Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Elder Abuse Awareness Event on June 8th
Old Colony Elder Services, an elder services agency providing supportive resources to seniors living in greater Plymouth county and the Brockton area.
- (1888PressRelease) May 16, 2011 - BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA. -
will hold an Elder Abuse Awareness Event on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 2 pm at the Conference Center in their Brockton office located at 144 Main Street. This event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. Light refreshments will be served.
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15th), Old Colony Elder Services will be showing the documentary film "An Age for Justice - Confronting Elder Abuse in America" produced by the Elder Justice Now campaign. In the video, older Americans share their personal stories of neglect, physical or emotional abuse and exploitation. Along with the video, a number of guest speakers will also address the subject. Educational material will be distributed during the event.
Last year alone, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) assisted 800 abused or neglected elders within the Plymouth county and Brockton area. OCES' Protective Services department helps elders who have been victims of abuse by providing resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.
Elder abuse ranges from physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse to neglect. OCES has outlined some warning signs of abuse from the National Center for Elder Abuse:
Physical Abuse ‐ Slap marks, unexplained bruises, most pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns
Sexual Abuse ‐ Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
Emotional Abuse ‐ Withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes
Financial Abuse/Exploitation ‐ Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as "loans" or "gifts," and loss of property
Neglect ‐ Pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration
"To help create greater awareness of what constitutes elder abuse; how to recognize it and assist elders in need, we're holding this event on June 8th at our Conference Center," noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services. "As Baby Boomers age and the elder population increases, raising awareness about this growing problem is imperative."
To report suspected elder abuse or neglect, contact OCES' Protective Services at (508) 584-1561, or the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.
About Old Colony Elder Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit corporations designated as Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.
OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.
The organization's mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization. In 2009, Old Colony Elder Services was honored with the Metro South Chamber of Commerce's "Economic Impact Award". The agency has 140 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org
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