Brenda Shorkend

Elder Abuse - Undue Influence

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

I have a background in rehabilitation psychology and decades of experience working with older people, people with disabilities and their families. I am also a Certified Advanced Professional member and a Fellow of the Leadership Academy of the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA). I am committed to adhering to the ALCA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, and do not have a financial relationship with any service, professional or community that I recommend to clients. I specialize in the issues facing older people with dementia and chronic illnesses, as well as people with neurological, intellectual and developmental disabilities. I formerly worked at Huntington Hospital's Senior Care Network in Pasadena and have worked in various settings, including acute care, neurogeriatrics, oncology, rehabilitation and memory clinics. I bring objectivity, experience and compassion to my work. I have extensive knowledge of the elder care industry and medical issues. I am familiar with legal and court procedures and have worked with and presented at conferences with Probate Judges, Professional Fiduciaries and attorneys. Experience Court-mandated Evidence Code 730 Evaluations Numerous comprehensive assessments and plans of care for California Licensed Professional Fiduciaries, Probate Litigators and other attorneys Comprehensive, well-written, and clearly stated reports Expertise I provide a comprehensive and holistic overview of an older person’s life. I have experience navigating complex, ambiguous situations: I know what bad things can happen and I know what to look for in the “gray areas” of elder abuse. These support areas include: - Elder abuse, exploitation and neglect - Insufficient or neglectful medical care - Quality of care and suitability of current living arrangement - Physical and emotional safety - Undue influence - Complex family dynamics and dysfunction - Quality of life Professional Experience Shorkend Care Management 2011-present Caltech, Pasadena 2007-2010 Editorial and Research Assistant, Einstein Papers Project Project Archivist, Caltech Archives Editorial Assistant, Division of Chemistry and Engineering Senior Care Network, Huntington Hospital, Pasadena 2004-2005; 2010 Geriatric Care Manager University of Southern California, Los Angeles 2003 Rehabilitation specialist, EXCITE Research Trial, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy Clalit HMO, Jerusalem, Israel 1994-2002 Unit psychologist - Day Rehabilitation Unit Consultant psychologist - Geriatric Assessment and Memory Unit Bizchut and the Association of Civil Rights in Israel, Jerusalem 1991-1996 Coordinator of the Resident Advocacy (Ombudsman) Program at an institution for people with developmental disabilities Herzog Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel 1991-1992 Psychologist - Neurogeriatric Unit Assaf Harofe Hospital, Israel 1990-1991 Psychologist - Rehabilitation Center and Child Development Unit Shmuel Harofe Geriatric Hospital, Beer Yaakov, Israel 1988-1991 Psychologist Hadassah Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel 1987-1988 Psychologist – Oncology Day Ward Education MA in Rehabilitation Psychology, Bar Ilan University, Israel BA in Psychology and English Linguistics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel Licenses and Certification NACCM Certified Care Manager Qualified Rehabilitation Psychologist, licensed to practice, Israel Health Ministry Multiple presentations for example: Aging Life Care Association Conferences, Professional Fiduciary Association of California Conferences, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Orange County Bar Association, Woodland Hills Tax and Estate Planning Council, Riverside Estate Planning Council.