County to Hold 9th Annual Senior Safety Forum In Recognition of
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day; Presentations, Resources,
Exhibitors and More

For Immediate Release: Monday, June 3, 2019

 

            Montgomery County will host its 9th annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Senior Safety Forum on Thursday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Holiday Park Senior Center.  Seniors, their families, and others who care for seniors are invited to attend the free event to learn more about resources in Montgomery County and information about personal and financial safety and ways to avoid cybercrimes.

            The agenda includes speakers and exhibitors on topics including the Red Flags of Abuse, consumer protection issues and Montgomery County resources for seniors.  Montgomery County elected officials, along with public safety, health and recreation officials, will be in attendance.  Representatives from the Montgomery County Elder/Vulnerable Adult Abuse Task Force will deliver the keynote address. 

            The forum includes raffle prizes, free bag lunches while supplies last, personal mobile device tech assistance from the Recreation Department’s Tech Connect/Teen Works program and live musical entertainment.  

Police will be on hand to accept unused and unwanted prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.  Liquids, illicit drugs, needles, sharps and syringes cannot be accepted. 

Abuse of the elderly is a growing concern both nationally and in Montgomery County, as baby boomers age and the number of older adults increases.  Data from the 2016 U.S. Census American Community Survey (latest data available) estimates that there are 215,486 residents age 60 and over in Montgomery County, equal to 20.7% of the total population of 1.04 million. 

The Senior Safety forum is hosted by County agencies that protect older adults:  Office of the State’s Attorney; Montgomery County Department of Police, Department of Health and Human Services, Fire and Rescue Services, Department of Recreation and Office of the County Attorney.  Contributing partners include the Charles E. Smith Life Communities and the ElderSAFE Center.  Funding is provided in part by the Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation. 

The Holiday Park Senior Center is located at 3950 Ferrara Drive in Wheaton.  For information about County Senior Services, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior.