ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION UNIT
CELJ is also proud to partner in the Council on Elder Abuse Shelter Network. The Shelter is a collaboration between local nursing facilities and service providers to provide temporary safe shelter to older victims of domestic violence. For more information on the shelter, visit Council on Elder Abuse or call 716-941-4994.
CELJ also coordinates Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams(E-MDTs) in Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Wyoming counties. CELJ provides civil legal services to teams in Genesee and Orleans Counties. E-MDTs are partnerships among public, profit and non-profit organizations, with the goal of working collaboratively to improve the process of protecting victims of financial exploitation and abuse, as well as improve the outcomes of complex elder abuse cases.
To learn more, visit our E-MDT page.
Elder abuse is widespread but severely under-reported. An estimated 260,000 older adults in NY State are victims of at least one form of elder abuse. For every 1 case of elder abuse that is reported, 24 cases go unreported. Although nursing home abuse exists, the majority of elder abuse tends to take place where the senior lives. Often, the abuser is a caretaker, family member or friend. Our attorneys and social workers are available to talk to you if you think you may be a victim of abuse, or have concerns that someone you know is. Please note, however, that the Elder Abuse prevention unit does not take cases of nursing home abuse or neglect.
If you, or someone you know are the victim of a crime, you can also contact the NY State Crime Victims Network for help.
Watch a brief informational video on Elder Abuse and Isolation during Covid-19 below.
Watch an in depth presentation about the different types of abuse and financial exploitation that can occur, and how to spot the warning signs.
This program is funded in part by New York State Office for the Aging, U.S. Department of Justice Office of Victims of Crime, New York State Office of Victim Services and Lifespan of Greater Rochester.
KEEPING SENIORS SAFE
HELP IS AVAILABLE!
INFORMATION FOR ADVOCATES
IF YOU SUSPECT ABUSE, TAKE ACTION!
FAQs
If you suspect abuse, you should take action! There are many resources available, including our office, Crisis Services (716-834-3131), Erie County Protective Services for Adults (716-858-6877) and your local county’s Office for the Aging. If you are an advocate and want to learn more about getting involved with stopping elder abuse, consider joining the Council on Elder Abuse. This group meets once a month- for more information, visit Council on Elder Abuse.
It depends. CELJ is a law office, and our client is senior in the abusive situation. If your parent would like for us to assist them, we may be able to help. However, we will need to speak with your parent to determine whether they want our help or want us to investigate further.
Our office does not criminally prosecute cases. However, we do work with the local District Attorney’s office on cases where we believe that criminal prosecution may be an option, if our client would like to pursue that avenue. We handle the civil aspects of elder abuse cases, including recoupment of stolen funds, revocations of powers of attorney and requesting accountings. For more information, contact our office at 716-853-3087 or toll free at 844-296-6404
Yes, we offer a variety of trainings for groups including advocates, professionals, law enforcement, seniors, and financial professionals. For more information or to schedule training, please contact our office at 716-853-3087 or toll free at 844-296-6404
