Page 6 - Access Summer 2015

Screening Tool Helps Protect Vulnerable Seniors continued from page 1
statewide “No Excuse for Elder Abuse” campaign.
Dr. Lichtenberg studied risk factors for fraud using a national sample which demonstrated that psychologically vulnerable older adults were at a 226% increased risk for fraud.
“It is critical that we have valid and reliable tools to adequately assess
Peter Lichtenberg, Ph.D., ABPP, director of the Institute of Gerontology, the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute and founding director of Wayne State University’s Lifespan Alliance.
specific financial decision-making abilities relevant to the individual at risk, especially for those that affect transactions which can result in significant losses or harmful consequences,” said Dr. Lichtenberg.
His research inspired the Lichtenberg Financial Decision Screening Scale (LFDSS), a tool designed to screen an older adult’s financial decision making abilities relative to a current or within six to twelve months of an upcoming financial decision or transaction. Professionals who work with older adults (i.e. physicians, attorneys, financial planners, bankers, etc.) would be trained to administer the five minute screening consisting of ten multiple choice questions.
To test out the scale, a pilot program is currently underway in the counties of Oakland, Calhoun, Kent, Otsego, Marquette, Kalamazoo and Ingham. Effectiveness will be measured by comparing scores and ratings on cases that were substantiated versus those that were not.
Once this phase of testing is complete, the next stage is focused on measures that can be taken to protect older adults who fail a screening. Would an advocate be assigned? Would the older adult have a period of time to retake the screening? Could the screening be used in a court of law? These are questions to be addressed before LFDSS becomes widely available.
If Leo’s banker was able to administer the LFDSS before Leo added his son to the joint bank account, Leo would have been protected from the financial abuse that escalated beyond that point. When APS workers got involved they
discovered that Leo had severe cognitive impairment.
“We are currently working on
ways to make the scale accessible
in a number of formats including a web-based LFDSS and mobile phone application,” said Dr. Lichtenberg. “The response to this protective measure has been very positive so far.” For more information about the LFDSS project, contact the office of
Dr. Lichtenberg at 313-664-2633.
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Don’t Miss the Area Agency on Aging 1-B’s Living Well
Radio Series!
“Living Well” is a radio series that can be heard
on our five radio partners. This informational feature provides tips, resources and important information to family caregivers, who are often struggling to balance caregiving with work, family and other obligations. “Living Well” sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Bill Hayes at 248-644-1990.
Many thanks to our recent sponsors who have helped bring you “Living Well.”
AAA 1-B Honors Local Leaders
continued from page 1
older adults and allocated five million dollars for in-home services in 2014. Governor Snyder is the first governor in the state to deliver a Special Message on Aging, calling upon all state departments to engage in activities that create a better environment in Michigan for older adults to age in place.
Robin Erb
Reporter, Detroit Free Press
Corporate/Business Leadership Award
Robin Erb was recognized for her excellent journalism and significant contributions that bring attention to important aging issues in the greater Detroit area. Robin joined the Detroit Free Press in 2007 to cover health and aging. In that time, she has examined a number of issues related to Michigan’s changing demographics, providing outstanding coverage on the state’s aging population and stresses on current infrastructure, Medicare and Medicaid, federal and state budget cuts to senior services, nursing homes, the crushing toll of Alzheimer’s both on patients and caregivers and the challenging conversation families and
older adults have related to the end of driving. Through her informative news articles, Robin has helped educate thousands of older adults and family caregivers on programs and services available to improve their quality of life.
Sandie Pierce
Executive Director, Monroe Center for Healthy Aging
Service Provider Leadership Award
Sandie Pierce was chosen as the recipient of the Service Provider Leadership Award for her dedication and leadership of the Monroe Center for Healthy Aging. Under her guidance, the Center has flourished as a community hub and asset for the older adults in the Monroe area. Her dedication to the older adult community is demonstrated through her engagement on numerous committees, including serving as Coordinator of the Monroe County Human Services Collaborative, Chair
of the Monroe Commission on Aging Director’s Association, and Secretary of the Monroe Aging Consortium.
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