Podcasts about Adult Protective Services

Video Version: What does it actually mean when disability advocacy is “level funded”? What are federal appropriations, and why are they such a big deal for disability rights? On this episode of National Disability Radio, Alden Blevins (Communications Manager), Stephanie Flynt McEben (Public Policy Analyst), and Eric Buehlmann (Deputy Director for Public Policy) pull back the curtain on the federal funding process and what it means for the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) network. They discuss the successful FY26 funding fight, why advocacy on Capitol Hill matters, and how everyday people can help. You also get the added bonus of hill-day survival tips, advocacy myths and truths, and a very important debate about coffee and tea. Transcript: Alden Blevins: Hello, and welcome to National Disability Radio. I am here today with two wonderful people who are about to introduce themselves. I am Alden Blevins, Communications Manager here at NDRN. I have my own lived experience with disability and I’m really glad to be here today. What about you guys? Who are you, What do you do? Stephanie Flynt…: Yeah, I’m Stephanie Flynt McEben. I am also one of your hosts of the podcast and NDRN’s Public Policy Analyst. And I have beef with a music streaming app, and I’m not going to talk about which one, but let’s just say that this [00:00:30] music streaming app told me that I was 67 for Christmas this year. And then it had the audacity to… Oh gosh, what was the playlist the other morning that was recommended? It was Old Camping Man Sunday Morning, and it was really weird. Why? I don’t listen to old camping man music unless James Taylor and Chappell Roan and Taylor Swift count as that. But anyway, hope everybody else is having a good day. And hey, if Spotify thinks [00:01:00] you’re old, you’re just… I don’t know. You’re young at heart, anyway. Alden Blevins: I think it clocked my age exactly. And I must say that I listened to a lot of Lady Gaga and Kesha in the last year. Stephanie Flynt…: Yes. Alden Blevins: And to be fair- Stephanie Flynt…: You were in the 2010’s era. Alden Blevins: They were still the two most popular artists when I was graduating from high school, so they clocked me. They clocked me for sure. Stephanie Flynt…: Oh my gosh. Time to introduce Eric, who is our Deputy Executive [00:01:30] Director for Public Policy. How are you doing? It’s great for you to be here. Eric Buehlmann: Great, it’s wonderful to be here. Evidently, your phone must be listening to my music then in that way [inaudible 00:01:44] Stephanie Flynt…: Maybe so. I don’t know what’s going on, but I don’t know how I feel about it. And also, I guess… I don’t know. I guess the Spotify age thing is eclectic because my top artist was Taylor Swift, so I don’t know. Anywho. Eric Buehlmann: So I’m Eric Buehlmann. I’m the Deputy Executive [00:02:00] Director for Public Policy. As Stephanie said, my first choice is not Taylor Swift, but my wife listens to it a lot. So when I’m in the car with her, that’s what I’m listening to. Alden Blevins: This is National Disability Radio. We are the official podcast of the National Disability Rights Network. The National Disability Rights Network works in Washington DC and around the country on behalf of the protection [00:02:30] and advocacy systems, the P&As and the client assistance programs or CAP. We are the nation’s largest provider of legal advocacy services for people with disabilities. The first thing we want to talk about is some big and good news. The P&A network was funded for the rest of FY26. Can we get a hallelujah? Stephanie Flynt…: Yay, woo-hoo! Alden Blevins: The first thing I was just going to ask is, Eric, can you explain to us why it’s a big deal that we were funded and level funded, [00:03:00] and kind of what it took for us to get to this point? Eric Buehlmann: In terms of being able to, why we were able to do this, it’s really our members reaching out to all the representatives, all the senators, making the case, all the good work that the P&As and the CAPs do, and showing all the examples and saying, “Look, if you don’t fund us, this is what’s going to happen, is that person with a disability is not going to be able to get accessible housing or accessible transportation, or the student’s going to be able to go to school or someone’s going to have an assistive [00:03:30] technology device or rampant abuse and neglect are going to be occurring in either the community or institution.” So they made those cases. Congress said, “We agree with you.” And the best we could hope for at this time was at least maintaining our funding and not losing it. Alden Blevins: I think it’s really important to remember that this is not just numbers on a spreadsheet, this has real world impacts on peoples’ lives, the lives of people with disabilities, whether or not they can access enforcement of their civil rights, so [00:04:00] super important. Stephanie Flynt…: Absolutely. Alden Blevins: Just to peel back the curtain and give a little more context for some of our listeners, I just want to go ahead and ask the kind of general question of what are federal appropriations and what does that really mean when we talk about them? Stephanie Flynt…: Yeah, sure. I’m happy to jump in a little bit here. Essentially what federal appropriations are is how Congress allocates funding. And so essentially, there is a long process as Eric kind of talked through a little bit [00:04:30] earlier, in terms of everything that’s been going on with the budget. And so individuals are able to make various appropriations requests to their office. But essentially in a nutshell, it’s essentially just how we get the funds that we need in order to do the work that we do. Alden Blevins: And just kind of practically, what are the steps in an appropriations process or what can people kind of expect out of appropriation season? Oh Stephanie Flynt…: Oh my goodness. Okay, so usually, [00:05:00] of course in the spring, we usually see a big influx of appropriations forms, which, we’re starting to kind of see that now with the House setting their committee deadlines for appropriations, so we’re starting to kind of see an influx of that now. In the Senate, we’ll probably see that a little bit later on as that comes down. But usually the offices will set their personal deadlines, their committee deadlines. And then the appropriations bills, just kind of depending on where they sit, which, all of ours sit on the subcommittee for Labor, [00:05:30] Health and Human Services, Education and related agencies on both the House and the Senate side on the Appropriations Committee. And so there will be a House markup usually around June, as well as a Senate markup in July with the hope that we are able to go ahead and pass the appropriations, the funding that we need for the next fiscal year that starts on October 1st. Alden Blevins: My next one is just why do you guys think advocacy on Capitol Hill matters [00:06:00] during appropriation season? The regular person might not realize how important this is and why. Stephanie Flynt…: Yeah. In my experience, like you said, Alden, a lot of people don’t realize how important and how crucial that kind of advocacy is. But really and truly, that kind of advocacy is what helps us acquire our funding for services, particularly advocacy. So it’s definitely super important to be continuing to follow up with your members. Of course, meeting with your members if you can, [00:06:30] and their staff. Having a steady contact in their offices, things like that. And even just building those relationships in my viewpoint is a good form of advocacy and just making sure that they know who you are, they know what your programs do. They know how it benefits folks in their state/district, et cetera, et cetera, the constituency that they serve. So just making sure that, those points. Eric Buehlmann: And the specific, the biggest requirement is staff [00:07:00] are always seeking information. You’re covering hundreds of programs, multiple issues. They don’t know everything that is going on. They can’t track everything at the same time because they just have information overload. So putting a face with a person, with the story, with the request in front of them makes the biggest difference, because then the staff begins to know who you are. But otherwise, they’re just overloaded with how much material they’re trying to cover and how much stuff they’re trying to do. And if you’re not in front of them, I mean, as [00:07:30] it’s basically said, if you’re not talking to them, you’re on the menu, you’re not the one that’s providing them the information. Stephanie Flynt…: You’re not at the table, you’re on the menu, yeah. Alden Blevins: That makes a lot of sense to me. I was also just going to ask, we’re all so excited and grateful that we were level funded for FY26, but what does level funding really mean? What has that looked like over the last couple years? And having that level or that stagnant funding, what does that mean in terms of the [00:08:00] P&A’s services or the take home impact? Eric Buehlmann: It’s difficult for the P&As because level funding really is in a way, a kind of a cut. Costs are going up continually, healthcare costs are going up. Cost of travel, cost of everything is going up. So level funding ultimately means that they’re able to do less or they may need to shift from doing as much individual case work to more systemic work where you’re helping multiple people by solving one problem. [00:08:30] So level funding is great, especially when you’re facing the potential of cuts. But ultimately if you do that for many, many years, it ultimately means that the P&As and the CAPs will have less staff and able to serve less people. Alden Blevins: Now that we’ve kind of grounded ourselves in a little bit of how this process works, we’re going to talk about the larger policy landscape that we’re all living in right now. What are some of the disability policy concerns we saw come to a head in 2025 and how do we think [00:09:00] that might influence our policy landscape for the rest of 2026? Stephanie Flynt…: Oh my goodness. Do you want to start or do you want me to? Eric Buehlmann: You go first. Stephanie Flynt…: Oh, goodness. I think for me, the biggest thing that comes to mind is the dismantling of the Department of Education. We’ve definitely seen different things that have kind of gone ahead in that regard. And so obviously, there’s a lot of different concerns that are there in those types of things. And so [00:09:30] just continuing to monitor that and what all of that looks like. Of course, I’ll leave a little bit of the healthcare stuff to Eric since that’s more of his specialty, but of course, that is something that I would be remiss not to mention. The various concerns around the Medicaid work requirements that will be taking effect and how that’s going to impact our community. So there are definitely a lot of different policies and a lot of different things that you don’t think about necessarily intersecting with [00:10:00] the disability community, but that are still having impacts on the disability community, particularly those who are members of multiple marginalized communities. Eric Buehlmann: I think building on that for Stephanie is, it’s not just the Medicaid work requirements that are going to hit people. It’s just the massive amounts of cuts to the amount of funding that the states are getting. It’s sort of a partnership between states and the federal government. And if the federal government cuts their share of funding, it means states are going to be cutting their share of funding. And what those cuts [00:10:30] really mean in the long run is that unfortunately, not required services or waiver services are going to be the ones that are going to get hit. If they have to do it, the state will pay for it. If they don’t have to do it and the state’s not willing to put up the money, then those services are going to go away. And in our case, that means home and community-based services for the most part. So not only are a number of people going to get kicked off of Medicaid because they’re having problems following the work requirements or understanding [00:11:00] what the work requirements are and/or having to go through getting re-certified every six months rather than every year, that’s going to mean more people are going to be kicked off. On top of it, you add in all the cuts and the states are going to look around and say, “Well, we’re losing $1 billion,” let’s say, in California, I think is the number they said. “How are we going to make up that gap?” And what they’re going to do is they’re going to say, “Well, these are required and required in the Medicaid program is institutionalized care versus [00:11:30] the ones that we choose to do on our own, which is home and community-based services. Well, if we have to do it, we’ll have to pay for it.” And that means there’s a gap and that gap is going to come out of home and community-based services. Alden Blevins: Yeah. And I think this is kind of a great connection to that home and community-based services piece. I was going to kind of ask, generally speaking, what themes might we be seeing in Congress right now that could affect P&A programs or disability justice as a whole? Eric Buehlmann: I do think one issue [00:12:00] that we’re encountering is more and more members that may not understand disability as well, or what the desires of people with disabilities are, and may listen to not just the person with a disability, they may be listening to their guardians or they may be listening to their parents. Not saying that they don’t know what the person with a disability wants, but if you want to go to the source, the source is the person with a disability. So I think one of the themes, and I think this is why it’s critically important for people with disabilities to be involved in these discussions and [00:12:30] doing this advocacy, is you’ve got to put yourself front and center. And you have to say, “This is what I desire, this is what I want. I want to live in the community, I want to live at home. I want to be able to work in an integrated environment. I don’t want to be paid subminimum wage.” And if they’re not hearing from people with disabilities about that, then that’s a problem. And I think what we’re seeing is sort of a return to sort of the old way of thinking, sort of pre-IDEA, pre-ADA. And people with disabilities should be [00:13:00] off to the side and not at the forefront. And so I think that theme is carrying over in a lot of the ways Congress and the administration are looking at these issues. And I think in terms of other themes, it’s, “We got to save money somewhere.” And their ideas of trying to save money is to cut programs, which actually in the long run, costs more. It costs more to be served in an institution than it costs to live and get served in the community. And [00:13:30] so we’ve really got to be making those cases. I think those are two themes that I’m thinking of. Stephanie Flynt…: Yeah, for sure. And I think that another theme really is just broader justice in the civil rights community, just not completely and fully understanding disability. And so I definitely think that if we’re not careful with everything going on, we definitely could regress back a little bit more into the medical model as opposed to the social model. And I think that some of the demonstration in the legislation [00:14:00] that could potentially be introduced, and of course that we are closely monitoring and making sure that we’re continually keeping an eye out. And of course, we’ll keep folks in the network apprised of those things. But all that to say, I think that’s kind of a demonstrated action when it comes to their understanding of what disability is. Alden Blevins: I love what you guys said, especially about people with disabilities being front and center and telling their own stories and determining, [00:14:30] telling the world what they really want and seek out in their lives. I think that that’s so important for people with disabilities to be in the driver’s seat. For those of you who don’t know, we do have a saying in the disability community that is, “Nothing about us without us.” So kind of speaking about some of the messages that have been happening in the last year, we know that a lot of things have become very polarized throughout the last year, 2025. What opportunities do you guys see for collaboration towards [00:15:00] a better future for people with disabilities? What efforts might be a good target for bipartisan support? Stephanie Flynt…: Yeah. I think for me, definitely always on the hunt for bipartisan opportunity. Because the truth of the matter is that disability, even though it is being portrayed as a partisan issue, it’s not a partisan issue. It’s a nonpartisan issue. And so just kind of keeping that in mind as we continue to do this policy work. I think [00:15:30] what it boils down to really, at least a part of it, is messaging. Because looking at the issues that are in the disability community, because they’re nonpartisan, I think that really, it comes down to it’s not about what you’re saying, it’s how you’re saying, it’s how you’re presenting it. When we’re talking to different offices, we want to emphasize different things that they are most concerned about or that may matter most to their particular constituency or the folks [00:16:00] with disabilities that they may serve. Those would be my things, but I definitely, even though it can be challenging at times, definitely just continuing to keep hope there. Eric Buehlmann: I mean, there’s always a lot of different things. And as Stephanie said, you have to sort of tailor your message around what people are interested in. I mean, things like the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, I think there’s a large number of people, and we’ve seen it in the states, they’re phasing out the subminimum wage, even in some [00:16:30] very conservative states. And so that’s something that’s garnered bipartisan support, that people should be paid at least the minimum wage for the work they’re doing. And that they should be integrated into the employment environment and not just in segregated workshops. We were able to get a Republican co-sponsor for the Keeping All Students Safe Act this year, which would place some kind of federal restrictions on the use of restraint and seclusion in schools and provide money for [00:17:00] training, which is critically important so that the teachers know and the school personnel know what they do when they’re encountering tough situations. There’s a number of bills. I mean, ultimately disability is very bipartisan and it impacts everybody. So usually whether you’re a Republican, a Democrat or Independent, you either have a family member or know someone very close to you that has a disability. So you just got to frame the message right. Alden Blevins: I love that you guys both mentioned messaging and disability [00:17:30] being affecting everyone. That’s part of my core messaging that I always try to put out there, is that disability can come for anybody. You can be a person who has no disabilities one morning and your situation could be different by that evening, depending on what happens to you in your life. And even as you age throughout the lifespan, most of us are going to experience some degree of disability in our lives. So advocating for this [00:18:00] community now when you have the chance to is only going to benefit you when you inevitably become a part of it. I think that’s really important to remember. My kind of last question on this topic is just, what do you think you would want policymakers today to know most about our programs at the P&As? Stephanie Flynt…: I’m going to yield to the executive overseer to start. Eric Buehlmann: I mean, I think our members are hidden gems. I think that’s the biggest [00:18:30] thing, is that most people don’t know what a protection advocacy agency is and/or what it does. As I’ve said many times in my stories is I had met the Executive Director of the Vermont P&A for many times when I worked up on the Hill. Had no idea he worked for the Protection & Advocacy Agency. Talked to him about housing, talked to him about employment, talked to him about all these different things, had no idea that there was a Protection and Advocacy Agency. My second day at the job, I go into an NDRN board meeting and there he is, [00:19:00] sitting there. And I’m like, “Oh, that’s what a Protection & Advocacy Agency… Because I didn’t have a clue. So I think we’re sort of a hidden gem. And I think really, the big thing is that the P&As do a lot of work that other agencies can’t. We have these really strong… I hate saying we, but our members have strong authorities to go in and investigate and monitor for abuse and neglect. If that’s going on, they can go in unannounced. They could do these kinds of investigations that other places can’t. There are [00:19:30] story after story of the police being kept out of certain places or Child Protective Services or Adult Protective Services. But the P&A goes in and is able to sort of expose that abuse and neglect. And that’s really the important thing. And I think people just need to know they exist. But there’s more than just the systemic work. Individually, they are helping people around employment or education or accessible transportation and housing. So I just think there are ultimately hidden gems the more [00:20:00] you delve into it. And as you said, Alden, everyone’s going to become, in my opinion, a member of the disability community at one time in their life or not. Could be permanently, could be temporarily if you break your leg or something like that. And now all of a sudden, you begin to realize that yeah, curb cuts do make a heck of a lot of sense. And yes, automatic doors are very helpful and all those kinds of things. And so we just need to do a better job of sort of explaining the beauty of the work the P&As do and that [00:20:30] it’s not just these giant exposes of abuse and neglect, but there’s all the little individual work that they do that’s extremely important to families and people with disabilities. Alden Blevins: We know in this world that policy is never static. There’s always a lot coming at us, coming at you guys, to kind of figure out and think about how it impacts our community. So my next question is just what do we think might be coming in the landscape of 2026? [00:21:00] It’s hard to speculate, but what should we be looking ahead towards as a community? Eric Buehlmann: Election years are always a weird little duck. Stephanie Flynt…: Yes. Eric Buehlmann: Partly because Congress does not stay around that much, they like to go home and they like to campaign. Some would say they’re not here to do as much damage. But the administration’s still here, they could do plenty of damage. And so I mean, my expectation is there will not be [00:21:30] a lot that’s going to really occur. They’re going to do what they normally have to do, which is sort of the appropriations and try to get that done as well as they can before the elections. There may be some messaging bills that they try to work on, but I’m not expecting a lot of things to actually get passed and a lot of work to get done. But I think this gets back to the theme issue and that kind of discussion, which is you need to be laying the foundation for the members that are here now and those that are running, especially [00:22:00] in someone in a seat where a member’s retiring or if there’s an open seat. And you need to be making sure the candidates understand the needs and desires and wishes of people with disabilities so that when they do come here, they already have at least some based foundation. So I would really look at ’26 as you got to focus on funding because that’s going to have to happen no matter what. And then making sure that your candidates and then making sure that your members of Congress understand about disabilities so that when [00:22:30] they come back next year, that they’re really almost ready to get going on the issues of importance. Stephanie Flynt…: Yeah. Alden Blevins: So much of what we do is kind of playing a little bit of defense about whatever is going on in the larger policy landscape or the news cycle of that week. But we obviously also have our own policy priorities that we would like to see and that we would like movement on in the next year. So I was just going to ask, what are NDRN’s top three [00:23:00] public policy priorities? Eric Buehlmann: I think if you’re looking in the proactive world, that’s tough in this day and age. I think our policy priorities tend to be much more in the defensive world now, Which is, there’s sort of a 1A and a 1B. You always have the money aspect of it, the appropriations aspect of it, and making sure that our members have hopefully increased funding, but at least level funding. The second, as I talked about before, is our members have amazingly strong authorities [00:23:30] to sort of ferret out abuse, neglect, fraud and waste. And we got to make sure that those aren’t reduced. And so that’s sort of the other big thing. I think structurally, we’re looking at the administration and saying, “We need to make sure that disability is still centered here.” The Department of Education is extremely important for students with disabilities and the amount of work they do. And around employment because the vocational rehabilitation system is there. Health and Human [00:24:00] Services impacts people with disabilities in huge, humongous ways. And so we got to make sure that those structures stay strong, that are providing the training, the technical assistance, the support to all the different programs that support people with disabilities and that they’re strong. Alden Blevins: Yeah, absolutely. I heard education, I heard healthcare. I think these are all bread and butter issues for us and for the community at large. [00:24:30] It can just be tricky to decide when and where to focus your attention. Stephanie Flynt…: Right. And also too, again, going back to that, how do we mesh the priorities in a way that we could potentially try to work with folks and get stuff done? And I think that that’s kind of where that point of collaboration comes in. Figuring out what the priorities of various offices are and see, how can we kind of mesh ours together? Where’s the common ground? What can we work together [00:25:00] on in order to make things better for disabled folks? Eric Buehlmann: And I think as Stephanie said, this is where these relationships come into effect, because you have no idea what’s going to be the big issue of the day. Today it may be X, tomorrow it’s going to be Y. The day after it’s going to be Z, and the staff are just overwhelmed a little bit. But if you have those relationships with them, if something comes up and you need to get in touch with them, you shoot them that email, you send them that note [00:25:30] and they know who you are and they’re willing to look and listen to figure out what you’re saying and where it needs to fit in their priorities. They don’t know who you are, this gets back to the, if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu, then they’re not going to understand why this is a problem because you’ve not laid that foundation. So that’s where those relationships come to be critically important, because you just never know what’s going to pop up. Alden Blevins: My next question is, what are kind of the strategies or things that [00:26:00] everyday folks can do to kind of help or support? There’s a lot of overwhelming information coming at folks on all sides. And it would just be really nice if we could know what would be most helpful in terms of getting that community support to advance our priorities. Stephanie Flynt…: I think for me, the biggest thing that I can think of there is just making sure that your voice is being heard and that you are able to kind of amplify your voice when it comes to these issues. [00:26:30] Making sure that you are reaching out to your senators and representative, things of that nature. Of course, there’s the number for the Capitol switchboard and we can certainly put that in the show notes if that’s helpful to people. But for everyday folks, it’s so interesting. I’ll be on Facebook and I’ll just see different things and it’ll be videos of people just calling their senators and representative. And it sounds scary, it sounds daunting, but I promise you, getting [00:27:00] constituent calls is definitely something that is super, super helpful in terms of advocacy there. So definitely, definitely recommend that. Eric Buehlmann: And as Stephanie said, take advantage of those action alerts, take advantage of those days. If you’re looking at your state and local legislatures, a lot of them have disability days where a number of groups will come together and they’ll go to the Capitol and they’ll talk up their issues. Take advantage of those. In terms of the federal, try to keep track of if they’re going to do a town hall or if they’re going to be having a [00:27:30] get together. And go and have a discussion with the staff and the members that are there. And then when it comes to the campaigns, get involved with the campaigns. Make sure that the candidates have some kind of disability platform as part of their work and what they’re doing. Because ultimately if you’ve, I’m going to say trained, trained them ahead of time, then when they come to Congress or they go into the state legislature, you don’t have to explain as much. You’re not having to spend your time explaining why this issue is important. [00:28:00] You get to jump to, “This is why we need to do this.” So you need to be working at those candidates. You need to be looking at their platforms and you need to be talking to them so that they know that you’re there. Alden Blevins: Absolutely. I think a lot of times people feel overwhelmed with just knowing how or why to help. And I love that you even mentioned people posting their calls onto social media, because I think that’s another avenue that folks can use. Talk to your friends, talk to your neighbors, talk to people that you talk with online about how these issues impact you [00:28:30] and your life personally. I think that hearing those stories from people with disabilities can be really impactful as well. All right, I’ve got some quicker round of questions just to kind of help folks get to know both you guys and your work. Stephanie Flynt…: Yay. Alden Blevins: The first one is just almost similar to two truths and a lie. If you could give me one myth and one truth about federal advocacy, what would you say? Eric Buehlmann: I think it’s sort of the flip side of the same coin. To me, [00:29:00] the myth that’s out there is, “My voice doesn’t matter.” And that, “Whatever I say isn’t going to be heard by the staff, isn’t going to be heard by the member and I’m not going to really have an impact.” It does. Again, as I said early on, staff are constantly looking for those sources of information. They cannot keep track of all the topics they cover, all the bills they have to do, all the differing appropriations they’re following. They can’t. They rely on the constituents to provide them information. And if you are a trusted resource and providing them good information, [00:29:30] you’ve got your in and they’ll understand and they’ll follow what you’re asking them to do as best they can. So I think that’s the myth, is that their voice doesn’t make any difference. To me, the flip side of that is the truth is it does make a difference. And so if you’re not engaged, then you’re automatically losing. The disability community needs to be and put itself front and center. Because as Alden said, people with disabilities are a majority of this country. You will eventually be a member [00:30:00] of the disability community. And so therefore, you need to make sure your voice is heard. And so I think the truth is your voice does matter, the myth is people think that it doesn’t. Stephanie Flynt…: I think for me, a myth that I would say, not as interesting as Eric’s, but I think a myth that I would say, and these are probably for people who are kind of newer or just more on the outskirts of things, is that a bill is going to pass overnight. That’s not how policy works. Usually it takes lots of reiterations of introduction [00:30:30] and stuff, but that’s how it’s designed. And so I think that’s kind of where my truth comes in or where the truth comes in for the myth versus truth, is that policy is designed to take a while, even though it can be frustrating at times, but that’s in order to ensure the appropriate checks and balances and whatnot. So no, you’re not going to enter in and pass a bill in two days. Hate to break into any hopefuls, but you know. Eric Buehlmann: No, that is a huge one. People think that policy moves at a lightning quick pace. [00:31:00] It is a snail. Stephanie Flynt…: Yep. Eric Buehlmann: It takes years. I worked eight years on election reform before we were finally able to get it through Congress. And reauthorizations, I mean, this is one of our smaller ones. The Assistive Technology Act program was last reauthorized in 2004. We finally got the next reauthorization done in 2021. So it moves slowly and you have got… I guess that’s another thing, sort of following up on what you’re saying. The truth is you have to stick to these people. Stephanie Flynt…: Yes. Eric Buehlmann: You can’t just say, ” [00:31:30] I talked about this once and it’s going to get done this year.” No, you’re probably back next year. Stephanie Flynt…: Not how it works. Eric Buehlmann: And you’re probably back the next Congress and you’re probably back the next Congress. So you will repeatedly have the same conversations. Stephanie Flynt…: Yes. Especially with staff turnover, too. There are going to be different staff members, folks may move back to the representative or the senator’s districts or their own home districts or change roles, what have you. But there can sometimes be a lot of that [00:32:00] turnover. But that can also be a good thing, too. Eric Buehlmann: But Stephanie, I think we’ve got another good truth and myth. Stephanie Flynt…: Oh, okay. Eric Buehlmann: Which is, the myth in my mind is if I feel like the member’s not supportive or following what I’m talking about and caring about disability, then it’s not worth my time. The truth is staff do a lot of work. Stephanie Flynt…: Yes. Eric Buehlmann: And you may encounter a member that is not really [00:32:30] interested in disability, doesn’t really care about disability, but the staff is very interested in disability. And so your message can get conveyed from the staff to the member. You may not always get everything exactly the way you wanted from the member, but you’ve moved him in a direction, or her, in a direction that they weren’t going to go without the staff. Stephanie Flynt…: Exactly, exactly. Staff definitely have a lot of influence when it comes to different member priorities and things like that, that might not usually be on their [00:33:00] radar, such as disability. Alden Blevins: Actually, I caught Eric saying something yesterday that I thought was so impactful. Somebody was expressing disappointment that their meeting was with a baby staffer. And I heard Eric say, “That baby staffer could be in charge in 10 years.” Stephanie Flynt…: I was going to say, like a Chief of Staff in five years- Alden Blevins: Yeah, you never know what inroads you’re making when you get into those rooms. And you should take the chance once you’re in that room, to make the case for people with disabilities. Stephanie Flynt…: Yes. Alden Blevins: This next one, I’m [00:33:30] hearing a lot of themes of perseverance, maybe having to stay on people, having to return year-to-year. This is just a silly question, but what is your Hill day fuel of choice? Is it coffee, is it tea? What keeps you going? Stephanie Flynt…: I think that mine is probably either, probably Celsius. And then I don’t know if y’all have ever had the Mary’s Gone Crackers, but I like to have little hummus things with me. And so I’ll do the Mary’s Gone Crackers with some hummus on the Hill. And so that’s really good to eat between [00:34:00] meetings and stuff, but they’re really good. They’re quinoa seed crackers, gluten-free, garlicky, basil. I don’t know, they’re really good, especially with hummus. So I guess for me, that’s my food and caffeine. Eric Buehlmann: And Stephanie no doubt, could tell any of everybody what mine is. Stephanie Flynt…: Anything gluten-free/unsweetened iced tea from McDonald’s. Eric Buehlmann: Yep, bingo. I’ve never had coffee in my life. Alden Blevins: Wow. Eric Buehlmann: Yeah, I’ve never had coffee in my life. Stephanie Flynt…: I thought you would at least- Eric Buehlmann: Nope, never had coffee in my life. Alden Blevins: Just not even curious? Stephanie Flynt…: Not a sip? Eric Buehlmann: I’m curious, [00:34:30] but I’ve never had it. I’ve now reached the age of, “Why should I now start?” Alden Blevins: This is so fair, because once you start, it’s hard to stop. Stephanie Flynt…: You’re not going to be able stop. Alden Blevins: It’s real hard to stop. Stephanie Flynt…: Especially when you find a roast that you really like. Eric Buehlmann: I’m a caffeine addict, don’t get me wrong. For many years it was Dr. Pepper, Diet Coke. Stephanie Flynt…: Diet Coke. Eric Buehlmann: Doctor said, “No.” Now I’m an unsweetened tea… Well, I’m not going to say always unsweetened tea, but it’s always usually some form of iced tea. Alden Blevins: [00:35:00] Yeah. And sometimes you sneak in the sweet tea as a treat, I assume? Eric Buehlmann: No, not really. I’m not a big fan of sweet tea. I find it too sweet. Alden Blevins: Wow. Stephanie Flynt…: You have to have the right sweet tea, though. Eric Buehlmann: Yeah, I’m not from the South. Stephanie Flynt…: I was going to say- Eric Buehlmann: I’m in Virginia, but I’m not the South. Stephanie Flynt…: They don’t make good sweet tea up in the DMV if you want good sweet. Actually, they just started carrying Milo’s at my local grocery store, so that’s what I recommend. Eric Buehlmann: I’ve seen Milos. Milos is good? Stephanie Flynt…: I love Milos, yes. Eric Buehlmann: Okay, I’ll have to get that one. Stephanie Flynt…: So good, yeah. I mean, it’s sweet, but it’s not too sweet. Anyway. Eric Buehlmann: See, I find it too sweet. I’ll [00:35:30] mix it with unsweetened iced tea at times. I grew my tea at home. And what I’ll do is I’ll pour a little lemon iced tea in and sort of mix it, but I find it too sweet. But yeah, I’ve never had coffee in my life. Coffee ice cream once or twice, but never- Stephanie Flynt…: Okay, but that’s really good. Eric Buehlmann: Nah, no. Stephanie Flynt…: No? Eric Buehlmann: No. Coffee smells great. I love the smell of coffee, but I’m not going to try it now if I can avoid it. Alden Blevins: Good for you. My next one [00:36:00] is just, what is your go-to story when speaking with folks on The Hill? Do you have a P&A story that you feel like you come back to? Do you speak about issues more generally or do you have a go-to story in your back pocket? Eric Buehlmann: Well, I mean, I think the one I always fall back on is the Kaufman House in Kansas. There was a place in Kansas. I think if you just Google Kaufman House in Kansas, you’ll find it. Basically, this is one of those examples where the P&A was the only one that got in. These [00:36:30] were a husband and wife that were running a, I guess I’d call it a group home, that were doing unspeakably horrible abuse and neglect of people with mental illness. And the state had been called in a number of times, the local people had been called in a number of times, and they just shut the door on them. The P&A went in and exposed the whole thing, basically showing what was going on there. They got convicted of a number of crimes, they were sent away to jail. To me, that’s the example that I will go [00:37:00] to a lot, is without the P&A, these people would’ve been just still going through abuse and neglect. I mean, I think the P&As are creating stories every single day, honestly. The number of reports that come out from P&As, we just got one from the Maryland… Maryland, wrong M. Minnesota P&A, about the use of seclusion with some amazing pictures of the various seclusion rooms in Minnesota that they had come upon. I think they’re occurring every single day and all these reports that are coming out. [00:37:30] Our members are in all sorts of facilities, just exposing abuse and neglect. Unfortunately, some of the stuff we really can’t talk about is they’re exposing the waste, fraud and abuse that’s occurring at times in the representative payee program because people aren’t using the benefits to the benefit of people with disabilities, to the beneficiaries. But the one, if you were going to ask me the one, it would be the Kaufman House. And Nancy Jensen testified [00:38:00] in front of Congress on the importance of the P&A program. She’s written some books on the issues that arose, but that would be the one go-to. Stephanie Flynt…: Yeah. I think for me personally, it really just varies from office to office and various priorities. I will say that one thing I do try to do before meeting with particular offices is I try to reach out to the P&A, just to see if there are any particular stories or any particular things that I should highlight going [00:38:30] on in their state for their senators or representative, or even if there’s anything specific in their district. Eric brought up the report that Minnesota did on restraint and seclusion. And one thing that staffers love is data. So if you’re able to kind of bring in a visual, say like the report or even send in a report of what’s been going on along with a story, along with data, that’s really going to get you far. And so those are things that I really [00:39:00] try to bring, just tangible stuff that they can take back to their higher ups in order to try to get different things up the chain, in order for us to get the support that we’re wanting to get from that particular office, whether the goal is co-sponsoring a particular bill or sponsoring something, or whether the goal is just general support or flagging something. Just making sure that you have those materials that folks can take back. Alden Blevins: Yeah, absolutely. And I [00:39:30] think what Eric said about the network generating stories all of the time, every day. Stephanie Flynt…: Yes. Alden Blevins: Where I sit, working in communications, is I try to share a story. At least every week, there’s a new, new story coming out about something that a P&A is doing, whether it be work related to abuse and neglect, whether it be work related to some states, they’re already talking about the Medicaid waiver programs and how they can apply some systemic advocacy to ensure that those are protected through the changes [00:40:00] coming in the Medicaid landscape. There’s just always something to be aware of that’s going on. And I think that really harnessing all of those stories together presents a really strong case for what our network is able to do. Stephanie Flynt…: Absolutely. Alden Blevins: Yeah. I’ve been told that maybe you’ll have a Hill day or appropriations pun and/or joke? Stephanie Flynt…: I always have a joke, you know this. Alden Blevins: Okay, so? Stephanie Flynt…: Oh my goodness. Alden Blevins: Let’s get a drum roll. Stephanie Flynt…: Yes. All right, [00:40:30] so it’s more of a question for Eric. Eric Buehlmann: Oh, no. Stephanie Flynt…: Are you ready? Eric Buehlmann: No, because we did not test this out beforehand. Stephanie Flynt…: Sorry, okay. How would you describe the appropriations process? Eric Buehlmann: How? Stephanie Flynt…: It’s fund. Alden Blevins: So much fun-d. Stephanie Flynt…: So much fun. Alden Blevins: So much fund. Stephanie Flynt…: Oh my goodness. Alden Blevins: Incredible. Stephanie Flynt…: But yes, that is my joke of the month. I’ll be here next month, assuming that I’m not kicked off the podcast [00:41:00] yet. Sorry, Michelle, you weren’t here for the joke, but I’m sure you’re actually laughing even though you pretend you don’t like them. Alden Blevins: Michelle is groaning from afar. Stephanie Flynt…: Yes. Alden Blevins: Yes. Eric Buehlmann: Stephanie’s puns get us through the day. Stephanie Flynt…: Yes, they do. See, I knew there was a… Yep, there we go. Alden Blevins: You got to laugh, you got to laugh. Stephanie Flynt…: Yes, exactly. Laughing is the best form of self-care when it comes to this kind of work, that’s for sure. Alden Blevins: Absolutely. It’s important to remember that congressional budgets and federal decision [00:41:30] making say a lot about whose rights are protected and whose are not, what voices are included, what voices are not. And I’m very grateful that I got the chance today to sit down with two of my amazing coworkers and hear more of their voices, get to share more about the amazing work that they do for our larger community. This has been National Disability Radio, where we highlight issues that impact people with disabilities. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and continue the [00:42:00] conversation at ndrn.org or anywhere you get your favorite podcasts. Thanks for listening. Until next time, let’s keep working together to create a world where people with disabilities can thrive. Stephanie Flynt…: Bye.

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Jennifer Spoeri as guest to the show.   About Jennifer Spoeri, Executive Director, National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA):   Jennifer Spoeri is the Executive Director of the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), a position she has held since August 2021. With over 18 years of experience in Adult Protective Services (APS), Jennifer brings a wealth of expertise in program development, leadership, multidisciplinary teams and advocacy for vulnerable populations. Prior to her role at NAPSA, she served as the APS Director in Philadelphia, PA, where she led the city's APS program and secured one of the first VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) grants designated for APS. Additionally, she was an integral member of the Philadelphia Financial Exploitation Prevention Task Force and the Philadelphia Hoarding Task Force.   Jennifer has long been a dedicated advocate for the APS community, having served on NAPSA's Board of Directors for five years before assuming her current role. As Executive Director, she has served on numerous advisory boards, led several major grants, and played a pivotal role in the creation and development of the National APS Training Center.   She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Kentucky and a master's degree in gerontology with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from Notre Dame of Maryland University. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, taking art classes and spending time with family, friends, her partner Kevin and their dog, Beauregard.     About the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA):   The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) is a national nonprofit organization that supports Adult Protective Services programs and professionals across the United States. Formed in 1989, NAPSA provides a forum for APS programs to share information, solve challenges, strengthen professional practices, and improve services for older adults and adults with disabilities who may be experiencing abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other forms of mistreatment.   NAPSA's work helps elevate the role of Adult Protective Services in protecting vulnerable adults and connecting them with support, safety, and resources.      

Identity theft criminals highly target some of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities. With a growing increase in identity fraud and other scams today, it's critical that we do our parts to protect those in our lives most at risk of identity scams and especially elder abuse.  Links: Learn more and get helpful resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) To learn more about how to recognize, help prevent, and respond to elder mistreatment, visit the National Center on Elder Abuse  Learn more about the identity protection benefits with a Better Checking account Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.   At Triangle, protecting the financial well-being of you and your loved ones is a top priority. June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of the financial exploitation and other forms of abuse that disproportionately affect older adults. Elder abuse can take many forms. It could be physical, emotional, or financial, and it could be due to neglect or due to exploitation. Often, elder abuse goes unreported due to fear, shame, or isolation.  Did you know?  Financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse—and it often goes unnoticed until significant damage is done. Scams, fraud, and even manipulation by trusted individuals can leave lifelong financial and emotional impacts.  How you can help:  Learn the warning signs of financial abuse  Financial abuse doesn't always look obvious—and that's what makes it so dangerous. It can start subtly: a sudden spike in withdrawals or transfers, unfamiliar charges, or changes in spending patterns that just don't seem to add up. You might notice unpaid bills piling up—even though your loved one has more than enough money to cover them. Other warning signs include new names appearing on accounts, unexpected changes to wills or power of attorney, or unfamiliar individuals accompanying your loved one to financial appointments and speaking on their behalf.  Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it's worth taking a closer look. Staying informed about these red flags is one of the most powerful ways to step in early and help protect someone you care about.   Learn more about common ways older adults may be at risk and get access to helpful resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov or use the link in the show notes.  Check in regularly with older family members  Consistent, meaningful connection is one of the strongest defenses against financial exploitation. Social isolation can make older adults more vulnerable—not just to scams, but to manipulation by people they trust. That's why regular check-ins matter so much.  These don't have to be formal conversations about money. A simple phone call, a coffee visit, or asking how things are going can open the door for your loved one to share concerns. Over time, these check-ins build trust and create a safe environment where they feel comfortable speaking up if something doesn't seem right. It's not just about vigilance—it's about showing care, maintaining dignity, and helping them feel supported every step of the way.  Report suspicious financial activity  If you notice something unusual—whether it's account activity that doesn't make sense or changes in behavior that raise concern—don't wait. Acting quickly can prevent further loss and protect your loved one from deeper harm.  Start by contacting your financial institution to flag the activity—they can often help monitor accounts, stop transactions, or add safeguards. You can also reach out to your local Adult Protective Services, who are trained to investigate and intervene in cases of suspected abuse.  Speaking up might feel uncomfortable, but it can make a critical difference. Reporting concerns is not about causing trouble—it's about protecting someone's well-being and ensuring they have the support they need.  Together, we can help protect the financial independence and dignity of older adults in our community. To learn more about how to recognize, help prevent, and respond to elder mistreatment, visit the National Center on Elder Abuse at elderjustice.usc.edu or check the link in the show notes.  Need help or have concerns?
Our staff is trained to recognize signs of financial abuse. Call us at (800) 276-2470 or visit your nearest branch for confidential support. If you suspect an older adult in your life has fallen victim to a scam or identity theft, contact us. If you're a member with a Better Checking account, you have access to identity theft recovery services for up to three generations of your family, including your parents if they live with you. Check out our website, trianglecu.org for more information about the amazing benefits you and eligible family members can get with a Better Checking account.  If there are any other tips or topics you'd like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Also, remember to like and follow our Making Money Personal Facebook and Instagram to share your thoughts. Finally, remember to look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union, on Facebook and LinkedIn.           Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast. 

In this episode of Scam Rangers, host Ayelet Biger-Levin sits down with Charles E. Wallace Jr., author of The Caregiver's Game: The Caregiver's Game: Unraveling Financial Deceit in the Shadows of Dementia. Charles turned into a fraud investigator after his mother fell victim to financial elder abuse. Together, they pull back the curtain on the subtle, malicious ecosystem of caregiver grooming, which drained hundreds of thousands of dollars right under the noses of family members and financial fiduciaries.Charles discusses the "paradox of modern banking", how digital transaction networks fail to capture age-based vulnerabilities or notice when an elderly person's life savings are systematically bled dry through discount retail stores and unauthorized credit accounts. From the devastating isolation tactics used to separate his mother from her family to discovering a trail of prior victims left by the very predator hired to protect her, Charles explains why the financial industry must shift away from administrative silos and move toward behavioral, real-time transaction monitoring.We also explore the gaps in standard Adult Protective Services investigations and why Charles believes banks need to give families better collaborative dashboard tools to monitor and protect generational wealth before it's too late.A link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/Caregivers-Game-Unraveling-Financial-Dementia/dp/B0G322349CAbout the HostAyelet Biger-Levin is the Founder and CEO of RangersAI and the host of Scam Rangers, a podcast exploring the human side of scams and the people working to protect consumers from financial and emotional harm.Through her work at RangersAI and her leadership within the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, Ayelet partners with financial institutions, policymakers, and advocates to elevate scam prevention beyond controls and technology toward trust-based, customer-centric protection.Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn and reach out to learn about her additional activities in this space:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/RangersAI: https://www.rangersai.com/

In this episode, we tackle the often-overlooked but critical topic of elder abuse with guest Doni Green, who leads the North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging. With over two decades of experience administering federal programs for older adults and family caregivers, Doni brings invaluable insight into the complexities of abuse, neglect, and exploitation affecting seniors. Host Darleen Mahoney guides a sensitive yet deeply informative conversation, clarifying the many forms elder abuse can take—including physical, emotional, and financial mistreatment—and why it is so frequently underrecognized and underreported.Listeners will learn to identify the warning signs of abuse, from physical indicators like unexplained bruises to emotional symptoms like withdrawal or intimidation. The discussion also candidly addresses caregiver burnout and the nuanced family dynamics that can sometimes escalate into harmful situations, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and seeking help before frustrations boil over.Doni Green explains how services like Adult Protective Services and Area Agencies on Aging can provide crucial support, resources, and interventions for both seniors and caregivers nationwide. She offers guidance on reporting suspected abuse and highlights the availability of respite care, support groups, and counseling—all designed to strengthen family caregiving while ensuring seniors' safety and dignity.From practical tips for caregivers to a compassionate exploration of the impact of abuse on mental health, this episode is a comprehensive resource for anyone concerned about elder well-being. Tune in for essential information, supportive advice, and actionable resources to protect seniors and maintain healthy caregiving relationships.SeniorLivingGuide.com Podcast sponsored by LIVDRY & TerraBella Senior Living The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by purple-planet.com.https://www.purple-planet.com/SeniorLivingGuide.com Webinars and Podcast represents the opinions and expertise of our guests. The content here is for informational and educational purposes. It does not necessarily represent the views, recommendations, opinions or advice of Fairfax Publishing/SeniorLivingGuide.com or its employees

Travis Goodwin joins the show to discuss his transition from West Virginia pizza delivery driver to a high-level real estate investor. Travis reveals the JV (Joint Venture) model that helped him scale from $3,000 assignments to a consistent $15,000 average fee. He shares his "boots on the ground" strategies for navigating small, distressed markets and why he chooses to partner with experienced flippers to maximize his profit per deal.He also dives deep into the ethical complexities of working with elderly sellers, the importance of full disclosure in "novation" strategies, and why probate leads remain his favorite source for high-margin deals. This episode is a masterclass in local market expertise, empathy-based selling, and creative deal structuring.More wholesaling lessons if you join the TTP training program today!---------Show notes:(0:50) Beginning of today's episode(2:45) Travis's transition: Moving from $3k–$6k fees to a $15k average(3:38) The JV Model: Partnering with flippers to capture a percentage of the back-end profit(5:40) Case Study: How a 2024 cold call in Saint Albans turned into a $38,000 win(8:40) Understanding the West Virginia market: Dealing with low inventory and specific buyer demands(11:25) Ethical Wholesaling: Navigating the "Novation" strategy and protecting elderly sellers(14:55) The "Adult Protective Services" Story: A cautionary tale on mental capacity and disclosures(19:10) Why Probates are the #1 lead source for motivated sellers(23:20) The Auction Strategy: Using platforms like Joe R. Pyle to find out-of-state cash buyers(27:45) Acquisition Mastery: Why you shouldn't "spray salesman cologne" on your leads----------Resources:Joe R. Pyle AuctionsMLSZillowTo speak with Brent or one of our other expert coaches call (281) 835-4201 or schedule your free discovery call here to learn about our mentorship programs and become part of the TribeGo to Wholesalingincgroup.com to become part of one of the fastest growing Facebook communities in the Wholesaling space. Get all of your burning Wholesaling questions answered, gain access to JV partnerships, and connect with other "success minded" Rhinos in the community.It's 100% free to join. The opportunities in this community  are endless, what are you waiting for?

Join two 25-year veterans representing the elder justice profession as they provide an overview of the troubling trends they have seen with the burgeoning problem of elder abuse. Their focus will be on financial exploitation—perpetrated by a broad spectrum of offenders, including strangers and people known to their older targets.  The presenters will also address key challenges and threats to the physical and financial safety of older people, including the proposed dismantling of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and its Office for Older Americans, along with other concerning issues at the federal, state and local level that are leaving thousands of older people at the mercy of financial predators. Topics will include financial grooming (a.k.a. “pig-butchering”), crypto scams, romance scams, and the growth of transnational crime rings that are targeting American seniors to the tune of billions in losses. About the Speakers Jenefer Duane is an elder justice advocate and consultant. Duane is a former senior program analyst in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) Office for Older Americans. With 40 years in aging services and consumer protection, she specializes in prevention, response, investigation, prosecution and resolution of cases of elder financial exploitation. At the CFPB, she led the development of the national Elder Financial Protection and Response Network program. She was the agency lead for the award-winning Money Smart for Older Adults program with the FDIC. She also led several CFPB-FinCin initiatives to strengthen the suspicious-activity reporting and investigation of elder financial exploitation.  Paul Greenwood is a former deputy district attorney and an AARP consultant. Greenwood headed up the Elder Abuse Prosecution Unit at the San Diego DA's Office for 22 years. In 1999 California Lawyer magazine named Paul as one of their top 20 lawyers of the year in recognition of his pioneering efforts to pursue justice on behalf of senior citizens. He has prosecuted more than 750 felony cases of physical, sexual, emotional and financial elder abuse. He has also prosecuted 10 murder cases, including one death penalty case. In March 2018 Greenwood retired from the San Diego DA's office to concentrate on sharing lessons learned from his elder abuse prosecutions with a wider audience. In October 2018 he was given a lifetime achievement award by his former office. Greenwood now spends much of his post retirement time speaking on behalf of AARP nationally, consulting on elder abuse cases, testifying as an expert witness and providing trainings to law enforcement and Adult Protective Services agencies across the country and internationally. He is also involved as the criminal justice board member of the National Adult Protective Services Association. A Grownups Member-led Forum program. Forums at the Club are organized and run by volunteer programmers who are members of The Commonwealth Club, and they cover a diverse range of topics. Learn more about our Forums. Organizer: Denise Michaud  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis Goodwin joins the show to discuss his transition from West Virginia pizza delivery driver to a high-level real estate investor. Travis reveals the JV (Joint Venture) model that helped him scale from $3,000 assignments to a consistent $15,000 average fee. He shares his "boots on the ground" strategies for navigating small, distressed markets and why he chooses to partner with experienced flippers to maximize his profit per deal.He also dives deep into the ethical complexities of working with elderly sellers, the importance of full disclosure in "novation" strategies, and why probate leads remain his favorite source for high-margin deals. This episode is a masterclass in local market expertise, empathy-based selling, and creative deal structuring.More wholesaling lessons if you join the TTP Training Program today. ---------Show notes:(0:50) Beginning of today's episode(2:45) Travis's transition: Moving from $3k–$6k fees to a $15k average(3:38) The JV Model: Partnering with flippers to capture a percentage of the back-end profit(5:40) Case Study: How a 2024 cold call in Saint Albans turned into a $38,000 win(8:40) Understanding the West Virginia market: Dealing with low inventory and specific buyer demands(11:25) Ethical Wholesaling: Navigating the "Novation" strategy and protecting elderly sellers(14:55) The "Adult Protective Services" Story: A cautionary tale on mental capacity and disclosures(19:10) Why Probates are the #1 lead source for motivated sellers(23:20) The Auction Strategy: Using platforms like Joe R. Pyle to find out-of-state cash buyers(27:45) Acquisition Mastery: Why you shouldn't "spray salesman cologne" on your leads----------Resources:Joe R. Pyle AuctionsMLSZillowTo speak with Brent or one of our other expert coaches call (281) 835-4201 or schedule your free discovery call here to learn about our mentorship programs and become part of the TribeGo to Wholesalingincgroup.com to become part of one of the fastest growing Facebook communities in the Wholesaling space. Get all of your burning Wholesaling questions answered, gain access to JV partnerships, and connect with other "success minded" Rhinos in the community.It's 100% free to join. The opportunities in this community are endless, what are you waiting for?

Wer speak with Kristie and Vivian Bennett about girl scouting, We then revisit our time with Renee Bouchillon with Adult Protective Services.

11/17/25: Paul Greenwood is an expert in the field of elder abuse and fraud prevention, and AARP Fraud Ambassador. Paul is a retired San Diego Deputy District Attorney, and now consults on elder abuse cases and trains law enforcement and Adult Protective Services agencies. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being a landlord isn't always about leases, rent checks, and property management—it's about people. In this deeply personal episode of the Rent Perfect Podcast, host David Pickron and co-host Scot Aubrey discuss one of the hardest situations David has ever faced in over 30 years of landlording: evicting an elderly tenant who lost her home, her money, and possibly her ability to live independently.What do you do when your role as an investor collides with your heart as a human being? How do you balance compassion with protecting your property? When does helping cross into becoming a caretaker? This episode dives into the moral dilemmas landlords rarely talk about—from navigating Adult Protective Services to managing family estrangements, unpaid rent, and the crushing weight of being labeled “the villain” when tough decisions must be made.Whether you're a new landlord, a seasoned investor, or someone simply curious about the human side of property management, this story will challenge how you think about responsibility, compassion, and business. Share your thoughts in the comments—what would YOU have done?

Episode 2708 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer welcome call-in guests to discuss motivation sparked by one foot in the grave, and pushback from family. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/10/one-foot-in-the-grave-episode-2708 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - One Foot In The Grave Social media concerns. (2:00) Vinnie had an experience over X years ago regarding American Girl dolls. (4:00) There was a miscommunication, and he had to stay up all night to correct the mistake. Vinnie had only suggested making a fitness-themed doll. Eric is the first guest caller. (18:00) He's lost some weight with NSNG® and has spine issues. Eric is looking forward to Vinnie's workout videos that will be released in the NSNG® VIP group. They discuss issues Eric has had dealing with cholesterol and his doctor. (30:00) The ratio between HDL and Triglycerides is a better indicator of heart health. Carbohydrates really don't help you build muscle; 5g of creatine is better. (43:00) Some sports or competitions can be fueled with a small sugar trickle because blood glycogen gets used up so quickly. Examples would be kickboxing or boxing. Family Pushback Scott is the next guest. He has lost 325 pounds after starting NSNG® after hearing Vinnie on Mike Rowe's podcast. Why does it take people to be told they have one foot in the grave before it sparks change? (48:00) Scott's wife has lost over 100 pounds, and his son has lost 90 pounds! Scott has reversed COPD and congestive heart failure symptoms. (55:00) Hobbies are important to help your mind explore. (1:01:00) Scott has had family blowback about his new healthy lifestyle. A family member reported him to Adult Protective Services! (1:04:00) He had to go through three months of investigation. The accusation was abuse because of the change in eating and daily walks. Scott's wife has lowered her A1C and gotten off of insulin. (1:11:00) Vinnie shares a story about an NSNG® follower named Robert Stanton. (1:19:00) If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, it will be reopening soon. But you can get on the wait list - More News If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, it will be reopening soon. But you can get on the wait list - Don't forget to check out Serena Scott Thomas on Days of Our Lives on the Peacock channel.  “Dirty Keto” is available on Amazon! You can purchase or rent it . Make sure you watch, rate, and review it! Eat Happy Italian, Anna's next cookbook, is available!  You can go to  You can order it from .  Anna's recipes are in her cookbooks, website, and Substack–they will spice up your day!  Don't forget you can invest in Anna's Eat Happy Kitchen through StartEngine.  Details are at Eat Happy Kitchen.    PURCHASE  DIRTY KETO (2024) The documentary launched in August 2024! Order it TODAY! This is Vinnie's fourth documentary in just over five years. Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  Then, please share my fact-based, health-focused documentary series with your friends and family. Additionally, the more views, the better it ranks, so please watch it again with a new friend! REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! PURCHASE BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE (2022) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! FAT: A DOCUMENTARY 2 (2021) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  FAT: A DOCUMENTARY (2019) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: 

09/25/25: Paul Greenwood is a renowned expert in the field of elder abuse and fraud prevention, and AARP Fraud Ambassador. Paul is a retired San Diego Deputy District Attorney, and now consults on elder abuse cases and trains law enforcement and Adult Protective Services agencies. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debbie Deem joins Dr. Sandie Morgan to discuss how transnational fraud predators are stealing billions from older adults and the intersection between financial crimes and human trafficking. Debbie Deem Debbie Deem is a retired FBI victim specialist with over 40 years of experience serving crime victims. She's currently an elder justice victim advocate, specializing in transnational fraud crimes and she serves as co-facilitator for the National Adult Protective Services Association Fraud Forum. She helped start the Victim Assistance Programs at the US Attorney's Office in both San Francisco and Los Angeles, where in the early to mid-1990s she discovered what we now call human trafficking victims and was assisting those victims while also working with financial crime victims. After moving to the FBI in 2003, she began focusing on older victims of lottery, sweepstakes, and romance frauds, gravitating toward the most underserved victims throughout her career. Key Points Financial fraud against older adults is now the most common crime happening around the world, with $4.9 billion reported stolen from Americans 60 and older in 2024 alone, representing a 33% increase from the previous year. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that close to $160 billion per year is stolen from all Americans due to fraud crimes, making this a massive underreported crisis. Language matters when discussing fraud victims - using terms like "defrauded" instead of "scammed" helps maintain victim dignity and reduces blame, similar to how language evolved in human trafficking advocacy. Common fraud types include romance frauds using stolen military or celebrity images, crypto investment frauds starting with innocent text messages, lottery/sweepstakes frauds, tech support impersonations, and phantom hacking where criminals impersonate bank security. Victims experience trauma bonds and love bombing similar to human trafficking victims, making it extremely difficult to recognize they're being manipulated even when red flags are present. The neuroscience behind financial fraud shows that brain chemistry and excitement responses make these relationships feel authentic to victims, requiring neuropsychologists and medical professionals to help explain what's happening. System failures are widespread - in one case study, a victim lost $380,000 but police didn't respond, banks didn't file required Adult Protective Services reports, and victim services provided no meaningful support. Crypto ATMs have become "fraud machines" found in gas stations and small stores, though California now limits transactions to $1,000 per day, causing criminals to evolve to using couriers and other methods. Prevention strategies include not answering unknown phone calls, getting scam warning apps, sharing personal fraud experiences with family members rather than lecturing, and establishing trusted contacts on all financial accounts. Revictimization occurs through recovery scams where criminals impersonate law enforcement agencies claiming they can help recover stolen funds, and through tax obligations on money withdrawn from retirement accounts even when it was stolen. The crime creates long-term devastation including bankruptcy, homelessness, suicide ideation, and forcing elderly victims back into the workforce after losing life savings. This field is where human trafficking advocacy was 20 years ago - needing widespread recognition, proper terminology, victim services, and systemic responses to address the crisis effectively. Resources Debbie deem Neuroscience Behind Financial Scams: A DOJ elder initiative Internet Crime Complaint Center - ic3.gov National Elder Fraud Hotline Transcript [00:00:00] Welcome to the Ending Human Trafficking Podcast here at Vanguard University's Global Center for Women and Justice in Orange County, California. I'm Dr. Sandy Morgan, and this is the show where we empower you to study the issu...

Alzheimer's and elder care demand our attention not just because millions endure them, but because the systems that are supposed to protect our most vulnerable are fundamentally broken. In light of the upcoming release of our documentary, No Country For Old People; a Nursing Home Exposé, August 1st on Amazon, my producing partner and today's guest host, Rick Mountcastle (whose work prosecuting Purdue Pharma was dramatized in Hulu's "Dopesick") and I are turning our focus on elder abuse.  In this powerful episode, we're joined by Richard Routman, whose 14-year career at the Department of Health and Human Services gave him a front-row seat to nursing home neglect cases, pulls back the curtain on why elder abuse persists despite seemingly robust regulations. The reality is sobering: residents fear retaliation if they report mistreatment, staff worry about losing jobs if they speak up, and facility administrators actively obstruct investigations by altering records or instructing employees to "forget" incidents when questioned by surveyors. Meanwhile, the regulatory landscape remains fragmented between federal agencies, state surveyors, Adult Protective Services, and law enforcement—creating dangerous gaps where abuse reports disappear. Most troubling is how money influences the entire system. The nursing home industry spends hundreds of millions annually on political contributions and lobbying, effectively buying themselves protection from meaningful reform. As Richard notes, ordinary citizens advocating for better care are "fighting with sticks" while the industry fights "with guns." Yet this conversation offers hope through specific action steps. Every county has a Commission on Aging that citizens can join to question officials and advocate for improved oversight. Families should learn their rights regarding documenting care—in many cases, they can legally record conditions despite what staff might claim. Most importantly, Richard reminds us that cultural change starts with rejecting the ageism that treats elder abuse as somehow less urgent than child abuse. Don't miss our documentary "No Country for Old People" launching on Amazon August 1st. Until then, remember that knowledge, community action, and love remain our most powerful tools against a system that too often fails those who built our world. Support the show Be a ROAR-ior!! JOIN THE R.O.A.R. MOVEMENT for quality long term care! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information. YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL PROMOTION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE Follow us on Twitter, FB, IG, & TiK Tok 

Alzheimer's and elder care demand our attention not just because millions endure them, but because the systems that are supposed to protect our most vulnerable are fundamentally broken. In light of the upcoming release of our documentary, No Country For Old People; a Nursing Home Exposé, August 1st on Amazon, my producing partner and today's guest host, Rick Mountcastle (whose work prosecuting Purdue Pharma was dramatized in Hulu's "Dopesick") and I are turning our focus on elder abuse.  In this powerful episode, we're joined by Richard Routman, whose 14-year career at the Department of Health and Human Services gave him a front-row seat to nursing home neglect cases, pulls back the curtain on why elder abuse persists despite seemingly robust regulations. The reality is sobering: residents fear retaliation if they report mistreatment, staff worry about losing jobs if they speak up, and facility administrators actively obstruct investigations by altering records or instructing employees to "forget" incidents when questioned by surveyors. Meanwhile, the regulatory landscape remains fragmented between federal agencies, state surveyors, Adult Protective Services, and law enforcement—creating dangerous gaps where abuse reports disappear.Most troubling is how money influences the entire system. The nursing home industry spends hundreds of millions annually on political contributions and lobbying, effectively buying themselves protection from meaningful reform. As Richard notes, ordinary citizens advocating for better care are "fighting with sticks" while the industry fights "with guns."Yet this conversation offers hope through specific action steps. Every county has a Commission on Aging that citizens can join to question officials and advocate for improved oversight. Families should learn their rights regarding documenting care—in many cases, they can legally record conditions despite what staff might claim. Most importantly, Richard reminds us that cultural change starts with rejecting the ageism that treats elder abuse as somehow less urgent than child abuse.Don't miss our documentary "No Country for Old People" launching on Amazon August 1st. Until then, remember that knowledge, community action, and love remain our most powerful tools against a system that too often fails those who built our world.Support the showBe a ROAR-ior!! JOIN THE R.O.A.R. MOVEMENT for quality long term care! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL PROMOTION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE Follow us on Twitter, FB, IG, & TiK Tok

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Jesse Vanvoorhis, deputy director of Adult and Aging Services, is using the opportunity to draw attention to some troubling trends. Vanvoorhis has been directly involved with Adult Protective Services for at least the last six years and has worked in social services for 19 years. He points to a significant increase in elder abuse reports.

Some New York lawmakers want the state to penalize Tesla for failing to meet job targets at its Buffalo plant, amid CEO Elon Musk's growing role in federal agency shutdowns. Meanwhile, City Councilmembers are demanding answers from Adult Protective Services after the agency rejected 80 percent of aid referrals last year. Plus, Queens Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani receives the largest public matching funds payout in the 2025 mayoral primary so far, while Andrew Cuomo's campaign blames a technical glitch for missing out.

This month, we are marking the 10th anniversary of the FINRA Securities Helpline for Seniors—an important milestone for a critical service that FINRA provides to protect vulnerable investors and assist harmed investors. On this FINRA Unscripted podcast episode, we will be speaking with leaders from FINRA's Vulnerable Adults and Seniors Team—Elizabeth Yoka, the manager of VAST Intake, and Michael Paskin, the manager of the VAST Investigations, to discuss the Helpline and its 10 years of protecting investors. We will be focusing on the Helpline results and will provide a few examples of how the Helpline has become an effective conduit for investor protection, and how it has been helpful to member firms. Resources mentioned in this episode: FINRA Securities Helpline for Seniors Ep. 152: Fighting Financial Exploitation: FINRA's Vulnerable Adults and Seniors Team FINRA Rule 2165 FINRA Rule 4512 FINRA Rule 3241 2025 Annual Regulatory Oversight Report Find us: X / YouTube /LinkedIn / Facebook / E-mail

Legendary journalist Tina Brown claims Meghan Markle has “never figured out a convincing persona” and has an “unerring instinct for getting it wrong.” Britney Spears took to Instagram to show off her 18-year-old son, Jayden James Federline, proving that talent runs in the family. The battle over Wendy Williams’ guardianship has taken a shocking turn, with Adult Protective Services launching an investigation into alleged ‘elder abuse.’ Donny Meacham joins Rob! Don't forget to vote in today's poll on Twitter at @naughtynicerob or in our Facebook group. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent incident in St. Clair County has rekindled efforts to pass legislation aimed at protecting DCFS and Adult Protective Services workers. Last week, a Bellville resident disarmed and fired an officer's gun during an investigation, though no injuries were reported. This has prompted House Minority Leader Tony McCombie to push for her 2018 bill, inspired by the tragic deaths of DCFS workers Pam Knight and Deidre Silas, to become law. The proposed "Knight-Silas Act" would mandate a three-year minimum sentence for attacks on these workers, paralleling penalties for assaults on teachers and firefighters, despite previous opposition.

Elder abuse expert E. Penny Jacobo, LCSW, shares key insights on identifying, addressing, and preventing elder abuse. This episode covers its forms, the role of Adult Protective Services, and clinicians' legal and ethical reporting duties. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Send us a textI had the pleasure of meeting Max in real life at a conference I spoke at in late 2024. He is a vibrant, warm human and is so welcoming! Max is making big changes in his life and I'm so proud of him! He shares some of his story with us today on this episode and is standing up and advocating for himself! Listen in and share with all that you know!Max's BioMax Lowe is from Las Vegas,NV and serves on the NGCDD as Vice Chair and on the Nevada Commission for Services for Person's with Disabilities. He is going to start the CASA Volunteer program. His dream job is to work for Adult Protective Services and work towards become the Administrative of Aging and Disability Services Division with the State of Nevada. He has 3 college degrees: 2 BAs in history and psychology and a Masters of Social Work.  On his free time, he is a member of his church choir and dance group with Northwest Community Church. Other goals he has is to take online figure skating lessons to compete and to join a precision rollerskating team. In the future, hecwould like to compete in adult figure skating (ice skating) as he was a competitive figure skater in his youth.Connect with MaxLinkedInThis episodes ad break: Join my email list to: get behind the scenes, special videos, book launch date, book tours, discounts, freebies and so much more!www.kateyfortun.com/thebookStay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!Sign Up Here!Shop new products here!Places you can reach me at:Website:https://kateyfortun.com/https://kateyfortun.com/podcastInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/

New York State lawmakers are questioning a proposal to force more people into mental health treatment. Plus, a top Canadian diplomat is warning New York lawmakers about the potential impact of tariffs. Also, WNYC's Michael Hill and David Brand discuss new data that show New York City's Adult Protective Services is serving fewer New Yorkers, even though thousands more people are being referred to it for help. And finally, we share a few free events happening across the city this month.

In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, we sit down with Chris Hart and Jane Meyer from the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. With a combined 47 years of experience, Chris and Jane share their vital work in the Provider Support Department, ensuring compliance, fostering provider growth, and enhancing the quality of care for individuals with developmental disabilities. From navigating the challenges of provider compliance to collaborating with law enforcement and Adult Protective Services for emergency response, Chris and Jane shed light on the multifaceted role they play in supporting providers and safeguarding individuals. They discuss the importance of DSP retention, the impact of reimbursement rates, and how the Board partners with providers to create sustainable and rewarding environments for care. Hear their insights on embracing challenges, fostering long-term growth, and the joy of helping providers discover their niche in serving individuals and families. Plus, they share a glimpse into the lighter side of their work with holiday traditions and staff celebrations that bring the team together. Whether you're a seasoned provider, new to the field, or simply curious about the critical work behind developmental disabilities services, this episode offers a mix of practical advice, inspiration, and heartfelt dedication.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging, Kari Benson, provides information and insight into the Administration for Community Living and the Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services.

WNYC's Janae Pierre and Brittany Kriegstein discuss the vibes at the polls on Election Day. Plus, Elon Musk is pumping millions of dollars into key congressional races on both sides of the Hudson River. Also, WNYC's David Brand reports New Yorkers in need of housing aid are finding little luck through the city's Adult Protective Services program. And finally, WNYC's David Furst discusses this month's astronomical highlights with reporter Rosemary Misdary.

Host Tayla is joined by Cheryl Patnaude and Jeanne Gattegno from the Rhode Island Coalition for Elder Justice to discuss the important work they're doing to ensure that vulnerable adults are valued and protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation. In the Last Chapter they discuss: what books are in their “to be read” pile?   Overdueing It is a project funded by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services and is produced by library staff around the state. We are proud to be a resident partner of the Rhode Island Center for the Book. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not represent those of the Overdueing It podcast, its sponsor organizations, or any participants' place of employment. The content of Overdueing It episodes are the property of the individual creators, with permission for Overdueing It to share the content on their podcast feed in perpetuity. Any of the content from the Overdueing It podcast can not be reproduced without express written permission.   Our logo was designed by Sarah Bouvier and our theme music is by Neura-Flow.   Books Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand Browse books by Patrick Taylor Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay Life Is Strange Vol. 1 by Emma Vieceli, Claudia Leonardi, and Andrea Izzo The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore   Media A Beautiful Noise   Other RI Coalition for Elder Justice Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553369709935 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RICoalitionforElderJustice  Office of Healthy Aging - Adult Protective Services Adult Protective Services hotline: 401-462-0555 Haven for Elder Abuse Victims - St Elizabeth Community To speak to an advocate about help call 401-244-5476 Direct Service Provider trainings are for community-based professionals and direct service providers who work with vulnerable and older adults. Trainees will learn about what elder abuse is, the different types and how to report suspe   cted abuse. The training will also connect providers with resources such as Adult Protective Services, Law Enforcement and Elder Abuse Advocates. To learn more or to get involved, please call 401-739-2844 or email mmonteiro@stelizabethcommunity.org   Providence Performing Arts Center

Learn how good and well-intentioned caregivers become suspected elder abusers by Adult Protective Services and the police. Caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson shares how Adult Protective Services becomes involved and what family members can do if they are suspected of committing elder abuse. Family members are the most common perpetrators through unintentional or intentional acts of financial, psychological, physical, or sexual abuse. Neglect and self-neglect are also categories of elder abuse. Burned-out or exhausted caregivers can unintentionally neglect care for elderly loved ones. In podcast episode 204 and the related transcript, Pamela D Wilson shares her professional experiences of how family members or friends can become suspected perpetrators by not considering the consequences of how mandatory reporters and others view their actions.The percentage of elder abuse by family members varies by source. However, calls to report elder abuse made to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) Resource Line cite a statistic of 46.8% (1)  (1) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6992470/pdf/nihms-1533675.pdf***For more caregiving, aging, and elder care tips, visit Pamela's website at www.PamelaDWilson.comLearn about Pamela D Wilson, her professional background, and her experience: https://pameladwilson.com/pamela-d-wilson-story/Are you interested in a 1:1 elder care consultation by telephone or video call with Pamela? Schedule time and learn more here: https://pameladwilson.com/elder-care-consultant-aging-parent-consultation-managing-senior-care-needs-meet-with-pamela-d-wilson/Learn about Pamela D Wilson's role as a power of attorney protector and advisor here: https://pameladwilson.com/power-of-attorney-advisor-or-protector/  Sign up for Pamela's newsletter here: https://pameladwilson.com/contact/ I invite Pamela to speak to your company or group. Learn more and download a copy of her speaker's kit here: https://pameladwilson.com/caregiving-speaker-aging-parents-expert-advocate-keynotes-presentations-digital-caregiver-programs/Follow Pamela on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pameladwilsoncaregivingexpert/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pameladwilsoncaregiverexpert/Twitter: https://x.com/CaregivingSpeak

Host Tayla is joined by Cheryl Patnaude and Jeanne Gattegno from the Rhode Island Coalition for Elder Justice to discuss the important work they're doing to ensure that vulnerable adults are valued and protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation. In the Last Chapter they discuss: what books are in their “to be read” pile?   Overdueing It is a project funded by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services and is produced by library staff around the state. We are proud to be a resident partner of the Rhode Island Center for the Book. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not represent those of the Overdueing It podcast, its sponsor organizations, or any participants' place of employment. The content of Overdueing It episodes are the property of the individual creators, with permission for Overdueing It to share the content on their podcast feed in perpetuity. Any of the content from the Overdueing It podcast can not be reproduced without express written permission.   Our logo was designed by Sarah Bouvier and our theme music is by Neura-Flow.   Books Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand Browse books by Patrick Taylor Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay Life Is Strange Vol. 1 by Emma Vieceli, Claudia Leonardi, and Andrea Izzo The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore   Media A Beautiful Noise   Other RI Coalition for Elder Justice Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553369709935 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RICoalitionforElderJustice  Office of Healthy Aging - Adult Protective Services Adult Protective Services hotline: 401-462-0555 Haven for Elder Abuse Victims - St Elizabeth Community To speak to an advocate about help call 401-244-5476 Direct Service Provider trainings are for community-based professionals and direct service providers who work with vulnerable and older adults. Trainees will learn about what elder abuse is, the different types and how to report suspe   cted abuse. The training will also connect providers with resources such as Adult Protective Services, Law Enforcement and Elder Abuse Advocates. To learn more or to get involved, please call 401-739-2844 or email mmonteiro@stelizabethcommunity.org   Providence Performing Arts Center

Peter Coshan Lisa Stone Curtis Marsh Gaurav Gopalan Matthew Mickens-Murrey Ukea Davis and Stephanie Thomas Vanity Williams     Several of the cases in this episode involve unsolved cases. In the next episode, I will delve into the reasons why this might be the case.  Two of these cases involve the murder of black trans women, the highest rate of murder in the LGBTQ+ community.  The last two cases happened at the same time in the same city          To watch any of these stories you can find them on the Queer True Crime YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK4r13FF8ExLGbhfSH6i4hw For Help National Domestic Violence Hotline  1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Online live chat: thehotline.org If you or someone you know is in danger call 9-1-1 immediately. The International Domestic Violence Resource Guide (2024) is the largest resource worldwide.  https://www.cvpsd.org/post/domestic-violence-resources-in-the-north-america If you suspect elder abuse, call 1-833-401-0832 and enter your 5-digit zip code to be connected to the Adult Protective Services in your county, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.  Please subscribe to the channel.       

Aging Population Boom: "There will be more seniors than there are kindergarteners by 2030." — Chanda WingoWe're thrilled to have Chanda Wingo, Director of the Franklin County Office on Aging. She shares insights on an innovative blueprint aimed at understanding the impact of an aging community and guiding local stakeholders in allocating necessary resources. We explore the various programs and support systems the Office on Aging provides, such as the successful Senior Options levy program, which has been aiding seniors for over three decades.Director Wingo also sheds light on the critical issues confronting our aging population, including housing, food insecurity, and workforce shortages. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting caregivers, combating ageism, and the role of community involvement in ensuring the well-being of older adults.Learn how Franklin County is working tirelessly to support its seniors, ensuring they have the resources and services needed to age in place with dignity and independence. Top TakeawaysDirector Chanda Wingo is developing a comprehensive blueprint to guide community stakeholders in understanding the impact of an aging population and allocating resources effectively.The Senior Options program, successful for 32 years and supported by voters, will seek renewal in 2027. This program includes vital services such as minor home repair and in-home support.Adult Protective Services addresses elder abuse and neglect, with self-neglect being the primary issue. The goal is to keep seniors safely in their homes whenever possible.Conducted in late 2021, the community needs assessment revealed that most (over 94%) seniors wish to remain in their homes, highlighting the need for home-based support services.Recognizing the critical role of caregivers, the Office on Aging offers programs that support family members who provide care, including financial assistance and resources.Social isolation among seniors can lead to severe health impacts. Families, friends, and neighbors are encouraged to check in on older adults to provide support and combat loneliness.Collaborations with youth groups aim to spark interest in caregiving professions and create advocates for older adults by fostering intergenerational relationships.The office is implementing new technologies, including a self-service portal and video calling, to make it easier for seniors to access services and communicate with caregivers.Ageism remains a significant issue, impacting employment and resource access for older adults. Awareness campaigns and training are necessary to combat ageism as a social determinant of health.The Bridge Team Initiative aims to increase community connectivity and provide face-to-face contact and services, with Case Managers placed in hospitals to assist seniors and their families.Key Moments07:32 Grocery cost rise, food insecurity, workforce challenge.12:14 Caregivers valued, need support and resources available.13:40 Phone calls vital for seniors' health and care.16:43 Generational demographics impact society, aging population addressed.21:17 Approaching midpoint, levy renewal expected in 2027.23:30 Protective Services validate, support seniors, address neglect.27:36 Caregiver focus, support, resources for stressful role.31:51 Promoting community events and launching new initiative.35:19 Ohio faces caregiver shortage, need for support.39:04 Tech drop-ins build intergenerational bonds and advocacy.41:37 Kinship program needs extra attention for success.46:10 Ageism deep, comparable to other discriminations.47:12 Combatting ageism through...

Anna Flores Pauly Likens Alex Rodda Liara Tsai Bruce Becker Curtis Marsh Kevin Clewer Charles Gibson  Brad Nelson Winters   Here is a collection of murders some of them due to intimate partner violence and some hate crimes. The thing they have in common is the loss and heartache of family and friends.  While might surprise some that young men, mostly, still struggling with their sexual identity resort to murder when threatened, ongoing scholarship suggests that the causes might be complicated, a mixture of internalized homophobia and other pathologies that fuel murder.  Intimate partner violence in the queer community remains underreported. Please use the resources below if you or someone you know needs help.  Finally, the murder of Kevin Clewer remains unsolved though it seems authorities have a suspect. The murders of Clewer, Charles Gibson, and Brad Winters were thought to be part of a serial killer's ramp-up thank goodness they were not.  Murders of queer people continue to be under-reported so I thank you for your loving attention to these cases. To watch any of these stories you can find them on the Queer True Crime YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK4r13FF8ExLGbhfSH6i4hw For Help National Domestic Violence Hotline  1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Online live chat: thehotline.org If you or someone you know is in danger call 9-1-1 immediately. The International Domestic Violence Resource Guide (2024) is the largest resource worldwide.  https://www.cvpsd.org/post/domestic-violence-resources-in-the-north-america If you suspect elder abuse, call 1-833-401-0832 and enter your 5-digit zip code to be connected to the Adult Protective Services in your county, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.  Please subscribe to the channel.   

Nothing but Cackles and Cankles from the Democrat Party! PLUS, Dr. Carole Lieberman, host of the Terrorist Therapist Podcast, tells Shaun how she filed a complaint with Adult Protective Services over Jill Biden's elder abuse of Joe and how this administration's incompetence is opening the door to terrorist attacks.   And Shaun talks to Morgan Lerette, author of Guns, Girls and Greed: I Was a Blackwater Mercenary in Iraq, about how the failures, laziness, and out-sourcing of duties led to the attempted assassination of President Trump.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Carole Lieberman, host of the Terrorist Therapist Podcast, tells Shaun how she filed a complaint with Adult Protective Services over Jill Biden's elder abuse of Joe and how this administration's incompetence is opening the door to terrorist attacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gary Gleeson Alex Rodda Raymond Kindred John McGrail Leonard Riendeau Charles Kimball John Fuoroli Brandi Mells, Shanta Myers, Jeremiah, and Shaniese Myers  To watch any of these stories you can find them on the Queer True Crime YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK4r13FF8ExLGbhfSH6i4hw For Help National Domestic Violence Hotline  1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Online live chat: thehotline.org If you or someone you know is in danger call 9-1-1 immediately. The International Domestic Violence Resource Guide (2024) is the largest resource worldwide.  https://www.cvpsd.org/post/domestic-violence-resources-in-the-north-america   If you suspect elder abuse, call 1-833-401-0832 and enter your 5-digit zip code to be connected to the Adult Protective Services in your county, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.  Please subscribe to the channel. 

 George Webber In this episode, A closeted man's search to fulfill his fetish leads him to hire a 16-year-old from a Craigslist ad. Charlie Howard Two gay men are attacked by a group of teens ending in murder.  Carlos Collins A former police officer's inability to let go ends in murder. James Sheehan Suffering from stage 4 cancer, an elderly man leans on a friend whose only interest is his money. Darrin Thorpe His death has been called a drug overdose but his husband suspects it might be a murder.  Carzella Little A late-night argument between girlfriends ends in murder.    To watch any of these stories you can find them on the Queer True Crime YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK4r13FF8ExLGbhfSH6i4hw   For Help National Domestic Violence Hotline  1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Online live chat: thehotline.org    If you or someone you know is in danger call 9-1-1 immediately.   The International Domestic Violence Resource Guide (2024) is the largest resource worldwide.  https://www.cvpsd.org/post/domestic-violence-resources-in-the-north-america If you suspect elder abuse, call 1-833-401-0832 and when prompted enter your 5-digit zip code to be connected to the Adult Protective Services in your county, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.  Please subscribe to the channel.   

Senior investor protection has long been a priority for FINRA, and the Vulnerable Adults and Seniors Team (VAST) is at the forefront of FINRA's efforts in this space. On this episode, we hear from Brooke Hickman, Director of the Vulnerable Adults and Seniors Investigative Team, Mike Paskin, a manager with VAST Investigations, and Liz Yoka, a manager of the VAST Intake team, to hear how the groups work with individual investors, firms, states and other regulators to prevent and detect financial exploitation of senior and other vulnerable investors.Resources mentioned in this episode:2024 Annual Regulatory Oversight ReportEpisode 72: Anti-Money Laundering and Elder ExploitationEpisode 128: The 2023 Senior Investor Protection ConferenceEpisode 105: The Essential Senior Investor Protection Tools: FINRA Rules 2165 and 4512FINRA Securities Helpline for Seniors – 844-57-HELPS (844-574-3577)FINRA Key Topic Page: Senior InvestorsFAQ Regarding FINRA's Rules Relating to Financial Exploitation of SeniorsTrusted Contact Infographic

In the 16th episode of Houston Law Nerd Podcast, I sit down with the Fort Bend County Attorney, Bridgette Smith-Lawson, who was first elected in 2020 and is running for re-election as an unopposed candidate for the November 2024 election. Her profile on the Fort Bend County website is found here: hhttps://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/county-attorney Listen in and learn while we discuss a number of topics including her decision while at the University of Houston to head to law school to become a lawyer, her early career in private practice in the Houston area handling criminal law, bankruptcy, civil litigation, probate, and guardianship matters, the start of her legal career as a "government lawyer," as she puts it, as a Regional Attorney with the Texas Department of Family Protective assigned to Adult Protective Services and later to Child Protective Services, her promotion to Managing Attorney for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services - Office of General Counsel, her decision to run for office as the Fort Bend County Attorney where she oversees a large staff of attorneys and investigators covering an extensive array issues, including representing Fort Bend County and its many offices and personnel on matters such as child welfare law, government liability, civil litigation, probate, policy interpretation, immigration law, and regulatory issues, and her expertise with the Robert's Rules of Order when real-time advising the Commissioner's Court, among many other topics.Email me with questions, comments, and suggestions for guests at HoustonLawNerd@gmail.com. Thanks again to Elias Haslanger and his group, Church on Monday, for the podcast's theme music. Elias's website is found here: https://www.elijazz.com/

Hometown Radio 02/13/24 3p: Charlotte Meade from Meade Canine Rescue then Robert Diaz from county Adult Protective Services

As we continue our conversation on Alzheimer's disease and dementia, Jeremy Cunningham, Public Policy Director of the Alzheimer's Association Utah Chapter, discusses what families and caretakers of patients need to know. Issues from the causes and contributions to cognitive decline and medications, to the legal/scam protections and policy, as well as Adult Protective Services. Even if you do not have a loved one with Alzheimer's, it is important to learn about this ‘Silver Tsunami’ issue of public health.  Even though we live in challenging times, we can become Relentlessly Resilient as we lean on and learn from one another’s experiences. Hosts Jennie Taylor and Michelle Scharf are no strangers to overcoming adversity; Michelle lost her husband to cancer, while Jennie’s husband, Major Brent Taylor, was killed in the service of our country. Their stories bond them together, and now listeners can join them weekly as they visit with others enduring challenges and who teach us how they are exercising resiliency, finding value in their grief, and purpose in moving forward.  Presented by Minky Couture, makers of the most luxurious and soft blankets with a mission to share comfort and love during the special moments of life. Listen to the Relentlessly Resilient Podcast regularly on your favorite platform, at kslpodcasts.com, kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSL NewsRadio App. Join the Resilience conversation on Facebook at @RelentlesslyResilient and Instagram @RelentlesslyResilientPodcast. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

In this newscast: A newly-release investigation finds that the state's Adult Protective Services office failed to properly respond to reports of an elder unable to care for themselves; The drinking water from a Nikiski utility contains higher-than-safe levels of PFAS

What do you do if you suspect financial abuse or physical abuse of an elder? What types of services does Adult Protective Services provide? Elder Care Coordinator Katlyn Green speaks with Renee Bouchillon the Director of Adult Protective Services.

December 1, 2023 - State oversight of adult protective services have improved in recent years, according to Tina Kim, deputy comptroller for the Division of State Government Accountability at the Office of the State Comptroller.

November is National Family Caregiver month and Nov. 12-18 is International Fraud Awareness Week. We sat down with Michelle Vybiral, our Centris strategic risk management, AVP to learn about elder care fraud and what to look for, how to protect elders in our care and resources available for education to hopefully prevent this from happening. Anybody can report suspected elder care fraud to Adult Protective Services by calling 1-800-652-1999. You can also contact the Department of Justice National Elder Fraud hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 or 833-372-8311.If you have any questions you would like us to ask our Subject Matter Experts, send them our way to apennyforyourthoughts@centrisfcu.orgFollow Centris on Social!Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedInThis is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

Jeff answers another set of commonly asked questions in this last part of our series. But keep your questions coming! Along with guest interviews and deep dives into special topics, we will continue to address your questions periodically. And, of course, we're happy to assist you in our workshops, meetings, and all of the ways we interact.   What You Need to Know    (02:20) What if I suspect that an elderly neighbor or a loved one is being abused? Call the police if someone is in immediate danger. If the situation is less immediate, contact Adult Protective Services.    (04:21) I don't have a spouse or children. What should I do with my assets?  Look to family first, perhaps siblings, nieces/nephews, etc. Also, consider donating to charities or organizations.   (05:16) Can I select someone outside my family for my power of attorney?   Find a professional who can provide these services. On the financial side, you want people who are bonded and insured. For health care, consider hiring a retired nurse to make medical decisions for you.    (12:28) What is probate?   If you own assets in your name alone (i.e., not jointly owned, not beneficiary designated, and not held in a trust), the assets go through your will and your will goes through probate court.     (14:49) Can't I do the probate process without an attorney?   Yes, but you will likely have questions about the process, timelines, creditor advertising, tax returns, etc. The executor is personally liable, so you want to get it right.    (15:43) Does the probate process cost money?  The county will assess fees and using an attorney comes with a price tag. But, to avoid potentially greater expenses and headaches, use professional help throughout the process.   (16:10) Why do lawyers charge what they charge?   Specialists charge what the market will bear. Hiring a highly educated and skilled attorney or law firm, however, can provide enormous benefits that offset the price.   (16:28) What is the cost of an estate plan?   A plan is worthless if it doesn't do what it needs to do. We lay out our prices for you in our educational workshop.    LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/ Life Care Planning The Three Secrets of Estate Planning Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390. Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/ X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/ Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/  

If you have ever wondered just what the role of Adult Protective Services truly is, when should you contact them, what kinds of investigations they make, and how much power do they actually have when it comes to protecting your loved one or any vulnerable adult, then this is required listening! (Even if you have never wondered, I recommend this show!)   My co-host, Don Priess, and I had an incredibly candid and enlightening  conversation with Bettina Morrow,  currently the Supervisor of Adult Protective Services in Jefferson County, Colorado.Bettina shares her invaluable, honest perspective of the program  that promotes "the safety, independence, and quality-of-life for vulnerable adults who are, or are in danger of, being abused, neglected by self or others, or financially exploited, and who are unable to protect themselves."  A program that can differ from state to state and even from county to county in terms of definitions, client eligibility requirements and standards of practice. With over 20 years of international experience, Bettina Morrow started her career in her home country of Australia before moving to the UK. There she practiced social work for 9 years, eventually leading to her move to the U.S.  Bettina is a true unicorn, having spent the last 15 years working with at-risk and vulnerable adults with specific expertise in elder abuse, dementia, and guardianship.  Bettina has obtained a Bachelor of Social Work and a Masters in Dementia, is a Nationally Certified Guardian, and has presented at state and national conferences. Support the showBEDSORE RESCUE - JEWELL NURSING SOLUTIONS: Home of the Patented Bedsore Rescue Positioning Wedge Cushions, Pads & Pillows (Use the PROMO CODE: NCFOP and All proceeds go to help fund the documentary NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE.) SOCIAVI: Connecting Generations Made Simple - Globally - the simplest way for older adults and people with disabilities to connect and engage with their families and friends. There is no username, no password, no login, and no app to choose from. Just a dedicated device, the Sociavi C2M (Connect To Me) device that is always on and ready to use (When you signup for an annual subscription, All proceeds go to help fund the documentary NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE.)No Country For Old People the documentary - MAKE YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION AT OUR GO FUND ME Follow us on Twitter, FB, IG, & TiK Tok

In March, FINRA hosted the Senior Investor Protection Conference, a one-day event dedicated to sharing the most up-to-date regulatory information, effective strategies and solutions for protecting senior and other vulnerable investors from exploitation. On this episode, we're taking an abridged look at one of the conference sessions on the various trends, scams and schemes currently impacting investors. Brooks Brown, Senior Director of FINRA's High-Risk Representative Unit, moderates the conversation with Amy Nofziger, Director of Victim Support for the AARP's Fraud Watch Network, Mayur Patel, Senior Principal Intelligence Specialist with FINRA's Financial Intelligence Unit, and Elizabeth Yoka, a Manager with FINRA's Vulnerable Adults and Seniors team.Resources mentioned in this episode:FTC Romance Scam DataAARP Helpline InfoAARP Fraud Watch NetworkThe Perfect Scam AARP PodcastFINRA Key Topic Page: Senior InvestorsReg Notice 22-25: Heightened Threat of Fraud in Small Cap IPOsReg Notice 22-05: Amendments to FINRA Rule 2165NASAA Senior WebsiteFINRA Conferences & EventsFINRA Securities Helpline for Seniors

Caller Questions: My son is divorcing after 21yrs and his 13yo daughter refuses to talk to him or us; what can we do?  I'm done with my elder cousin who complains about being abused by her adult granddaughter, but she won't help herself. Adult Protective Services came by and she didn't tell them anything. 

Episode 219  Have you noticed an increase in your drinking or started drinking later in life? If you said yes! you are not alone. With menopause, grief, and financial and work stress, women choose to start self-soothing with alcohol for the first time in their lives. The good news is, you can get sober over 50 too!  I believe the same reasons we drink are the same reasons we can choose not to.  My guest today, Peggi Cooney, is on the podcast to share her story of starting to drink in her 50s and the methods she used to get sober over 50. What You'll Discover  How Peggi's work as a social worker led to an increase in her drinking What Peggi did the day she quit drinking Alcohol advertisement and its effects on women Peggi's advice to ladies in their 60s who think it's too late to quit alcohol Peggi's top benefits of living a sober lifestyle Her biggest lesson in sobriety About Peggi Peggi is the author of This Side of Alcohol: Random thoughts and candid words of pain, hope, humor, love, and all that is possible in sobriety. – I highly suggest picking this one up!  She is also a social work instructor and coach with a master's in Social Work from California State University, Chico, and spent 16 years in Child Welfare and Adult Protective Services as a social worker. To connect with Peggi, please visit:     Website: https://thissideofalcohol.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thissideofalcohol Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thissideofalcohol/ Grab a copy of This Side of Alcohol book: https://amzn.to/3AGuMFG   To read this episode's full show notes, click here: https://www.lorimassicot.com/219   Connect with Lori    Join Lori's email community to receive inspiration and tips on how to find joy + confidence living alcohol-free later in life. Click here to join the mailing list.