Georgetown, DE (Sept. 17, 2014): Each year, more than two million senior citizens in America – nearly 5,500 every day – are abused, neglected or exploited. That number, likely low due to underreporting, is only expected to rise in the years ahead, as the nation’s 65-and-older population is expected to double by 2030.
But elder abuse can be prevented, even stopped in its tracks, if one knows the signs and is diligent about protecting themselves or those they love from become targets in the first place.
To help seniors, their families, caregivers and health professionals understand and prevent elder abuse, the Sussex County Advisory Committee on Aging & Adults with Physical Disabilities will host the Second annual LIVE Conference: Live Safe and Secure from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at Sussex Academy, 21150 Airport Road, in Georgetown. The Sussex County Council and Delaware Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities are co-sponsoring the event.
The conference will feature a variety of panel discussions focused on ways to educate and protect seniors from scams, fraud, long-term care abuse and violent crime.
“The mission of the LIVE Conference is to educate our senior population, as well as their families and caregivers, to empower them with knowledge so they can make choices that allow them to live safe, secure, independent and happy lives,” said Sally Beaumont, chairwoman of the advisory committee. “We had a tremendous turnout for our first conference in 2013, when we focused on healthcare issues. Elder abuse is another significant issue facing the senior community and we are confident this year’s conference will be just as relevant and informative.”
Rita Landgraf, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, will be this year’s keynote speaker. Secretary Landgraf will discuss efforts Delaware is taking to ensure the safety and security of the state’s older population and will take questions from the audience. Meantime, a panel of experts, including George Camacho, Delaware State Police community liaison; Dawn Culp, forensic nurse coordinator for Senior Trauma Services; and Gail Weinberg from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Ombudsman Program, will discuss a number of issues facing seniors, such as sexual abuse, long-term care complaints and violent crimes. Learn your rights and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
From Medicare fraud to lottery scams, financial fraud is the fastest growing form of elder abuse in the United States today – robbing seniors of between $2.5 billion to $3.5 billion, according to some estimates. Lester Johnson, special investigator for the Delaware Department of Justice-Office of the Attorney General, will show you how to identify and prevent financial fraud and other scams that target the elderly.
Other topics to be discussed include protecting assets from the rising cost of long-term care, and preventing falls, which are the leading cause of injury for people 65 and older. Michelle Procino-Wells, Esq. and Amber B. Woodland, Esq. will show attendees how to protect assets from the potentially devastating effects of long-term care.
Tickets for the general public are $5 and registration is required in advance as seating is limited. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. For more information, please contact Sally Beaumont, chairwoman of the committee, at (302) 381-5491 or sbeaumont@cavtel.net.
The Sussex County Advisory Committee on Aging & Adults with Physical Disabilities is an 11-member panel established by the Sussex County Council to be an advocate for programs and policies that benefit older and disabled residents. The Advisory Committee’s mission is to increase dialogue, make recommendations to Council, and give support, assistance and advice on significant issues and programs that may affect the lives of the county’s aging and adults with physical disabilities populations. For more information, visit the Advisory Committee’s page at sussexcountyde.gov/boards-committees.
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