Washoe Tribe builds elder abuse prevention coalition

The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California has received a grant from the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse to build a local elder abuse prevention coalition.

"The community needs it," Washoe Elder Romona Dick said at a training session at Carson Valley Inn on Tuesday.

Sharon Doan, executive director of the tribe's senior center, said elder abuse is a real problem.

"It's happening," she said.

More than 20 representatives from a variety of government agencies and advocacy groups met for the training, including the Family Support Council, The Nevada Division of Aging Services, Alpine County Behavioral Health Services, and the Carson City District Attorney's Office, among others.

Mary Lynn Kasunic, director of aging services in Phoenix was overseeing the training on behalf of the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.

Kasunic said 50 organizations nation-wide had applied for the grant, and the Washoe Tribe was one of 10 to receive it.

She said elder abuse takes all forms, but that the new coalition will focus on intentional abuse, often involving family members.

"A son or daughter loses their job and is a drug addict and goes to live with their parents and starts stealing their social security checks," Kasunic said. "It's a horrible situation because the elders don't want to report their own sons or daughters. They need someone to look after them, and they tolerate the situation."

Kasunic said elder abuse can entail physical abuse, but also willful negligence, such as a caretaker withholding medication.

"It's like child abuse or any other kind of domestic violence," she said. "We need to get the word out and spread awareness and be able to report suspected cases."

"I believe in the multijurisdictional approach we're starting," said Carson City District Attorney Neil Rombardo. "Our society is getting older, and this important issue needs to be addressed. We need better education and better reporting so we can prosecute."

Participants brainstormed on the values and mission of the future coalition and developed a strategic plan.

"We value the lives, culture and spirituality of our elders, and we respect their right to live without fear of abuse," said Washoe Tribe Domestic Violence Advocate Maureena Dressler.

For more information about elder abuse, visit www.preventelderabuse.org. To report suspected elder abuse, call 911.