County Executive Mike Hein Proclaims June 15th 2016 As Elder Abuse Awareness Day In Ulster County

Posted June 14, 2016

The Ulster County Elder Abuse Prevention Task Force To Hold Conference on June 21st

Kingston, NY - Ulster County Executive Mike Hein proclaims June 15, 2016 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Ulster County to raise awareness of the serious issue of elder abuse.  Elder abuse is any form of mistreatment that results in harm or loss to an older person, and those elders most susceptible tend to be those who are physically and cognitively frail and socially isolated.  Elder abuse can include neglect as well as physical, emotional and financial abuse and exploitation.  The County Executive’s Elder Abuse Prevention Task Force is hosting an Elder Abuse Prevention Conference on June 21, 2016 at SUNY Ulster, Vanderlyn Hall, 491 Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge, NY.  Reservations are required at 845-340-3456.

Michael P. Hein, Ulster County Executive

“Elder Abuse can take many forms and unfortunately sometimes targets some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community, our seniors who are ill or isolated,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “It is estimated that elders throughout the United States lose approximately $2.6 billion or more annually due to financial abuse or exploitation.  I thank and applaud the Elder Abuse Prevention Task Force and its members for the amazing work they are doing to raise awareness by providing the public with information regarding the warning signs of elder abuse as well as the resources available in Ulster County.”

Kelly McMullen, Director of the Ulster County Office for the Aging  and Chair of the Elder Abuse Prevention Task Force

“Every year an estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23.5 cases go unreported,” said Kelly McMullen, Director of the Ulster County Office for the Aging and Chair of the Elder Abuse Prevention Task Force.  “I appreciate County Executive Hein’s support on this important issue and his formation of the Elder Abuse Prevention Task Force.  The Task Force consists of a conglomerate of community partners working together to raise awareness and provide education in addressing elder abuse in Ulster County.”

Michael Iapoce, Commissioner of the Ulster County Department of Social Services and Executive Member of the Ulster County Elder Abuse Task Force

"The Ulster County Department of Social Services is pleased to join County Executive Hein in recognizing June 15th as Elder Abuse Awareness Day," said Michael Iapoce, Commissioner of the Ulster County Department of Social Services and a member of the Executive Board of the Ulster County Elder Abuse Task Force.  “I am proud to participate in this year's Elder Abuse Prevention Task Force Conference and have DSS' Adult Protective Services Unit represented with staff available to answer questions. The protection of vulnerable adults and elder abuse prevention are important community issues that the Department is committed to addressing in connection with our mandated responsibilities and as a Member of the Task Force." 

Types of  Elder Abuse:

  • Financial abuse; misuse of funds or credit cards, forgery and schemes to defraud.

  • Self-Neglect; not taking care of one’s basic needs- home is in disarray, lack of personal hygiene.

  • Neglect; failure to provide a dependent senior with clothing, food, medicine, or shelter.

  • Emotional; which may involve humiliation or threats.

  • Physical; abuse that causes bodily injury, pain, or impairment.

If you are concerned about something you have noticed, please tell someone by contacting one of the following agencies which are available Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

  • Adult Protective Services: (845) 334-5125

  • Ulster County’s Office for the Aging: (845) 340-3456

  • Hands On Hudson Valley: (845) 229-4680 (for those residing in Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living and family style homes)

  • Hudson Valley Long-Term Care Ombudsman Services: (845) 229-4680.

If you see an elder in imminent jeopardy or danger, please call 911.

 

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