Preventing elder abuse

PIKE COUNTY, PA — Every person, no matter how old, deserves to be safe from harm by those who live with them, care for them, or have daily contact with them.

According to the CDC, approximately one in 10 people aged 60 and older who live at home experience some form of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Elder abuse is historically underreported in the United States. Many states, including Pennsylvania, have laws about mandated reporting of child and elder abuse. But even with these laws in place, many older adults go without help.

The staff at the Victims’ Intervention Program (VIP) is committed to strengthening awareness about elder abuse through education.  

Throughout the months of February and March, VIP will give presentations at each of the five senior center locations throughout Pike  County. The staff will discuss topics such as the signs and effects of elder abuse, seniors’ vulnerabilities and what you can do.

Most important will be the discussion on ways to prevent elder abuse.

VIP offers counseling, legal and medical advocacy, shelter and a variety of other services for survivors of abuse within Wayne and Pike counties. All services are confidential and are provided at no cost to women, men and children aged five and older.

VIP also helps anyone who has witnessed a crime or those who have been indirectly affected by abuse or violence, such as the survivor’s family and friends. No matter your age,  race or income level, VIP is here to help.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of violence, speak to an advocate today. Call the VIP hotline at 570/253-4401.

The above was originally published in the February 2023 issue of the Pike County Area on Aging newsletter.

A safe place for your loved one to stay

HAWLEY, PA — For many people, aging with dignity means staying in their homes or with their families for as long as possible, but this often proves challenging. The Wayne County Adult Daily Living Center (ADLC) has been designed to help mitigate many of those challenges.

If you are afraid to leave your loved one alone while you go to work, shopping or to simply attend to your own needs, the ADLC can help provide the peace of mind and the added assistance that can make all the difference in your ability to tend to relationships with other family members or to continue working, a spokesperson for the center said.

Activities and health-related services are available for older adults who are physically or cognitively challenged, and who want to remain at home.

The center offers a safe and secure environment where older adults can be cared for during the day. It gives families an alternative to a nursing home, with a full day of nursing support, personal-care bathing and toilet assistance, medication monitoring and Social Services support. Individuals are provided with healthy meals and snacks, and are involved in recreation and exercise.

The center also offers socialization activities such as arts and crafts, sing-alongs, trivia games and more. This is important, the spokesperson said: Social isolation can place older adults at higher risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety and depression.

The staff at the ADLC also provide support for caregivers with the coordination of health services and time to work or take a break.

The ADLC is located at 337 Park Pl., next to the Hawley Senior Center.

It is part of the county’s Area Agency on Aging. Funding is available for those eligible for OPTIONS home-care services.

To learn more about how the center could benefit you or a loved one, whether on weekdays or just occasionally, call the ADLC at 570/390-7388 or the Area Agency on Aging at 570/253-4262.