Morris County Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Published on June 18, 2024
Resource Fair Heightens Awareness About Senior Abuse
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, Morris County Adult Protective Services, in partnership with Cornerstone Family Programs and Morristown Neighborhood House and the N.J. Office of the Attorney General, hosted an elder abuse awareness resource fair last week at Frelinghuysen Arboretum’s Haggerty Education Center.
During the event, Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers presented a proclamation to Jackie Looby, vice president and director of programs for Cornerstone Family Programs; Al Garcia, interim insurance fraud prosecutor of the N.J. Attorney General's Office, and Shawnna Bailey, assistant director of Morris County’s Office of Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming. Director Myers thanked everyone in attendance for working together to combat elder abuse.
“Today, we recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, highlighting the mistreatment faced by our aging population. Protecting our seniors is a priority for Morris County, as their well-being is vital to our community. This year’s theme, ‘Older Persons in Emergencies,’ emphasizes the need to support older individuals during crises and underscores the importance of meaningful relationships and social connections for their health and well-being,” said Director Myers.
The resource fair brought together many local service providers that support seniors and vulnerable populations, and featured presentations from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the N.J. Bureau of Securities. The presentations were aimed at building awareness, reducing fraud and helping keep elderly citizens safe in our local communities.
Cornerstone Family Programs operates an adult day center at 540 W. Hanover Ave in Morristown that provides a safe and welcoming environment for older adults, where they can receive social interaction and assistance during the week. Since opening its doors in 2007, the Cornerstone Social Adult Day Center has received nearly $400,000 in funding approved by the County Commissioners.
The Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming works with partner agencies throughout the county to reduce the risk of elder abuse in the community. Individuals can be connected to services that enhance the well-being of older adults including, but not limited to information and assistance, care management, nutrition services, transportation services and Adult Protective Services (APS).
APS programs, such as the one operated by Morris County, are established to receive and investigate reports of suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults living in the community. The purpose of these programs is to stabilize a crisis situation using the least intrusive methods while respecting an individual’s right to self-determination.
If you have questions or would like to make a referral to Morris County APS, please call 973-326-7282. Please note,adults who need home-based services alone are not considered vulnerable. These individuals can be referred for care management services.
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners also proclaimed May 2024 “Older Americans Month.”
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Photos:
Photo 1: (l-r) Al Garcia, interim insurance fraud prosecutor of the Attorney General's Office, and Shawnna Bailey, assistant director of Morris County’s Office of Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming, Jackie Looby, vice president and director of programs for Cornerstone Family Programs, and Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers.
Photo 2: A view of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Resource Fair at Frelinghuysen Arboretum’s Haggerty Education Center on June 12, 2024.