Standing up for Elder Justice During Challenging Times
Administration for Community Living • June 15, 2020
Today, we commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
(WEAAD) and affirm the rights and dignity of older adults.
We take this stand for elder justice as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect each of our lives and create new threats and challenges.
We know that strong supports and strong social connections are critical to preventing elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation and supporting survivors. Many of these supports and connections are being strained by physical distancing measures we are all taking to slow the spread of COVID-19. Even as the country begins to reopen, many older adults who face higher risk of serious illness will need to continue taking additional precautions such as staying at home.
We can all do our part to maintain the bonds of social connection within our communities while we are physically apart - whether we're organizing a virtual family gathering or just calling to check in. This crisis has brought out the best in so many people, including many aging services professionals who have gone the extra mile to maintain critical services and supports for older adults. From Long-Term Care Ombudsmen programs continuing their work with "virtual walk-throughs" to senior centers quickly launching virtual activities, I am in awe at your dedication and honored to call you colleagues.
Unfortunately, crises can also bring out the worst in some people. It seems like every day we hear about a new scam trying to take advantage of this pandemic to steal from older Americans. These scams are often carried out through calls, e-mails, or text messages claiming to be from federal or state agencies. Last week, at the Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC), we heard from our federal partners who are working to stop these scammers. We can each do our part by reporting scams we encounter and sharing verified information about the pandemic and government programs.
And today at 1pm EDT, our National Center on Elder Abuse is sponsoring a webinar, Upholding Justice for Older Americans on this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: A National Conversation. The webinar will feature presentations by ACL Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging Edwin Walker and speakers from the Department of Justice, Social Security Administration, Securities and Exchange Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and ACL’s National Center on Law and Elder Rights. Each speaker will be discussing their elder justice initiatives and highlighting resources everyone can use. We’ve had an overwhelming response and registration is full, but a recording of the event will be available later this week on the NCEA’s website.
Also today, at 4pm EDT, the National Indigenous Elder Justice Initiative will be hosting an online panel on caring for elders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion will include experts from NIEJI, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Adult Protection Services, and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Office for the Aging. The event will be streamed live on NIEJI’s Facebook page.
Like everything else in our lives, WEAAD looks and feels a little different this year. Around the world, communities are finding creative ways to raise awareness and advance elder justice virtually. Webinars are taking the place of people gathering to hear speakers and panel discussions, and posting purple profile pictures is taking the place of wearing purple ribbons to show individual support.
What has not changed is our commitment to the principle that older adults are equal members of our communities, entitled to the same dignity, rights, and security that each of us expect at any age. Today, on WEAAD, I challenge all of us to think about what we can do in our own lives to uphold that principle. It is those everyday actions, combined with the work being done by organizations and governments around the world, that will make it possible for us to make that principle a universal truth.
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Cornejo as the new Director of the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA). In this role, Cornejo will lead efforts to develop and coordinate services that support the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults across ETCOG’s fourteen-county region. Cornejo brings a strong background in healthcare leadership and military service. He most recently worked as an Account Manager for Humana’s Institutional Special Needs Plan program, where he partnered with skilled nursing facilities to improve care coordination, leading to a 20% reduction in hospital readmissions. Earlier in his career, Cornejo served in the United States Navy for nearly two decades, rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and managing budgets exceeding $550 million while leading more than 350 Sailors and Marines. “Adrian’s leadership experience in both healthcare and the military has equipped him with the skills and dedication needed to serve East Texas seniors,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “His background in building partnerships and his deep commitment to public service make him a tremendous asset to our team.” Cornejo shared his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “It is an honor to join ETCOG and to serve the seniors of East Texas. My goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place at the Area Agency on Aging and continue to expand access to services that help older adults and their families live with dignity and independence.” The AAA is administered through ETCOG and is part of a nationwide network created through the Older Americans Act of 1965. It provides a wide range of services, including information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education, senior nutrition programs, housing repair, caregiver support, and Ombudsman advocacy for individuals in long-term care facilities. These programs are designed to help older residents remain active and independent in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Medicare Open Enrollment is right around the corner, and with so many plans and choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our certified benefits counselors are here to help—whether you prefer to sit down one-on-one or schedule an educational session for your group or organization. They provide clear, unbiased information about Medicare so you can make informed decisions that fit your needs. These services are free and available to individuals, families, churches, senior centers, civic clubs, and other local groups. If you or someone you know has questions about Medicare coverage, upcoming changes, or available plans, now is the time to reach out. To schedule an appointment or request a group presentation, contact us at 1-800-442-8845 or www.easttexasaaa.org/request-speaker .
