Transforming Lummi Nation's Response to Elder Abuse

The purpose of this award, funded under the OVC FY 2019 Transforming America's Response to Elder Abuse: Coordinated, Enhanced Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs) for Older Victims of Abuse and Financial Exploitation Program, is to support elder abuse multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) as enhanced MDT’s (E-MDTs) at the rural, tribal, local or state levels, including existing and new teams. Through this solicitation, OVC seeks to support organizations which demonstrate innovative strategies to create, expand, or enhance the use of technology initiatives on a national scale or that can be relicated nationally to improve response, services, and access for victims of crime.

The Lummi Nation Transforming Elder Abuse Service Project will create a strategic plan to prevent and eliminate Elder Abuse, incorporating all of the program services, functions, and activities of the Lummi Nation. Lummi Nation will work with internal and external partners to insure that a comprehensive set of services are available to Lummi Nation Elders. The Lummi Nation has 975 Elders ages 55 and older that reside on the Lummi Reservation. During 2018 570 elders have identified themselves as victims of elder abuse. This is a rate of nearly 60% of Tribal elders. Lummi Nation will develop specific Elder Abuse Prevention and Elimination Services to support our elders. The MDT team will consist of an Elder Mentor, Mental Health Counselor, Clinical Social Worker, Lummi Police Officer, Elder Advocate, Lummi Housing member and two new tribal liaisons. An Elder Wellness Coordinator will collaborate services with housing, health clinic, Elders program, and Behavioral Health. Tribal Liaisons will visit at-risk elders at the beginning of each month to prevent/address financial exploitation and identify housing issues that need to be addressed, such as repairs or lack of electricity.

CA/NCF