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Monson Savings Bank Brings Awareness to Elder Abuse

Monson Savings Bank Brings Awareness to Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is hard to talk about. It is unimaginable that someone could harm anyone who is vulnerable, but this is all the more reason to talk about it and bring awareness to the topic. There are many forms of elder abuse, ranging from physical and mental abuse, to neglect, and financial exploitation.

Monson Savings Bank would like to bring awareness to elder abuse, to do our part to protect our older community members from falling victim to abuse. Additionally, the Bank provides our employees with training to recognize the warning signs and handle situations of suspected elder financial exploitation.

How can you help prevent abuse?

  • Know the signs: Common indications of physical abuse can be easier to spot. Look for excessive, unexplainable bruises and broken bones. Changes in behavior can also indicate potential abuse. Seniors might become fearful, anxious, or depressed. Other signs include: changes in sleeping habits, poor personal hygiene, poor living conditions, bills not being paid as usual, unusual spending and changes in finance.
  • Prevent isolation: Even if you cannot physically be with your elderly loved ones you can still prevent isolation. Calling them on a regular basis is a great way to gauge changes in behavior and check in on their wellbeing. It can also give you an opportunity to ask questions about their activity, such as phone conversations or visitors they have had. This could indicate if an abuser or scammer has been preying on them.
  • Form a relationship with their caregivers: Unfortunately, those who are supposed to be caring for the elderly, can sometimes be the perpetrators of abuse. Abusers are less likely to strike when they see that seniors have a support network that is engaged in their care. Keeping in close contact with caregivers is an excellent way to show that your loved one has someone looking out for them and could deter an abuser from taking advantage of your elderly loved one.

Where to report elder abuse?

  • If someone you know is in life-threatening or urgent danger, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
  • In non-emergency situations, you can also call your local authorities via their non-emergency phone number to report suspected abuse.
  • You can report cases of elder abuse in Massachusetts by calling the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at (800) 922-2275 or online at www.mass.gov/how-to/report-elder-abuse.
  • To report cases of elder abuse anywhere in the United States contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, their operators will direct you to a local agency that can help.

Safety and security is our number one priority at Monson Savings Bank. We believe that no one deserves to be exploited, abused, or to live in a state of fear. We hope that by sharing this information, and other Safety and Security blog posts, that we can help to protect the elderly in our community.

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