Millions of elders are abused - and there are millions of non-abusing family, friends and neighbors valiantly seeking to protect them. They are often the first to respond, providing a wide range of emotional and practical assistance. They might hear abuse through adjacent apartment walls - and if they reside with the victim, they are also living with the abuse. These concerned people may witness the decline in the victim's health, notice their distress, or even become the target of the abuse after stepping in to help. And they frequently experience a wide range of emotional and practical problems by becoming involved in elder abuse situations. Unfortunately, like the victims they help, they are largely invisible: their deeds often not recognized, their needs unacknowledged.
The Helpline for Concerned Persons is a program of Weill Cornell Medicine’s NYC Elder Abuse Center. It is a free, confidential service for the family members, friends and neighbors of elder abuse victims who live in New York City’s five boroughs. Available Mon-Fri, 9–5 pm, a social worker provides supportive counseling; information about elder abuse, neglect and exploitation; guidance for next steps; and referrals. Calls received during evenings, weekends, and holidays will be responded to by next business day. Phone: 212-746-6905 or E-mail: helpline@nyceac.org. For more info visit our webpage: https://bit.ly/2ycJ2st Note: The Helpline is not an emergency service. For safety and health emergencies, call 911.
Weill Cornell Medicine’s Elder Abuse Center will be leading an “Elder Abuse 101” discussion with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Elder Abuse Unit and Community Board 8’s Health, Seniors and Social Services Committee Thursday, January 24 at 6:30pm. To learn more, visit https://www.cb8m.com/event/health-seniors-social-services-committee-7/