Project Proposal

Legal Studies Academy

Becca Robertson
October 28, 2015

A. Abstract
I will be researching elder abuse, specifically in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
The title of my paper is The Causes, Implications, and Reporting Methods of Elder Abuse in
Nursing Homes. The title of my project is Ensuring the Golden Years are Golden. I have
selected this issue because the elderly have always been close to my heart. My great aunt was a
resident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and I came to visit her often. As I visited, I met many
interesting and inspiring individuals and decided to come volunteer as often as I could. I have
been volunteering for two years now, and I have grown very passionate about eldercare. I
unfortunately discovered that there is a large amount of elder abuse occurring all of the world,
and that it is not being reported. My goal by the end of my research paper and project is to raise
awareness of elder abuse, and the correct ways to report it. The driving questions to guide my
research will be as follows: Who are the abusers, and when does it happen? How often does it
occur? What regulations do nursing homes and assisted living facilities have to maintain? How
can elder abuse be reported, and how do you know it is occurring? How far do the laws such as
the Elder Justice Act and the Older Americans Act extend, when handling reported elder abuse?
For my project I would like to host a classical and jazz concert for the residents and anyone
else who would like to attend. The event will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The
audience will be family of residents, staff at Our Lady, my friends and family, and students of
First Colonial. I am hoping to benefit the elderly by raising awareness of abuse, and also to
create a fun afternoon for everyone. To assist me along the process I have asked my previous AP
environmental science teacher Mrs. Grimes, who has kindly agreed to help. I will need food,
drinks, local musicians, and an audience to successfully complete my project.

B. Learning Skills
I will need to learn (enhanced skills):

How to write professional emails

Organize order of events

Meetings with consultant; plan

I will need to learn (new skills):

How to gather an audience

Use social media to advertise for the event

Make professional phone calls

Communicate with the director to plan event

Secure local musicians for concert

C. Project Steps
Preliminary steps

Meet with consultant to

3 hours

discuss project. Meet with

activities director at Our
Midway steps

Lady.
Plan project, including the
activity and all necessary

7 hours

materials. Start advertising

for event. Follow up with
director of activities and
Later steps

musicians
Gather materials, and host

8 hours

Follow-up steps

event. Raise awareness.

Write thank-you cards to

2 hours

consultant, musicians, and to

all that assisted the project.

D. Project Documentation
I will document my project through:

Journals

A time log

Emails from activities coordinator and consultant

Copies of advertisement, and activities flyer

Progress Reports

Receipts from materials bought

Photos from event- audience with elderly

E. Project Justification

Through my paper and project, I hope to educate myself on the issue of elder abuse, and also
learn the correct ways to report it. I hope to spread this information through my event. By
spreading this information, I would like to provide a fun and informational event where the youth
at First Colonial, family and residents at Our Lady can enjoy a concert together.
F. Project-Paper Connection
My paper is delving into the abuse that occurs at nursing homes and assisted living facilities, so
naturally my project directly correlates to the paper. My project will be held at Our Lady of
Perpetual Help, which is a nursing home and assisted living facility. By hosting my event here, I
am demonstrating that Our Lady is a positive example of how a nursing home should take care
of their residents. I am also reaching out to the community, FCHS students, and the residents
families by hosting the concert. This concert will allow for the non-residents to spend time with
the residents and provide a social event for everyone.
G. Academic Honesty
I understand that any academic dishonesty by me on any part of the project will result in failure
of the Senior Project and forfeiture of the Legal Studies Seal on my High School diploma.
H. Completion Dates
Dates
November 2015- January 2016

Project Steps
Meet with consultant to discuss project. Meet

February 12, 19, 26

February 2016

with activities director at Our Lady.

Progress Reports Due.
Plan project, including the activity and all
necessary materials. Start advertising for event;
place advertisement in local news flyer at Our

Lady. Follow up with director of activities and

March 4, 11, 18, 25
April 6-7, 2016
April 8, 2016

musicians.
Progress Reports Due.
Set up event, prepare for event.
Gather materials, and host event. Raise
awareness.
Project due overview

I. Facilities Impact Form

N/A