Seminar helps Somerset County older adults protect themselves
Older adults are often victims of abuse and scams and the Area Agency on Aging of Somerset County and Pennsylvania LINK (to aging and disability resources) sponsor a way for them to be able to protect themselves.The 7th annual Elder Justice Day Seminar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 24, is designed to inform Somerset County older adults regarding ways to be protected from any abuses including financial exploitation. Topics this year include: Overview of protective services, financial exploitation and scams and Victims Services.Registration at 9:30 a.m. at the Somerset Church of the Brethren, 606 Berlin Plank Road, Somerset. There is no cost to participate. Lunch will be provided.
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"For the overview of Protective Services we have speakers," said Laurel Tinsmith, consultant and contractor for the Area Agency on Aging of Somerset County. "Protective Services topics includes multiple things: abuse, exploitation of possessions and finances; neglect of care dependent person. Chris Grenke will be doing that program this year."She said Somerset Trust Co. representatives will be providing the Financial Exploitation and Scams part of the program."They will provided explanations of people's funds and phone scams. A lot of people fall for that and are losing up to $20,000 or more. It doesn't matter what the amount is, it's people using and taking funds without your permission."Victim Services is for people who have been exploited and provides follow up services as well."For those not comfortable driving from their home to Somerset, they can go to their local senior center and they will be brought to the event," Tinsmith said.She said the program has been well received through the years."Past seminars have been well attended. The response to various topics discussed has been good. The last one we did was in 2019 and it had 180 people," she said. "This year we're hoping for the best. Wearing a mask is up to the person. We'll have hand sanitizer there and the Church of the Brethren is pretty big space."Registration is required. RSVP no later than June 16 by contacting the Area Agency on Aging of Somerset County, 814-443-2681.
"2022 Benefits and Rights book for Older Pennsylvanians" now available
Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Robert Torres announced the release of the 2022 Benefits and Rights for Older Pennsylvanians, the commonwealth’s premier guide for information and resources serving older adults on the state and local levels."Many older Pennsylvanians, their family members or caregivers may be unaware of the supports available to them or how they could go about applying for them. This book is a compilation of state services to help them pinpoint the programs that are particular to their needs or interests," said Torres.Some of the topics included in the book are:• Insurance• Legal Services• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program• Protective ServicesThis year’s book also features an expanded section on housing programs with details on Shared Housing and Resource Exchange (SHARE) and Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO). It also provides information on the Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight program, known as PA MEDI, which offers free and objective counseling on Medicare insurance.Individuals can obtain the 2022 Benefits and Rights book at their county Area Agency on Aging or the office of their state senator and representative. The book can also be viewed and downloaded online on the department's website.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Seminar set for Somerset County older citizens
