Milestones 11
Elder abuse prevention protects and empowers older Philadelphians
sure that every older adult in Philadelphia is able to live safely and with dignity,” said Morris. “We know that there are many challenges facing older adults in today’s urban landscape, but we also know that there is a lot of good work being done to help them. The Older Adult Protective Services unit is proud to be a part of that work, and we will continue to do everything we can to support and protect our city’s older adults.”
By Bill Conallen According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people over the age of 65 in Philadelphia is expected to increase by 28% by 2030, so too will the need for protective services to help those who are vulnerable to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or financial exploitation. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Older Adult Protective Services is a vital resource for older adults throughout the city who need help and support in these difficult situations. In 1987, the Older Adults Pro- most vulnerable to abuse and netective Services Act designated re- glect.” sources to protect older adults from One of the most important serabuse, neglect, and exploitation. The vices that Older Adult Protective following year, Philadelphia Cor- Services provides is investigation. poration for Aging (PCA) created When a report of abuse, neglect, its Older Adult Protective Services or exploitation is made, the unit unit to investigate reports of elder assesses the situation to determine abuse in Philadelphia. Since then, what kind of help is needed. This over 50,000 older Philadelphians might involve connecting the older have received supports and services adult with medical or mental health to prevent, protect and detect elder services, finding a safe place to stay, abuse. or working with law enforcement to Older Adult Protective Services stop an abuser. is a specialized team within PCA PCA’s Older Adult Protective that provides a range of protective Services also provides case manageservices. It was further bolstered in ment services to older adults who are 2018 when PCA secured funds from experiencing abuse or neglect. Staff the Victims of Crime Act grant, cre- will work with the older adult and ating the Victims Services Program. their caregiver to develop a plan of The program’s primary mission is to care that addresses the older adult’s serve older adults who have been a needs and ensures their safety. They victim of a crime. provide ongoing support and mon“Our goal is to help older adults itoring to ensure that the plan is in Philadelphia live safely and in- working and that the older adult is dependently in their homes and receiving the care they require. communities,” said Tamikia Morris, For older adults who could be director of Older Adult Protective targeted for financial exploitation, Services at PCA. “Older Adult Pro- Older Adult Protective Services tective Services plays a critical role prevents victimization by teaching in achieving this goal by providing older adults how to identify fincial essential services to those who are
June 2023
exploitation and by empowering them with knowledge to protect their finances. In cases where victimization has already occurred, the investigation process may involve working with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute the perpetrator or helping the older adult to recover lost assets. It also provides education and outreach to older adults and their caregivers to help them recognize the signs of financial exploitation and protect themselves from scams and fraud. In addition to its direct services to older adults, Older Adult Protective Services also works to educate the community about the importance of elder abuse prevention. This includes training sessions for professionals who work with older adults and outreach to community groups and other organizations. It also partners with other agencies and organizations such as the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team to raise awareness of elder abuse and to advocate for programs, policies and services that protect older adults. “We are committed to making
Report suspected elder abuse 24/7 If you or someone you know is an older adult experiencing abuse, neglect, abandonment or exploitation, you can contact Older Adult Protective Services by calling PCA’s Helpline at 215765-9040. Staff are available 24/7 to accept confidential calls to report abuse made by anyone, including the older adult in need. Bill Conallen is the public relations specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
(See page 15 for crossword)