The population of those over 60 years of age is increasing at a dramatic rate. While the need for care and assistance grows, so does the potential for all types of elder abuse and mistreatment. The health and well-being of people who are elderly should be one of our highest priorities and concerns. We have them to thank for many contributions that have bettered our lives. As one of our most important natural resources, elderly people deserve our utmost attention and respect. We must protect their health, safety, and rights. We should treat them the same way we would hope to be treated ourselves.

To this end, the Finger Lakes Elder Abuse Coalition (FLEAC) convened its first meeting Oct. 25, 2006. FLEAC is compromised of representatives from the many agencies that come into contact with our aging friends and neighbors. The coalition includes leaders from area offices on aging, county adult services, home services, law enforcement and the domestic violence arenas. It is a collaborative of agencies from the Finger Lakes whose mission is #“To educate the general public on issues of elder mistreatment and to facilitate legislative change#.”

We have been working with Lifespan to secure grant funding to offer local training on issues of elder abuse and enforcement. Lifespan is an agency which provides information, guidance, and services that help older adults take on the challenges and opportunities of the second half of life. It is an agency offering services to the elderly population within the Finger Lakes.

June 15, was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The governing bodies of the Finger Lakes counties of Cayuga, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Wayne and Yates should all be commended for declaring this day as Elder Abuse Prevention Awareness Day within their respective counties. The coalition partnered with agencies throughout the Finger Lakes to create awareness. We did live radio broadcasts with the Finger Lakes Radio Group and worked with them to develop and air public service announcements to create awareness.

Elder abuse is hidden. It is a crime that thrives on silence. It is estimated that one out of five seniors are victims of elder abuse. Figures support that 92 percent of these instances go unreported. Abuse covers a wide range of areas including: physical and sexual, emotional, neglect of needs, and economic or financial exploitation. We have heard most about financial exploitation lately. Some signs to look for would include: new “best friends,” thieving “caregivers,” religious con-artists, and financial abuse by family members. Use your common sense, if something doesn't feel right, then maybe it is not. There could be exploitation and exploitation should be reported to your local police or adult protective service. For additional information on what may be warning signs of elder abuse you can log onto www.lifespan-roch.org (click on resources from the drop down menu, then click on Lifespan brochures, select elder abuse prevention program).

The difficulty with these cases is that adults have the right to make their own choices, even if it can lead to being taken advantage of. Some older adults may have a hard time recounting what happened. These are the frailties of aging and the limitations of the system in general.

The coalition would like to see changes in legislation regarding powers of attorney. We would like to see that those having authority under powers of attorney be more accountable for distributions of financial resources. The New York State Legislature has had various bills introduced over the past few years to address this. So far none have made it for a vote. Contact your local representatives and let them know that you support these kinds of changes.

What else can you do? Be a good neighbor, son or daughter, spouse, sister, brother, relative or friend to the elderly people in your life and to those who are caregivers. Be aware of what is going on with them and always let them know that you are there to help. If you know a caregiver consider helping out in some way that allows the caregiver a break. If you are a caregiver, then make sure you allow time for yourself. It is not easy. We all are getting older so let us work together to make it as comfortable and humane as possible while still maintaining everyone#'s dignity.

The coalition meets on a monthly basis from fall through mid-summer. We are always seeking new community members, bank representatives and those involved in the health care field. If you, or your agency, is interested in becoming a working member of the Coalition call Anne at (585) 396-4127.

If you are a victim of elder abuse or suspect that someone you know is, please contact law enforcement, the local county adult protective service, the New York State Elder Abuse Hotline (800-342-3009, ext. 6) or Lifespan (800-454-5030).

Cathy is chairperson of the Finger Lakes Elder Abuse Coalition in Waterloo.