May 13, 2008

The Rockland County Department of Social Services is conducting a countywide campaign to create awareness about abuse of the elderly and to encourage residents to report abuse if they see it.

Employees of the Protective Services for Adults Unit are fanning out in the community, handing out fliers and holding informational sessions at senior centers, community organizations and with other service providers during the month of May, which has been declared Adult Abuse Awareness Month by County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef.

"It's a hidden crime," said John Fella, administrative supervisor in the Adult and Special Services Unit of the Department of Social Services. "It exists in our society but people are reluctant to report it."

An estimated half-million adults are abused every year nationwide, according to the state Office of the Aging. More women are likely to be abused than men, and abusers are more likely to be family members.

But most professionals caring for the elderly say the extent of abuse is not clear because for every case of elder abuse that is documented, there are several more that are hidden. Agencies that offer services to the elderly have been calling for national data collection on elder abuse.

Fella says elder abuse includes physical, mental and sexual abuse, as well as financial exploitation and neglect. Most at risk are those who are old and infirm, isolated, dependent on others, who cannot provide for themselves, and those who have a history of violence in the home.

Physical signs of abuse can include bruises and fractures, and hunger. Sometimes the elderly need help even though they are not abused, but have no one to take care of them.

In such cases, neighbors and friends are encouraged to call the Department of Social Services. The calls can be made anonymously.

"There is no legal requirement for people to report possible abuse or neglect, but there is a moral obligation," said Fella.

June Molof, director of the county's Office of the Aging, agreed.

"We are all responsible for each other," said Molof. "As they say in New York City, 'If you see something, say something.' It's the same spirit."

When calls come in from the public, a caseworker from Protective Services for Adults goes in to investigate. The caseworker has 60 days to decide if the elderly person needs services. Services are offered for free.

In Rockland, caseworkers have assessed more than 300 cases of neglect and abuse in 2007, a slight decrease over the last two years even though the number of seniors in the county has increased, said Fella.