PRIDE is a collaborative effort of Monroe County Office for the Aging, New York State Office for the Aging, Monroe County Protective Services for Adults, and LIFESPAN’s Elder Abuse Prevention Program.

Elder abuse occurs in every racial, social and economic group. It can happen in any village, town or city across the United States. Although many of its victims are older women, gender and chronological age alone do not totally define who will be abused or mistreated. However, in most cases, the perpetrator has gained the trust of the victim, therefore, the perpetrator may be a friend, neighbor, someone they do business with, or even a family member.

Although each case involving elder abuse or neglect is unique, it is still important to know your situation and recognize the signs of abuse. Some signs of abuse include, but are not limited to:

• Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruises, falls, fractures, grip marks, pain, swelling or welts.

• Neglect: Malnourishment, bedsores, soiled clothes, over sedation, lack of medical attention or equipment despite available funds, tied to chair or bed.

• Emotional/Verbal Abuse: Depressed, hopeless, appears shamed, withdrawn, passive, loss of self-determination, invalid guilt, threatened, called names, fearful.

• Financial Exploitation: Illegal use of elders’ money/possessions/resources for personal gain.

Profile of a Typical Elder Abuse Victim:

• Single/female/widowed
• Socially isolated
• Physically and/or cognitively impaired
• Denies, or is reluctant to report abuse

Profile of a Typical Abuser:

• Family member/caregiver
• Drug/alcohol/mental health problem(s)
• Controlling personality and/or ineffective coping skills
• Under financial/emotional/marital stress

Where to find help on Elder Abuse

Lifespan’s Elder Abuse Prevention Program
1-800-454-5030

Monroe County Protective Services For Adults
585-753-6532

Monroe County District Attorney’s Office
585-753-4500

New York State Office for the Aging Information Line
1-800-342-9871

New York State Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-942-6906 (English)
1-800-942-6908 (Spanish)

New York State Crime Victims Hotline
1-800-771-7755

New York State Attorney General
585-546-7430 (Rochester)

Identity theft affects nearly ten million Americans annually, and older adults can be especially susceptible to victimization because they can be more trusting of supposed “friends,” less Internet savvy and too willing to engage with people over the phone.

Useful Tips for Avoiding Identity Theft

• Do not carry your Social Security card with you.

• If your Medicare card has your Social Security number on it, make a photocopy of your card and use a marker to black out your Social Security number on the copy. Carry the copy with you and keep your Medicare card in a secure place.

• Be mindful while using the Internet. Do not respond to unsolicited requests for information via emails.

• Monitor and review your credit report annually. If you believe you have been a victim, place a fraud alert. Contact the three credit bureaus for more information.