2 Elder Abuse Shelters Open In Oakland County, First In Michigan
WEST BLOOMFIELD (WWJ) - Each year tens of thousands of Michigan senior citizens are abused — whether it be physical, sexual, emotional or financial.
That's why, said Associate Director Barbra Giles, Jewish Senior Life have opened the first elder abuse shelters in the state on their two community campuses, in Oak Park and West Bloomfield.
"Having a shelter model at Jewish Senior Life was in complete alignment with our mission of helping to take care of older adults in our community who are in need," Giles told WWJ's Zahra Huber.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, which is part of the Administration on Aging, one in 24 older adults are victims of elder abuse, costing our nation $2 billion every year and putting thousands of older adults at risk. Locally, officials say, as many as 90,000 older adults in Michigan are victims of elder abuse and neglect every year, with many of these crimes going unreported.
Giles said their two new shelters have openings now and they welcome people of all faiths and beliefs — ages 60 and up.
"We have independent living availability, assisted living availability, and we've partnered with the Danto Family Health Care Center to offer skilled nursing care to individuals who are victims who might require that level of care," Giles said.
To seek refuge, or for more information, call the Elder Abuse Shelter at 248-661-0123.
