slam the Scam” Day is designated by Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General to raise awareness of government imposter scams, which continue to spread across the United States.
Slam the Scam Day is Thursday, March 6, 2025, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, which takes place this year from March 2-8.
Visit the Social Security Administration online for printable resources, social media toolkits, and more.
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Webinar: Embracing the Shift: The Impact of Health Care Contracting on Community-Based Organizations
Tuesday, March 4th, 1:00 - 2:00pm Eastern
Hosted by USAging's Aging and Disability Business Institute
In this webinar hosted by USAging's Aging and Disability Business Institute, speakers will share the findings of a new report about contracting experiences and the ways that contracting affects organizational operations, staffing and culture. The report is based on interviews with 13 individuals representing 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), who also shared lessons learned and advice for contracting.
Webinar participants will also hear from Lisa Sheppard, CEO of Missoula Aging Services in Montana, on her AAA’s perspectives on the impact of health care contracting.
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Webinar: Transforming Dementia Care Through Music
Wednesday, March 5th, 1:00 - 2:00pm Eastern
Hosted by the American Society on Aging
The long-term memory of music is stored in one of the last parts of the brain to be affected by dementia. For that reason, music can be a powerful tool in caring for people living with dementia. Join this webinar to discover from board-certified music therapist Tara Jenkins how music can profoundly impact dementia care by fostering deep connections, reducing frustration, and enhancing the quality of life for people living with dementia. Explore practical strategies to create transformative musical moments that enrich lives and align with person-centered care goals.
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Wednesday, March 5, 2:00 – 3:00pm Eastern
Hosted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Many people are socially isolated and regularly feel lonely, according to the National Institutes of Health. Older adults are at higher risk for social isolation and loneliness due to changes in health and social connections that can come with growing older, including: hearing, vision, and memory loss; disability; trouble getting around; and the loss of family and friends. Researchers who study elder abuse are finding that loneliness and dissatisfaction with personal relationships, along with an increase in digital technology usage, has significantly increased vulnerability to scams and other forms of elder financial exploitation. The webinar will feature emerging research, as well as innovative programs, which shed light on interventions that may protect older adults from financial exploitation.
*This webinar may no longer be offered due to federal changes with CFPB.
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Thursday, March 6, 2:00 – 3:30pm Eastern
Hosted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
In government imposter scams, criminals contact consumers pretending to be from government agencies. This webinar will look at how to help older adults spot, avoid, and report these scams. The webinar will feature experts from the Federal Trade Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
*This webinar may no longer be offered due to federal changes with CFPB.
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Webinar: Navigating Change: The Impact of Shifting Administration and Congress on Aging Policies
Tuesday, March 11th, 1:00 PM Eastern
Hosted by Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging and the Elder Justice Coalition
This timely and insightful webinar will dive into how recent changes in the Administration and Congress may impact aging policies across the nation. With new leadership in both the executive and legislative branches, the shifting political landscape is set to affect key programs and services for older adults, such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Policy expert, Bob Blancato, President of Matz, Blancato & Associates and National Coordinator of the Elder Justice Coalition, will examine proposed legislation, new policy directions, and emerging trends that could reshape the future of aging services. Participants will gain critical insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead and learn how these developments might influence advocacy efforts to support older Americans.
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Virtual: Elder Justice Book Club
Wednesday, March 12th, 2:00 - 3:30pm Eastern
Hosted by NAPSA and NCEA
You are invited to join the Elder Justice Book Club, a virtual book club to connect and share ideas. This group will meet live via Zoom twice a year. Featured book: How to Age Disgracefully: A Novel by Clare Pooley
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Webinar: Financial Fraud in the Aging Community: What’s the Cost, Who’s at Risk, How to Help?
Tuesday, March 18th, 1:00 - 2:00pm Eastern
Hosted by the American Society on Aging
When we think of financial fraud, we often focus on associated monetary losses. But equally important and often overlooked are the psychological and emotional impacts. The non-financial costs of fraud and associated trauma can have a significant impact on victims, leading to a range of emotions and a variety of potential consequences, including an unwillingness to report the crime or seek the help needed to overcome the trauma. While non-financial costs impact all individuals, the effects are often compounded when older adults are involved. During this session, we will explore some of the non-financial costs associated with fraud, while discussing who is at risk, potential factors leading to victimization, and resources and strategies available to help victims.
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Webinar: Celebrate the Senior Nutrition Program 2025 A Place at the Table
Wednesday, March 19th, 2:00 - 3:00PM Eastern
Hosted by the Administration for Community Living
The Administration for Community Living (ACL), Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs invites you to Celebrate the Senior Nutrition Program Anniversary this March. State Unit on Aging (SUA), area agency on aging, and nutrition provider program staff are especially encouraged to attend.
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Webinar: GSA Arts and Humanities Forum- Dancer Not Dementia
Wednesday, March 19th, 12:00pm Eastern
Hosted by the Gerontology Society of America
In this presentation we will screen a short documentary film – Dancer Not Dementia – and share our evaluation research on the impact it is having on stigma associated with dementia. As we will discuss, this research contributes to a growing understanding of how the arts may challenge entrenched and oppressive attitudes and social relations, and support more inclusive and relational approaches to caring. The forum will be facilitated by Pia Kontos, Senior Scientist at KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, and Full Professor in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, and Rachel Bar, Director of Research and Health at Canada’s National Ballet School. Sponsored by the GSA Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Gerontology Advisory Panel.
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Webinar: Elder Abuse Representation 101: Utilizing Family Law and Orders of Protection
Wednesday, March 26th, 2:00pm Eastern
Hosted by the National Center on Law and Elder Rights
This is the second training in a three-part series designed to provide legal and elder rights practitioners with the basic tools and civil legal strategies needed to help older adults who have experienced abuse. The series will also provide tips for providing person-centered and trauma-informed representation.
This webinar will focus on family law and orders of protection. Attendees will learn how dissolution of marriage can be part of an elder abuse case and the unique challenges these cases present. Attendees will also learn how to use orders of protection as part of elder abuse case strategy, including the interplay between civil and criminal protective orders.
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Webinar: Empowering Women in Later Life: Tackling Gendered Ageism
Thursday, March 27th, 1:00 - 2:00pm Eastern
Hosted by the American Society on Aging
Women face significant challenges in healthcare access, income security and social support in later life. These challenges and disparities may be compounded by other barriers related to race and socioeconomic status.
This session will address the unique experiences of older women and explore strategies to address their needs when it comes to aging services. We’ll also discuss the role of community-based organizations (CBOs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in advancing equity through partnerships, advocacy and innovative support services. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to help strengthen healthcare access, income support, and social networks for older women.
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Webinar: CHAI Speaker Series: Aging & Disability
Monday, March 31st, 1:00 PM Eastern
Hosted by the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation
Older and younger adults with disabilities share common experiences, from navigating inaccessible environments to finding care providers who understand the intersection of disability, health, and wellness. As more people age with long-term or lifelong disabilities, there is a growing need to bridge aging and disability research, practice, and policy.
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Tuesday, April 15, 3:00 – 4:00PM Eastern
Hosted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The market for residential solar panels continues to grow. With that growth, marketing and door-to-door sales of solar-related financial products have become more prevalent. In some cases, “solar-specific” loans marketed to consumers present risks, such as hidden markups and fees, misleading tax credit information, unexpected prepayment requirements, exaggerated financial benefits, as well as fraud and scams. This presentation by CFPB experts in solar financing and consumer protection will help professionals and older adults make informed decisions about solar financing.
*This webinar may no longer be offered due to federal changes with CFPB.
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Scam Jam 2025 Ensuring the Safety of Older Adults Through Adult Protective Services
Wednesday, April 30, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Eastern
Richard J Ernst Community Cultural Center
8430 Center Drive, Annandale, VA 22003
Hosted by AARP Virginia in collaboration with Fairfax County Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign, Fairfax County Department of Family Services, Northern Virginia Community College, Northern Virginia Community College Police Department and The Clowder Group
Attend Scam Jam 2025, an event dedicated to fraud prevention and protecting older adults. Speak with representatives from local agencies and non-profits in the exhibit hall. Learn from Paul Greenwood, a retired deputy DA with 25+ years in elder abuse prosecution. Watch HOAP: Heroes of Adult Protection, a film on abuse victim resilience. Hear a panel discussion featuring the filmmakers,
local police, APS case workers and professionals from the Financial Exploitation Task Force. Enjoy a complimentary lunch!
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Thursday, May 15, 3:00 – 4:00PM Eastern
Hosted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Making informed choices about using home equity to pay for retirement costs begins with understanding the products. This webinar will focus on two products commonly offered to older adults:
- Reverse mortgages, which are a special type of home loan typically for homeowners aged 62 or older. With reverse mortgages, borrowers don’t make monthly mortgage payments but are charged interest and fees, and the balance due goes up – not down – over time. In general, the loan must be repaid when the borrower no longer lives in the home.
- Home equity investment products, also known as home equity sharing agreements, which are financial agreements in which a homeowner gets an upfront cash payment in exchange for a percentage of their home’s future value or future price appreciation.
This presentation by CFPB experts will look at how these products work, what questions to ask, and what risks to consider. The webinar will help professionals and older adults make informed decisions about their home equity and how to avoid fraud and scams.
*This webinar may no longer be offered due to federal changes with CFPB.
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Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Online Symposium
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Hosted by the National Council on Aging
More information to come!
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Webinar: Elder Abuse Representation 101: Responding to Consumer Law Issues and Scams
Wednesday, May 28th, 2:00pm EST
Hosted by the National Center on Law and Elder Rights
This is the third training in a three-part series designed to provide legal and elder rights practitioners with the basic tools and civil legal strategies needed to help older adults who have experienced abuse. The series will also provide tips for providing person-centered and trauma-informed representation.
This webinar will focus on consumer law and scams. Attendees will learn about common kinds of scams and consumer law issues in elder abuse cases and how to issue spot them in intakes. Attendees will also learn about civil legal remedies available in consumer law and scam cases and things to consider when helping a client choose the remedy best suited for their situation.
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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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