State project targets abuse of elderly

Certified nursing assistants throughout the state are being asked to do their part in identifying and reporting abuse of the elderly.

The Nevada State Board of Nursing gave its blessing Tuesday to a training program to help CNAs deal with elder abuse. The program was developed in conjunction with the attorney general's office and the state Division of Aging Services.

The "Elder Abuse: What Can CNAs Do About It?" program was introduced by state and local officials in Reno Tuesday morning and in Las Vegas in the afternoon. Workshops will run July 12 to Oct. 21 throughout the state.

The nursing board reported 6,918 cases of elderly abuse throughout the state from 1994 to 1998. In Clark County the number of incidents more than doubled from 667 in 1994 to 1,354 in 1998.

"Not only are CNAs in good positions to recognize and report abuse, but unfortunately they are sometimes the ones who are abusing, neglecting and exploiting the older person," Apple said. "We'd much rather prevent abuse than discipline CNAs for committing it."

In addition to physical abuse, the elderly are exploited in several ways, the attorney general's office noted. They include:

* Mismanaging their income or assets.

* Signing their checks or using an ATM without their consent.

* Charging excessive fees for rent, care-giving or other services.

* Obtaining money or property by undue influence, misrepresentation or fraud.

In addition, CNAs will be taught how to recognize elder abuse or neglect and how to deal with difficult and abusive patients.

"Certified Nursing Assistants are on the front lines providing care to older Nevadans in nursing homes or through home health agencies," Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa said.

Del Papa said if CNAs fail to report elder abuse, they could face fines up to $25,000 and incarceration for up to 20 years depending on the abuse.

"It is not our preference to prosecute CNAs," Pam Roberts, deputy attorney general, said at the Las Vegas meeting.

"CNAs are the hardest working individuals. We want to go to the CNAs for help and not their supervisors."

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