‘Take action:' Lifespan highlights World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Friday marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is aimed at raising awareness and taking action to prevent elder abuse and neglect.
Lifespan of Greater Rochester president and CEO Ann Marie Cook announced Friday the nonprofit has achieved nearly $7 million, across upstate New York, in court-ordered restitution for victims of financial exploitation, which is recognized as the most common form of elder abuse.
In 2012, Lifespan introduced working teams made up of members of law enforcement, forensic and financial experts, district attorneys, and health care professionals.Cook says much of their latest caseloads have revolved around the recent surge in scams.
'I cannot begin to tell you how our cases and scams have quadrupled. Really, maybe more,' said Cook, 'It is a trend we're seeing and these teams have just started to take up those cases in addition to traditional elder abuse cases. The harm to them in terms of those cases is just as great as the terms in traditional elder abuse.'
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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello issued a proclamation to Lifespan, joining officials with a shared call on the community to help break the silence in what's described as a silent epidemic.
'Remember, you don't need a title or a badge to make a difference. You could be a friend, neighbor, or family member who sees or hears something that just doesn't feel quite right. We need everyone to recognize the signs of elder abuse and to know where to turn. Know the signs, know the resources, and take action,' said Kelly Zunner-Daniels, division leader for the Upstate Elder Abuse Center of Lifespan. Primary buildings across Monroe County and New York State will be lit in purple this weekend in light of raising awareness on elder abuse.
More information about Lifespan's work and resources can be found here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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