June 15, 2015
Riverside County
NEWS RELEASE
Elder Abuse Awareness Symposium Held in Moreno Valley
Moreno Valley- Born in 1930, Annie lived through the Great Depression, The Dust Bowl and World War II. She learned to work hard and save her money. So when she retired at 65, Annie had over $180,000 in assets and savings, and $2,500 a month from her pension and Social Security.
But that all unraveled when dementia took hold after Annie turned 72. She lost touch with friends and family and became socially isolated, an isolation – and opportunity – noticed by the manager of her mobile home park. By the time an observant bank employee reported suspicions of financial abuse the park’s manager had stolen more than $200,000 from Annie. Ultimately, an arrest was made and full restitution awarded to the victim’s estate.
That story, and the need for the entire community to be on guard against elder abuse, will be among the topics discussed at the Second Annual Elder Abuse Awareness Symposium, hosted by Riverside County Adult Protective Services on June 24 in Moreno Valley. “Our message is to bring awareness and share information on the very complex issues affecting seniors”, said Lisa Shiner, Public Social Services Assistant Director.
Media representatives are invited to attend the symposium on Wednesday, June 24, 2015, 8:30 A.M. -1:30 P.M. at the Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center, 14075 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley
More than 300 professionals, community leaders, and faith-based organizations will meet to brainstorm and hear from one of the nation’s leading experts on elder abuse prevention. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Kerry Burnight, UC Irvine Professor of Geriatric Medicine & Gerontology. Dr. Burnight is the director of the nation’s first Elder Abuse Forensic Center.
“June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Riverside County, this symposium is a coordinated effort with our many partners who share responsibility for addressing this community concern,” said Shiner. Symposium sponsors include Riverside County Board of Supervisors, Department of Mental Health, Public Health, Public Social Services, District Attorney, Office on Aging, Sheriff’s Department, Superior Court-Probate, Riverside University Medical Center, UCR School of Medicine, City of Riverside Police Department, Molina Healthcare, Inland Empire Health Plan, HERO Program, and Faith in Motion.
Riverside County DPSS Adult Services regularly provides prevention education to seniors, and training to those interested on how to recognize and report elder abuse.
http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/Resources/Publication/docs/NCEA_12things_508.pdf
http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/Resources/Publication/docs/NCEA_RedFlags_web508.pdf
http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/Resources/Publication/docs/NCEA_ProtectYourself_508.pdf
-30-
