Released on: June 13, 2008, 11:23 pm

Press Release Author: Irene A. Masiello

Industry: Law

Press Release Summary: The American Psychological Association estimates that
approximately 2.1 million senior citizens are victims of physical and psychological
neglect and abuse every year.


Press Release Body: New York, NY, June 14, 2008 -- Bennett Blum, M.D.,
internationally acclaimed forensic and geriatric psychiatrist and an expert in undue
influence, has added his pioneering work to that of author Irene A. Masiello in
\"Paradise Costs-A Victim\'s Daughter Fights Back Against Elder Abuse,\" the
heart-wrenching story of an infirm, 80-year-old man with Alzheimer\'s who was taken
from his family, stripped of his assets and exploited despite the pleas of his next
of kin.

Driven by grim statistics from national elder advocacy groups indicating there may
be more than 25 million cases of elder exploitation in America, Dr. Blum and Ms.
Masiello have joined forces to inform readers via a compelling true story while
providing professional assessment guidelines that are used internationally.

Masiello supports her father\'s tragic story with his suspicious forensic report
exemplifying a terrifying reality facing the elderly in America today. Mario
Masiello, a hearing-impaired, honorably discharged, World War II veteran, retired
from the NYC Transit Authority and relocated to the quaint town of Walterboro, SC.
Twenty years later, his blissful life was ravaged by the death of his wife and by
several illnesses including diabetes, Alzheimer\'s and depression. \"Paradise Costs\"
tells the chilling true story of the last years of his life when he was
\"grandpa-napped\" from his family by neighbors and \"friends.\"

The American Psychological Association estimates that approximately 2.1 million
senior citizens are victims of physical and psychological neglect and abuse every
year. Many cases go unreported. Ms. Masiello\'s objective is to provide a voice to
the millions of silent or ignored victims. \"I never thought this type of betrayal
and brutality could happen in my family,\" says his daughter. \"My experience has made
me realize how little people know about the deadly American pandemic that is elder
abuse.\"

Created in a workbook format, \"Paradise Costs\" shows Americans how to take action in
support of federal legislation to stop elder abuse now. The sample letters and
petitions (which are also available at www.ParadiseCosts.com) are designed to help
readers voice their concerns to federal officials.

\"I\'m urging participation via our interactive book and web site to lobby legislators
to pass the Elder Justice Act now on the floor of both Houses of Congress,\" says the
author. \"Hopefully, others will be spared the suffering my father was forced to
endure, and their families will not have to look on helplessly in horror as mine
did.\"

Dr. Blum states, \" \'Paradise Costs\' is a tragic, true-life tale. Unfortunately, the
behaviors depicted in this book are all too common. No one knows how often
criminals, \'brand new best friends\' or family members exploit the elderly.Money has
always been associated with the worst of human behavior. Elder financial abuse is no
exception. Some of those taking assets from the elderly have been tied to gang
violence, prostitution and drug trafficking. Their elderly victims are often
subjected to physical abuse, neglect, abandonment, sexual abuse and murder.\"

Recognizing the difficulty of the aftermath of this tragedy, Ms. Masiello is
determined not to let her father\'s death be in vain. \"My goal now is to take my
story to the nation and raise awareness of this deplorable social ill that\'s
plaguing America,\" she says.
Dr. Blum and Ms. Masiello are members of the Elder Justice Coalition

Contact: Irene A. Masiello, IreneAMasiello@cs.com, www.ParadiseCosts.com or
Bennett Blum, M.D. BennettBlum@aol.com, www.BennettBulmMD.com

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Contact:
Irene A. Masiello,
Paradise Costs
New York, NY
(305) 447-8678
IreneAMasiello@cs.com,
http://www.ParadiseCosts.com

Web Site: http://www.ParadiseCosts.com

Contact Details: Irene A. Masiello,
Paradise Costs
New York, NY
(305) 447-8678
IreneAMasiello@cs.com,
http://www.ParadiseCosts.com