On the front steps of the County Building, on Central Ave. yesterday afternoon several agencies came together to hold a press conference to help raise awareness on Elder Abuse.
Yesterday (June 15th) was National Elder Abuse Awareness day.
The Cortland Area Agency on Aging led the press conference with their director Liz Haskins on the importance of Elder Abuse Awareness day, saying this a global problem and one that exists right here in Cortland County.
She was joined on the steps by all levels: government, law enforcement, and community partners.
Cindy VanPatten with the Area Agency on Aging did introduce several of those on the steps with the Area Agency on Aging including Eric Lott, Anne Marie Pardis, and Lisa Hubbard, all from Adult Services, Sandy Price, County Legislature and the Chair of Health and Human Services, City Police Deputy Chief David Guerrera, Homer Chief Bob Pitman, Lt. Gary Williams with the Sheriff’s Dept., and County Administrator Robert Corpora.
Cindy did give us some stats on elder abuse:
- Across the country 300,000 older adults are victims of elder abuse in New York State.
- It affects the states most vulnerable population in all communities, often hidden, unreported and those that are reported, 23 cases of those go unreported.
- Those with dementia are at a higher risk.
- Informal caregivers, family & friends are most often the perpetrators.
- Family members account for 40% of elder abuse.
- Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, finacial expoltation, neglect, and self-neglect.
Anne Marie Pardis, from the Adult Services unit gave some stats on Elder Abuse here in Cortland County:
- In 2021 in Cortland County, Adult Services received 149 calls and 116 investigations.
- In 2022 so far, Adult Services has received 58 calls and 34 investigations – Many still under investigation and on-going.
- Scams are the most prevalent types of Elder Abuse in Cortland County.
She also importantly gave ways to report Elder Abuse. You can call the NYS Adult Services Help-line, or by calling Adult Services directly. You can find further information HERE.
