In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, join us for our virtual Center Partner’s Forum.
DATE: Monday, June 15
TIME: 1:00pm – 3:00 pm
Self-Neglect: Understanding the Most Common Case in our Adult Protection System
Moderator: Sean Burke, JD, Policy Director, Minnesota Elder Justice Center
Speaker: Mary McGurran, Aging and Adult Protection Services, MN Department of Human Services
Panelists: Staff and Supervisors from Clay County APS, Ramsey County APS, and Catholic Charities Homeless Elders Program
Registration Details
There is no cost to attend Minnesota Elder Justice Center’s Partners Forum. Registration is free but required.
Topic Information: Self-Neglect
Older and vulnerable adults can experience a variety of maltreatment, including harm that results from self-neglect. Though it is the most common manifestation of harm that older adults experience, it is often misunderstood and rarely talked about in our broader community conversations about elder abuse. With the Department of Human Services Vulnerable Adult Act redesign in full swing, people working with vulnerable adults or older adults must have a strong understanding of the complexities of self-neglect.
Our first Partners Forum will explore the complex social, medical, and legal realities that can make it so difficult to assist those experiencing self-neglect. We will take an in-depth look at the issue and address a variety of questions including:
- How do county Adult Protective Services (APS) units approach cases of self-neglect? How do staff balance the right of autonomy to make “risky” decisions with safety of the individual?
- What are the emerging trends in self-neglect interventions that APS currently use or would like to be able to use?
- How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we respond to instances of self-neglect?
- How is the growing number of homeless elders changing the way we think about self-neglect? What difficulties do intensive case managers have when trying to intervene and provide shelter and safety for older adults who may be resistant to help?
- How might Minnesota law be updated or changed to reflect the growing understanding of self-neglect and the interventions used to address it?
CEUs/CLEs
2 CEUs will be available and 1.5 CLE credits will be applied for.
Note: The Minnesota World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Conference will be held on Monday, August 24. Please visit our website for more details.