In an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse, more than 160 older adults, civic leaders, health workers and supporters participated in “March to End Elder Abuse” walks held in Brockton and Plymouth.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, joined with organizations in Brockton and Plymouth to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in June.
For the fourth consecutive year, OCES joined with Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and HarborOne in a March to End Elder Abuse. On June 15th, more than 100 participated in the walk, many wearing purple “End Elder Abuse” t-shirts and carrying handmade signs.
After the march, which started at the Brockton COA and followed Main Street to the OCES office, participants enjoyed a lunch at the COA headquarters. To view a video of the event as covered by Brockton Community Access, visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oCw3qIFHD8&index=4&list=PLP2sevPPOmKk9P6GIYbVqfrOxpIheyNzA
On June 23rd, OCES joined forces with the Plymouth Center for Active Living (formerly known as Council on Aging/COA), the Plymouth Networking Group for Senior Services (PNG), and Plymouth C.A.R.E.S inthe first annual March to End Elder Abuse in Plymouth. More than 60 people marched along the waterfront, followed by lunch, guest speakers and an awards ceremony at the Plymouth Center for Active Living. Several individuals who have assisted seniors in protective services and in the town of Plymouth received recognition awards including Lisa Budge-Johnson, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department Outreach Coordinator, Attorney Mary Kate Connelly, Ken Beuchs, Steve Lydon, and Plymouth Police Captain Bruce McNamee.
OCES would like to thank the Boys & Girls Club, who helped make the signs; staff from the Plymouth Center for Active Living; Plymouth Networking Group; transportation by Stafford Assisted Living, Brookdale Assisted Living and GATRA; guest speakers; State Representative Matt Muratore; Connie DiLego, Center for Active Living Director. A certificate of Congressional recognition to OCES was received from U.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch’s office.
To read more about the Brockton and Plymouth March to End Elder Abuse events, visit http://www.ocesma.org.
Raising Awareness
Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, family members (spouses, adult children, partners and others) comprise the majority of abusers. Additionally, research indicates that individuals with dementia are at even greater risk for elder abuse.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million, or one in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23 cases go unreported.
OCES helps elders who have been victims of neglect or harm from a caregiver. When there is a report made to OCES, a Protective Services Worker investigates the report, provides support, and if needed, information about resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.
Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director, stressed that witnesses to elder abuse, or those who see symptoms of elder abuse, should report it to a protective services program or by calling the state’s Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275.
About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.
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