CARMEL – As Putnam County’s older population grows rapidly, lawmakers are focused on ensuring that older residents are treated with respect and dignity and can continue to serve as leaders, mentors, and volunteers.
The county legislature has proclaimed World Elder Abuse Awareness Day throughout the county to raise awareness while preventing and addressing the issue.
The lawmakers said the major causes of elder abuse stems from an understanding that “ageism and social isolation” must be understood while “ensuring that proper social structures exist so people can retain community and societal connections reducing the likelihood of abuse.”
The legislators also noted that by maintaining and improving social support such as senior centers, human services and transportation, older adults will continue to live as independently as possible while contributing to the vibrancy of the county.
Recent statistics show that nearly one-third of Putnam’s population is now over 60.
Now the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Center has received a $25,000 grant from the Field Hall Foundation to address elder abuse.
Piaget Solpiaget, executive director of the women’s center, noted that 15 percent of those over the age of 60 throughout Putnam and Westchester experience some form of abuse while 10 percent of all older adults nationwide face mistreatment including physical, emotional and financial abuse.
Solpiaget said his non-for-profit had identified a “critical need for direct intervention, specialized support and stronger community systems to protect and empower older adults at risk, The grant will fund targeted programs designed to ensure that seniors remain safe, supported and informed about available resources.”
Marlene Barrett, director of the Putnam Office for Senior Resources, encouraged any senior citizen in need of aid to contact her office at 845-808-4000 where “help is a phone call away.”
Solpiaget also encouraged seniors in need of help to call his office at 845-628-9284.
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