Neighbor News
Brockton and Plymouth Organizations "March Against Elder Abuse" in June
OCES is the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) invites the public, civic leaders, health workers and community supporters to join them in "March Against Elder Abuse" walks, which will be held in Brockton and Plymouth in June.
June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month and OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, will be leading two marches in an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse.
Brockton March
On June 15, 2017, OCES and the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) will hold a March Against Elder Abuse walk, which begins at 12 p.m. at the Brockton COA, 10 Father Kenney Way. Participants march down Main Street to OCES' office and return to the COA for a special lunch with guest speakers.
RSVP to Lisa Mullin, 508-582-1561 ext. 220 or to the Brockton COA 508-580-7811 by June 8th.
Plymouth March
On June 22, 2017, OCES and the Center for Active Living (formerly known as Plymouth Council on Aging) will hold aMarch Against Elder Abuse walk in Plymouth. The march begins at 11 a.m. at the Center for Active Living, 44 Nook Road, Plymouth. Participants will be transported to the Plymouth waterfront to march before being transported back to the center for a lunch with guest speakers.
RSVP to Lisa Mullin, 508-582-1561 ext. 220 or to the Center for Active Living 508-830-4230 by June 15th.
"One in 10 Americans aged 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. Everyone is welcome to march with us as we strive to raise awareness and work together to help," said Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director.
The March Against Elder Abuse events are sponsored by HarborOne Bank, Roche Bros., Shaw's, Brockton Police, Plymouth Police Relief Association (PPRA), Plymouth County District Attorney, the Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center and the Plymouth Center for Active Living.
Both events will be held rain or shine.
Raising Awareness
Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, family members (spouses, adult children, partners and others) comprise the majority of abusers. Additionally, research indicates that individuals with dementia are at even greater risk for elder abuse.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million, or one in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23 cases go unreported.
OCES helps elders who have been victims of neglect or harm from a caregiver. When there is a report made to OCES, a Protective Services Worker investigates the report, provides support, and if needed, information about resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.
Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director, stressed that witnesses to elder abuse, or those who see symptoms of elder abuse, should report it to a protective services program or by calling the state's Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275.
For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.
