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DOJ Targets Elder Fraud and Nursing Home Abuse in Sweeping Nationwide Actions

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The DOJ’s report highlighted a broad initiative against elder fraud schemes affecting over 225,000 seniors. Fraud cases ranged from romance scams to government impersonation schemes, with DOJ efforts stopping $27 million in fraudulent transfers before they reached perpetrators. With assistance from financial institutions, the DOJ returned millions of dollars to victims and provided resources through its National Elder Fraud Hotline, which handled more than 50,000 calls from older adults seeking support and guidance.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 5, 2024

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has released its annual report to Congress on efforts to combat elder fraud, abuse, and neglect. The report details over 300 enforcement actions against more than 700 defendants accused of targeting older adults. The department recovered nearly $700 million, disrupted major transnational schemes, and prosecuted cases involving substandard care at nursing homes and serious rights violations in veterans’ facilities.

One high-profile case included the convictions of two Pittsburgh-area nursing homes, Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center and Mount Lebanon Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. A federal jury found both facilities guilty of falsifying records submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to avoid penalties for inadequate care. Evidence presented at trial revealed that both facilities manipulated staffing records to appear compliant with Medicare and Medicaid standards. Sentencing is scheduled for December following a comprehensive investigation by the FBI, Health and Human Services, IRS, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

In its report, the DOJ noted an investigation into New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park and Paramus found conditions that violated residents’ constitutional rights under the 14th Amendment. According to DOJ findings, inadequate infection control and medical care at these facilities exposed veterans to life-threatening conditions. The report noted that poor management compounded these deficiencies, contributing to high death rates among residents.

The DOJ’s report highlighted a broad initiative against elder fraud schemes affecting over 225,000 seniors. Fraud cases ranged from romance scams to government impersonation schemes, with DOJ efforts stopping $27 million in fraudulent transfers before they reached perpetrators. With assistance from financial institutions, the DOJ returned millions of dollars to victims and provided resources through its National Elder Fraud Hotline, which handled more than 50,000 calls from older adults seeking support and guidance.

Beyond prosecution, the DOJ emphasized prevention and awareness, hosting nearly 1,000 elder justice events, including the first Elder Justice Law Enforcement Summit. The summit gathered law enforcement from all 50 states to share best practices in addressing elder abuse and fraud. Public campaigns also raised awareness of common scams, providing seniors with valuable tools to protect themselves from fraud.

“By working together with federal, Tribal, state, and local law enforcement, we can make meaningful progress toward curbing and preventing elder abuse,” Attorney General Merrick Garland stated. “Because millions of older Americans suffer some form of elder mistreatment each year—and because many more abuses go unreported or unseen—everyone has a role to play in this work.”

The report additionally covered DOJ’s enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Four Texas counties agreed to improve the accessibility of their election websites, addressing barriers faced by older adults with disabilities. Officials said the commitment to accessibility was part of the DOJ’s broader mission to ensure that elderly Americans can fully participate in their communities.

“The Office for Victims of Crime recently funded the first National Center for State and Tribal Elder Justice Coalitions, promoting statewide coordination to address and prevent elder abuse more effectively,” Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin Mizer remarked.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco added, “Given the financial, emotional, and physical toll suffered by older victims regardless of how they are victimized, the Department aggressively pursues all forms of fraud and abuse wherever they may arise.”

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

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#NNPA BlackPress

OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Oakland Post

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org