Orland Township and South Suburban Senior Services of Catholic Charities are hosting a program on elder abuse, “Elder Abuse: Know the Signs” on Wednesday, April 13, at 7 p.m. at the Orland Township building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave.
The presentation will focus on a variety of topics: a description of elder abuse, whom it effects, case scenarios of different forms of elder abuse, how a trained and certified elder abuse case worker can help the victim and family and information on the South Suburban Senior Services of Catholic Charities.
The program will be led by South Suburban Senior Services of Catholic Charities’ Justine Osun and Cynthia Hendricks. Osun is an elder abuse supervisor and has been with the agency for 12 years. She has a master’s degree in human service administration for non for profits and has worked 25 years in the field of developmental disabilities and mental health.
Hendricks is an elder abuse case worker and acting elder abuse supervisor. She has been with the agency for 11 years and has a degree in criminal justice. She also works as a case worker for the child welfare system in addition to elder abuse.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, one in 10 elders may experience some type of abuse but only one in five cases are reported. Elder abuse can consist of physical abuse, neglect, emotional or psychological abuse, verbal abuse and threats, financial abuse, exploitation, sexual abuse and abandonment.
Elder abuse can occur anywhere, including homes and nursing facilities and can affect members of all socio-economic groups and races. Mental health and substance abuse issues in both victims and abusers can be risk factors.
There are ways to prevent elder abuse: report any mistreatment that is suspected, keep in contact with elders and be aware of the possibility of abuse.
To reserve a spot, call (708) 403-4222.
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