06/08/2017

ACCA Elder Rights Summit to Focus on Abuse Prevention

In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, the Athens Community Council on Aging’s Long Term Care Ombudsman Program will host the 2017 Elder Rights Summit on Wednesday, June 21st from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Summit will feature a broad range of presentations on identifying and preventing elder abuse. Speakers will include: Rachel Morgan, Lead Worker with Adult Protective Services; Dr. Don Scott, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Geriatrics and Palliative Care at the AU/UGA Medical Partnership; Evan Elder, Branch Manager with Athens First Bank & Trust; Attorney Mark Franklin with Elder Legal Assistance Program; Amanda Stephens, Operations Supervisor at the Social Security Administration; and Kristi Bates, Program Coordinator with ACCA’s GeorgiaCares Program.

“We are grateful for the chance to raise awareness about elder abuse, and to offer the community the opportunity to learn from experts on a broad range of topics,” says Keith Adams, ACCA’s Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Director. “Our hope is that attendees will leave the summit with the tools needed to identity and prevent abuse.”

Elder abuse can take on many forms, including: physical, emotional and sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect. Approximately 1 in 10 Americans age 60 and up have experienced some form of elder abuse, and studies estimate that only 1 in 14 cases of abuse are reported to authorities

The cost of the event is $15 per person, and includes lunch. Registration is required no later than June 7, 2017. Space is limited. This event fulfills HFR requirements for training of personal care home staff, and certificates of completion will be provided.