In a Des Moines Register article entitled: "Agencies clash over elder-abuse handling" dated Feb. 26, 2006, Clark Kauffman wrote: "The Iowa Attorney Gereral's office has accused the director of a major state agency of engaging in vindictive, unethical and illegal behavior in the investigation of crimes against the elderly." The story goes on to say that, The Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller claims "The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals is violating the rights of individuals accused of abusing seniors." Tom Miller also said that an inspector even "Claimed she was pressured by the department to change her findings to indicate the abuse had occurred".

Ed Fallon Uncovered $350,000 in mismanaged funds within the Department of
Human Services.

"Inspections officials are lacking in competence and ethics"-Attorney General Tom Miller as quoted by the Des Moines Register Feb. 26, 2006

When the DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES publishes their statistics on abused children and adults, they make it appear as if there is an ever-increasing problem. But in TRUTH, the only difference is in how "abuse" is defined, and how cases are handled. For example, the DHS would have you believe that elder abuse is on the rise, but this is nothing more that deception. In fiscal year 2002, the Dept. of Elder Affairs launched the Elder Abuse Initiative. This has resulted in what they claim is "enhanced prevention, detection, and reporting of abuse"...in reality, they have broadened the scope of what is officially considered abuse, and increased the tenacity with which the DHS pursues these cases. By doing this, they can justify an inflated budget for the DHS and thus secure their own jobs! These people like to cite statistics in their arguements...But remember what Mark Twain said, "There are three kinds of lies...Lies, damn lies, and STATISTICS!" ...Always question the validity of any argument based on statistics.

At the Elder Affairs website, they claim that between fiscal years 2003 and 2005, referrals received have increased 89%, New clients have increased 248%, and information and assistance has increased 56%. They also claim that the result is a savings of money. This makes no sense at all. In my grandma's situation, she has been forced on to Medicaid (Title XIX) against her will, in order to pay for her incarceration at the Fleur Heights nursing home. HOW is this SAVING? It costs thousands of dollars per month for a person to be in one of these places such as Fleur Heights. Because of this, there are more tax dollars being taken from legitimate programs. The governor's budget request is an increase of $3,000,000 for the CMPFE (Case Management Program for Frail Elders) is an example of this rapidly spreading threat. This money would be used to continue the same kinds of policies as those which have imprisoned so many of Iowa's elders like my Grandma. In fact, all you have to do is look at the legislative trend since January, and the whole picture starts to come together. To see for yourself, just click here, and then scroll down to the bottom.

This whole mess is very sad for our elders. It began as good intentions gone amuck, and now I'm afraid it has become so political that if people don't speak up soon, they will find that once they reach a certain age, they will be locked away by the state "for their own good."

Another aspect of this nightmare, is the concept of the "Mandatory Reporter". This makes it a legal obligation for anyone in the healthcare field, doctors, nurses, paramedics, etc. to report anything that might be evidence of abuse as defined by the state. In other words, they have created an atmosphere where a healthcare provider might be scared not to report even the most insignificant of observations to the DHS. They may fear loss of their medical license, or other sanctions. This is very sad, because before long, people will fear going to the doctor since they have in effect become "agents of the state". There is no true privacy between a physician and their patient. The state is taking control of your doctor...and this must end!

The Dept. of Elder Affairs claims to have adopted a program called PACE...programs for all-inclusive care of the elderly. This was supposed to have been based on the way in which Asian-Americans in SanFrancisco prefer to care for their elders at home...but this is NOT what the State of Iowa is doing. Click here for the details about what this program is supposed to be about. This would be laughable if not for the reality of the situation.

The laws on elder abuse have been written so broadly, that it gives the DHS a free hand to implement any policies they see fit...including ones which imprison our elders, and cause them and their families undo stress, and mental anguish. They even criminalize family members who try to care for their elderly loved ones. If you bring your elderly father in to have a bruise looked at, you very well may find yourself charged with abuse!

Iowa Code for Elder Affairs...This is the law authorizing the Dept. of Elder Affairs.

Iowa Code for Dependent Adult Abuse...This is the law enacted to "protect" dependent adults in Iowa.

Iowa Administrative Code for the Dept. of Elder Affairs...These are the rules that govern the DEA's operations.

Iowa DHS Administrative Rules...These are the rules that govern the DHS's operations.

Make no mistake, once an Iowan turns 60, they are a target. It is only a matter of time before they start reporting results of all physical examinations to some committee or investigators at the DHS. The state is making medical decisions for people. They ordered a psychological examination on my grandmother, and have taken charge of her medical care. It is the state who has control of her body. She worked hard all her life, went to church on Sundays, and paid her taxes...and for what? For the governent to step up and take control of her life during what are supposed to be her golden years? My grandmother deserves better, you deserve better, and the world deserves better.

BIG BROTHER is becoming more and more intrusive in people's lives. This is yet another example of the horrors George Orwell warned us about. We as a people, have often criticized other nations for their violation of human rights. During the rein of Nazi terror in Europe, the government would force sterilization of certain people they considered "undesireables"...for the "good" of the state. Likewise, in this country, government forced the sterilization of many with mental disorders, so that they could not reproduce and thus "taint" the gene pool of our great nation. They would even perform lobotomys on some of these poor souls. Those policies were eventually seen to be immoral. But now we find ourselves faced with similar, and in many ways, more sinister state policies. The DHS is supposed to be charged with serving the public. They are supposed to help people, NOT LOCK THEM UP! They obtain court orders for psychological evaluations, and other procedures. The DHS has in effect become a "Granny Gestapo". Most of us have heard horror stories of how they have remove children from the care of their parents; now they are coming for grandma and grandpa too! And remember, they are doing this all in the name of "protection" and "doing what's best" for those they imprison. I submit, that what the DHS, and all associated state agencies are doing here, is nothing short of abuse in and of itself! The DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES is one of the most FEARED of GOVERNMENT AGENCIES...even more so than the IRS! ...And for good reason... They INTRUDE in the most intimate of family affairs, they present themselves as friends, and they keep smiling while twisting the knife in your back, stealing your children, or kidnapping your grandmother...And, they do all this while operating in SECRECY!!! They cite confidentiality (as if that somehow benefits the one being investigated!) Who is to protect us from this onslaught of bureaucratic despotism? The answer is, "WE MUST PROTECT OURSELVES AND OUR LOVED ONES!" We must halt the advancing hordes that seek to strip us of our rights. We must put an end to this nightmarish chapter of Iowa history. In this country, the government derives its power from the people, not vice-versa. And as such, the people have the ultimate say in law and social policy. YOU can make a difference...Click here to find out how.