Congratulations to our incredible Coalition Director, Robin Covington, for receiving a well-deserved award from the RI Minority Elder Task Force at their Everyday Heroes Luncheon on October 6th! Robin, your dedication and leadership inspire us all as you continue to champion the rights and well-being of older adults in Rhode Island. Special thanks to Congressman Gabe Amo for his ongoing support in protecting our seniors.


Robin also recently shared her vision for raising awareness and preventing elder abuse in a powerful article featured in Providence Business News. She discusses the silent epidemic of elder abuse, the coalition’s goals for long-term sustainability, and strategies for influencing public policy. Read more about her inspiring work and the important steps we’re taking to protect older adults in our state by clicking here!

What a powerful day on October 4th at the Elder Justice Summit, hosted by the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office and AARP Rhode Island. Our Coalition was honored to have a table and to proudly represent the Rhode Island Coalition for Elder Justice, further strengthening our ability to collaborate and advance protections for older adults across the state.


In the first photo, Steve Bagian from Rhode Island Legal Services is joined by a group of dedicated Ombudsmen from the RI State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. In the second photo, we have Robin Covington, our Coalition Director, with Melanie Monteiro, Project Coordinator for Saint Elizabeth Haven for Elder Justice. Lastly, in the third photo, Robin is pictured with Maria Cimini, Director of the R.I. Office of Healthy Aging.


Paul Greenwood, a former prosecutor with over 25 years of experience specializing in elder abuse cases, was the keynote speaker at the Elder Justice Summit. Renowned for his passionate advocacy in protecting older adults, Greenwood shared valuable insights on preventing scams and financial exploitation of seniors. In his article, "Top Ten Tips to Avoid Scams," published by AARP, he offers practical advice for safeguarding against common frauds targeting older adults. You can read his top ten tips by clicking here.

Exciting news! The RICEJ public service announcement (PSA) will be

re-aired on WPRI 12 from November 18, 2024, to January 7, 2025. We encourage you to share this video out with your professional and personal networks.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our official Linktree! Now, it’s easier than ever to access all the essential resources, webinars, and updates from the Rhode Island Coalition for Elder Justice (RICEJ)—all in one place! To visit our Linktree, please click here.

Upcoming Training Opportunity


You are invited to join a virtual Community Conversation about helping to End Abuse in Later Life. 


Please save the date: November 20th, 2024, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM.


To register, please email Melanie at the email provided below!


AARP study on older adult stereotypes in on-line images. We think they can help.


In a recent article by Herb Weiss on RI News Today, an AARP study reveals improvements in the portrayal of older adults in online images, showcasing them as more active and tech-savvy. However, negative stereotypes persist, especially in workplace and family contexts. AARP emphasizes the need for realistic representations of older adults to combat ageism in media and marketing.


For more details, you can read the full article here.

Advocates call for Governor to reject budget cuts they say could harm older adults


In a recent article from RI News Today, elder justice advocates are voicing serious concerns over proposed budget cuts that could significantly affect the well-being of older adults in the state. Staying informed about these potential changes is essential, as they may impact vital services and support systems. Herb Weiss's article offers valuable insight into the challenges posed by these cuts and the actions being urged in response.


For ore details, you can read the full article here.

When People Unite in Robust Discussion All of Society Benefits


Carol Costa’s recent article in GoLocalProv emphasizes the power of robust, respectful discussions in driving societal change. At the Rhode Island Coalition for Elder Justice (RICEJ), we know firsthand how essential it is to unite voices in the fight against elder abuse. By bringing together advocates, professionals, and community members, we foster conversations that raise awareness and push for systemic change—making sure our elders are heard, respected, and protected.


For more details, you can read the full article here.

Elder Abuse Statistics for 2024


Recent research from SeniorLiving.org reveals alarming statistics about elder abuse, indicating that about 10% of older adults living at home experience some form of abuse, and nearly 16% in nursing facilities report similar issues. This study emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and action to protect vulnerable older adults.


For more details, you can read the full research study here.

Pride & Aging Resources


Pride in Aging offers valuable resources to support LGBTQ+ older adults, focusing on health, social connections, and community engagement. Their website features information on various services, including mental health support, advocacy, and safe housing options. These resources aim to empower and enhance the well-being of LGBTQ+ seniors, ensuring they have access to the care and community they deserve.


To view the resources, click here.

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our upcoming webinar series, Rhode to Elder Justice, dedicated to raising awareness and providing education on the often-overlooked issue of elder abuse.


Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing a series of insightful webinars designed to equip individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals with the tools they need to identify and prevent elder abuse. By shining a light on this important topic, we hope to empower our community to take steps toward protecting older adults and ensuring their safety and dignity.


This first webinar above features Robin Covington, Coalition Director, and Jeanne Gattegno, Program Director. The video was originally recorded for the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) conference. This webinar provides you a background of the Rhode Island Coalition for Elder Justice.

The second webinar above is called End Abuse Later in Life, presented by Cheryl Patnaude and Melanie Monteiro. This webinar provides essential information on elder abuse including understanding what elder abuse is, how to identify signs of abuse, how to help someone who is being abused, and how to report elder abuse.

Our very own Jeanne Gattegno, Program Director, and Cheryl Patnaude, Coalition Member, were recently featured on the Rhode Island Public Library podcast, Overdueing It!


Tune in to hear them share insights on the vital work we’re doing at the Rhode Island Coalition for Elder Justice, the importance of elder advocacy, and how we can all play a role in supporting older adults in our community.


Listen to the episode by clicking here.

Letter from the Director

I’m thrilled to share the tremendous progress the Rhode Island Coalition for Elder Justice has made this quarter in advancing our elder justice initiatives!


Our subcommittees have been meeting regularly and achieving significant strides in elder abuse awareness, education, and advocacy.


We recently launched a new pre-recorded Webinar Series, now available on our website and Facebook, with more to come. Our Public Awareness Committee is hard at work on the next installment of our webinar series, titled “Rhode to Elder Justice,” where several Coalition members will share their expertise in key areas through engaging, pre-recorded webinars.


Our Guardianship Committee has made promising headway by meeting with local probate judges, AARP Rhode Island, and AARP Maryland to explore guardianship reform models. The committee is particularly focused on introducing a new, simplified 2-page worksheet for probate judges to ensure a more ward-centric process.


The Protocols Committee has been engaging with local hospitals to enhance elder abuse identification protocols in emergency rooms. We are aiming to adopt the successful emergency room toolkit used in states like Massachusetts. Additionally, the committee will be sending out letters to service providers to reinforce the importance of mandated reporting for elder abuse, which is often overlooked in employee handbooks.


Our Nominating Committee has made updates to streamline our process and ensure a smooth transition for new member.


The Homecare Committee continues to tackle healthcare worker retention, training, and addressing unfilled homecare cases.


I’m also pleased to report other significant advancements. We have finalized our new RICEJ tri-fold brochure, which we have started distributing widely. We've been tabling at local events to share with community partners about who we are and what we do. We’re also working closely with a strategic planner to develop a comprehensive work plan for the next three years. On top of that, we’ve taken key steps toward becoming a 501(c)(3) organization and have started planning for our 2025 Conference, which will showcase elder justice programs and spark discussions on how Rhode Island can better address elder abuse.


Thank you all for your continued dedication to elder justice. Together, we are making a meaningful impact in our community.

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