Elder abuse is on the rise. Last year, Old Colony Elder Services’ Protective Services department staff assisted over 800 abused or neglected elders within the service area. OCES helps elders who have been victims of neglect or harm from a caregiver; types of abuse include physical, verbal, psychological and financial. To keep elders living safely in their homes, Protective Service Workers provide assessments, advocacy and resources.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is Friday, June 15, 2012. OCES will have information booths set up at local pharmacies and supermarkets in Brockton, Stoughton, Plymouth, Rockland and Wareham. OCES’ Protective Services staff will provide educational and outreach materials and be available to answer questions.
“We are taking a local outreach approach by setting up information booths in a few of our communities with the goals of increasing public awareness about what constitutes elder abuse, how to recognize it and how to assist elders in need,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.
Information booths will be set up from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the following locations:
• Walmart, 700 Oak Street, Brockton MA
• Stop & Shop, 683 Belmont Street, Brockton MA
• Walmart, 300 Colony Place Road, Plymouth MA
• Walgreens, 413 Washington Street, Stoughton MA
• Walgreens, 75 Market Street, Rockland MA
• Stop & Shop, 2991 Cranberry Highway, Wareham MA
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, OCES staff will be wearing purple ribbons; everyone is encouraged to wear something purple to show their support to end elder abuse and neglect.
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 OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve 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, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 communities 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. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.
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