Workshops promote safety for the elderly

According to the American Association of Retired Persons, Washington, D.C., more than 1 million older Americans are physically, financially and emotionally abused by their relatives or loved ones each year. Furthermore, robberies comprise 38 percent of the violent crimes inflicted upon the elderly. Statistics like those proved that workers in the Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Department of Senior and Adult Services (CCDSAS) needed to take some serious steps to protect older residents from potential harm.

After surveying local seniors in 1997, CCDSAS workers learned that, of the 1,200 respondents, 63 percent lived alone, and all rated personal safety high among their concerns. Results from national and local research led community leaders to develop the Safety and Crime Awareness Training (SCAT) project to help reduce crimes against older persons.

The project’s goals include educating seniors about personal safety; working with local, state and federal law enforcement and nonprofit agencies; and providing safety training and resources for older persons. The county has enlisted local volunteers to organize educational workshops and distribute materials.

Public safety personnel and other local leaders have donated their time to speak to seniors’ groups about safety and crime awareness. Hot issues include telephone scams; financial exploitation by strangers, caregivers and relatives; self-neglect; and purse-snatchings and muggings.

Since the project’s inception, nearly 30 SCAT workshops have been held throughout the county, and more are planned at local churches and senior centers. Video and audio tapes also are available for individuals who cannot attend workshops.