In an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, invites the public to attend or participate in “March Against Elder Abuse” events in Brockton and Plymouth.
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. In an effort to increase awareness, OCES invites the public, civic leaders, health workers and community supporters to the following “March Against Elder Abuse” events:
On Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 10 a.m., OCES will hold a banner raising ceremony in front of their offices at 144 Main Street in Brockton. The Plymouth County Sheriff, Joseph McDonald Jr, as well as the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, Brockton Fire Department, and the Brockton Council on Aging will be present to raise the first March Against Elder Abuse banner.
On Thursday, June 13, 2019 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., OCES, the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and participants will March Against Elder Abuse along Main Street. The March starts at 12 p.m. at the Brockton COA, 10 Father Kenney Way and continues to OCES’ office and back. Upon returning to the COA, participants will enjoy a special lunch with guest speakers.
RSVP by June 6th to Lisa Mullin at 508-584-1561 ext. 220 or email lmullin@ocesma.org.
On Thursday, June 20, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., the Center for Active Living (formerly known as Plymouth Council on Aging) will March Against Elder Abuse in Plymouth. The March begins at the Center for Active Living, 44 Nook Road in Plymouth. Participants will be transported to the Pilgrim Memorial State Park to walk at 11 a.m., then transported back to the center for a lunch and a special ceremony.
RSVP by June 13th to Lisa Mullin at 508-584-1561 ext. 220 or email lmullin@ocesma.org, or directly to the Center for Active Living 508-830-4230.
All events will be held rain or shine.
Recognizing Elder Abuse
Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect. Common risk factors are social isolation, poor physical health and dementia.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million older adults are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. One in 10 Americans age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse.
OCES Protective Services Program staff works with older adults or their designees to prevent, eliminate or remedy situations involving emotional, physical or sexual abuse, neglect by a caregiver, financial exploitation and/or self–neglect. When there is a report made to the Elder Abuse Hotline, and the elder resides in our catchment area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation is necessary by a Protective Services Worker.
If you need help or information, call OCES Protective Services at 508-584-1561.
To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/
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 offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.
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