May 24, 2019 -- In an effort to reduce the number of instances of elder abuse in Westchester County, the Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) is hosting an educational program on how to avoid scams and fraud that target older adults. The event, which is being held in recognition of the thirteenth annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, will be held at the Port Chester Senior Center on Friday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to noon. The Port Chester Community Senior Center is located at 222 Grace Church Street in Port Chester. This program is free to the public and no registration is necessary.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Our elderly community is one of our most vulnerable populations, and we need to be doing everything we can to ensure our seniors are safe. Elder abuse can effect anyone and comes in many forms, including physical, emotional or financial abuse, and often times seniors are unable to defend themselves or get the help they need. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this informative workshop, and learn more about the ways the County can help you if you fall victim to abuse.”
Gary Brown, the New York Attorney General’s Statewide Elder Abuse Coordinator, and Jamie E. Fair, an assistant district attorney with the Westchester District Attorney’s Special Prosecution Division, will be among the presenters for this important program.
Elder abuse refers to the intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver, “trusted” individual or stranger that lead to, or may lead to the harm of a vulnerable older person. The abuse can be physical, emotional or financial, and the problem crosses social and economic lines.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is sponsored by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. The program in Port Chester is sponsored by the Westchester County Elder Abuse Coalition of the county’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS).
The U.S. Justice Department says that a minimum of one in nine or 11 percent of Americans over age 60 have experienced some form of elder abuse. In Westchester County, it is estimated that 15 percent of the population over 60 are victims. Protective Services for Adults – part of the County’s Department of Social Services – said that last year there were almost 200 calls received each month reporting suspected cases of elder abuse in the County. The actual number of cases could be even higher, however, because most cases are not reported.
For more information, please contact DSPS at (914) 813-6300.