The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) had its 5th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on Tuesday, June 15, 2010.

This day is held in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action which recognizes the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. Many organizations ranging from religious groups and government organizations to professionals in the field of aging, interested individuals as well as older persons themselves will promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by organizing activities around the world to raise awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

Elder Abuse Awareness Day was celebrated at “The Mall at Prince George’s” in Hyattsville, Maryland and at the “Iverson Mall” in Temple Hills, Maryland. There were numerous information booths manned by the Prince Georges County Office of the Sheriff Triad Officers, Prince George’s County Police Department, State’s Attorney Office, Maryland Crime Victim’s Resource Center, Inc., The Office of 911, Prince George’s County Health Department, Register of Wills, Prince George’s County Fire Department /EMS, and the Department of Social Services etc. They were assisted by their Explorers who ran the “BINGO” games for the participating seniors. Seniors were informed about neglect, Abuse, Financial Crimes, Scams, Identity Theft and what to look for in everyday situations. They were given health screenings, door prizes and some even had their finger prints done at this event.

Everyone had a wonderful time and they are looking forward to another great event next year.  A special thanks goes out to Lorna Jones and Cindy Buie-Brown for their hard work and dedication to Prince Georges County TRIAD.

Since this is a senior program, we used it to give our seniors an emergency phone system that would give them peace of mind and ensure their safety in a compromising situation. It worked, and my phone continues to ring off the hook while providing this very vulnerable area with a sense of security.

I want to mention I work very closely with Public Health. In fact, there is one nurse particular who is in charge of working with physically and mentally challenged children. This particular nurse had recently asked me if she could have four of my phones to give to these children, (again, to provide security and safety to a part of our society who is so compromised). I was more than happy to do so.

Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to be a part of this program.

This was submitted by Elynne Greene, Victim Services Supervisor and Human Trafficking Task Force Director of the LVMPD.  Thank you Elynne…

In law enforcement, we are often in a reactive mode, rather than a proactive one.  Citizens can’t file a police report or request an investigation of a crime that hasn’t happened.  LVMPD has a very talented Crime Prevention Section in each of our Area Commands.  Now, we have another resource to help prevent crime which is the Catholic Charities. We have partnered with them on behalf of vulnerable seniors.  Over the last two weeks, we have distributed 20 phones throughout Clark County to homebound and vulnerable senior citizens without a home phone.  Many of these individuals also have medical issues and must rely on neighbors to call for help if they become ill! 

The emergency phones we receive from the 911 Cell Phone Bank are being provided with large print information about community resources and instructions for using the phones.  While we have had firsthand experience of the impact of one of these 911 cell phones saving a potential victim’s life, the ability to provide these phones as a lifeline and preventative tool for our vulnerable citizens is truly a gift! 

You are welcomed to join Triad Practitioners, Law Enforcement Personnel, Community Policing and Crime Prevention Officers, Victim Advocates, Social Service Providers, Adult Protection, and Criminal Justice professionals to learn how to keep older adults safe.

Workshop Topics Include:

• Pandemic Preparedness for Older Adults (Influenza H1N1)

• Aces 911 Cell Phone Bank & 911 Cell Phone Bank

• Helping Older Adults to Understand and Manage their Medications Safely

• Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers

• 10 Minutes or Less – Speaking Success

• Starting and Maintaining a Strong Triad

• Successful Triad Programs & Activities

 Registration Forms are available at: www.nationaltriad.org/Orlando09/ . Please direct your questions to Terri Hicks at terrih@sheriffs.org or 800-424-7827. For hotel reservations call: 800.327.0363

Donate Your Cell Phone

An elderly woman lives on the top floor of our Elderly/Disabled apartment house. One of the residents here who lives directly across from her has a “scary” temper. He’s loud and rude and the residents here are cautious when he’s around them. He seems to enjoy yelling at people and cussing.

This lady became afraid to take the elevator to her floor alone because of the obnoxious man who lived across from her. At night she was especially concerned. Whenever she could, she asked another gentleman resident to take the elevator up with her.

As the Resident Service Coordinator, I asked the woman if she’d like a cell phone, explaining that she could keep it with her all the time and if she became frightened she could call 911. She was delighted. I explained that she would only be able to use the phone to call 911 and she had to tell the responder where she was and what town she was in as they would not be able to track her call.

Having the cell phone has essentially changed her life. She really is no longer afraid to go up to her apartment. She is more self assured. It’s amazing to see the difference in her since she was given the opportunity to protect herself by using the phone. Thank you for allowing my residents access to this program. It has made a huge difference in this woman’s life.

Contributed by Donna Waterman, Resident Services Coordinator – Washington House