Protective Services is designed to assist and support elders who are victims of physical and/or emotional abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect. Protective services can provide casework, counseling, legal assistance, and any necessary in-home services in order to maintain an elder's security and dignity. Anyone may report suspected abuse or neglect. Abuse is defined as "....acts or omissions by a caretaker which results in serious physical or serious emotional injury to an elderly person. Such acts or omissions include physical abuse, emotional abuse, coercion, intimidation, abandonment or neglect." Examples: Slapping, hitting, shoving, shouting, criticism, causing fear, isolation, and exclusion from family activities. Also violation of rights such as forcing person from home, lack of personal care, medical care, and insufficient food. For more information call Elder Services (413) 499-0524.
The Elder at Risk program is designed to assist and support elders who are suffering the effects of severe self-neglect and would be unable to remain safely in the community without intervention. Severe self-neglect is defined as "the inability to provide self care adequate to assure minimum levels of safety and well-being, resulting in the expectation that a substantial risk of death or serious harm will result." Examples: not maintaining basic shelter, not maintaining minimal nutrition, not maintaining hygiene/personal care, and not securing care for life threatening medical conditions. For more information call Elder Services (413) 499-0524.