Forum Addresses Growing Problem of Elder Abuse

For Immediate Release: Monday, April 28, 2014

Research shows that as many as five million older adults are victims of elder abuse each year and that financial exploitation costs seniors an estimated $3 billion annually. In 2013, Adult Protective Services in Washington County received 3,257 suspected elder abuse referrals. Of those, 667 resulted in Adult Protective Service investigations.

To address this growing problem, Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services (DAVS) is hosting an Elder Abuse Forum. The community event takes place on Friday, May 16, from 1-4 p.m., at the Hillsboro Civic Center.

Jeff Hill, division manager for DAVS, says, “As physical and financial exploitation targeting older adults continues to become more prevalent in the United States, it is time that we encourage and educate older adults, their families, law enforcement and other agencies who work with elders to get informed about the warning signs and resources available to help prevent abuse.”

Speakers and panelists include Therese Hutchinson and Deborah Holton with the Office of Adult Abuse and Investigation, Matt Smith with Forest Grove Police Department, Ellen Klem with Department of Justice, Attorney Mike Schmidt, Adult Protective Services Manager Doug Colling, and Marcia Langer with Eldersafe.

Topics will include identifying and reporting elder abuse as well as financial scams and how to avoid them.

The forum is appropriate for all community members, including caregivers, law enforcement, social service providers and others who routinely come in contact with older adults.

For more information, contact Randy Mifflin at 503-846-3084.

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