Nov 03
If you are lucky enough to have a few grandchildren, you may sometimes get a call that starts with “Hi Grandma, it’s me..” which then leaves you to rapidly sort through names in your head and quickly respond, “Is that you, Richard?” The phone connection may not be completely clear or your hearing may not […]
Oct 04
“Suicide prevention is hope” said Steven Karaiskos, PhD, Senior Director of Community Education & Outreach at Samaritans, Inc., in a recent training seminar for Springwell employees. Dr. Karaiskos is a social learning expert, a suicide prevention advocate, an educator, and a long-time suicide loss survivor. He has spent years supporting those affected by suicide and […]
Jun 03
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is an annual opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older people by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. Springwell employees and friends have joined the 2nd annual virtual Walk for […]
May 02
Springwell’s Protective Services Team successfully helped Jeanne as she navigated the challenges that came when her home fell into disrepair after her long illness. The house, its big front yard decorated with charming folk art, is tucked away in a corner of her hometown. It has been in Jeanne’s family for four generations, since her […]
Jan 27
Since March of 2020 it has been necessary for older adults and other high-risk individuals to stay home as much as possible to avoid exposure to COVID19. While vital to their well-being, it is not without potential cost for those at risk for elder abuse. Victims may experience emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, financial exploitation, self-neglect, […]
May 15
Jun 14
Recently, the federal government has been working to determine how many senior citizens nationwide are victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation. The federal Administration for Community Living estimated that 1.5 million cases were reported to adult protective agencies across the country in 2016. About half of those reports led to further investigation. Additional research also […]
Jul 01
Beginning July 1st, 2017 the Executive Office of Elder Affairs has centralized the Elder Protective Services abuse reporting system (elder abuse hotline) to a single phone number. The 24/7 single phone number simplies the process for elder abuse reporting. All calls (day or night, 7 days a week) should now go directly to the Massachusetts-based […]
May 01
Oct 15
The National Center on Elder Abuse defines elder abuse as intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or a “trusted individual” that harm, or may harm, a vulnerable senior. Abuse and neglect of seniors occurs in every community across the Commonwealth. As the protective services agency for 17 local towns and cities, Springwell has been […]