BETHEL — “Elder Abuse: A Community Problem with Community Solutions” will be presented by Betty Balderston, Elder Abuse Prevention Advocate at Legal Services for the Elderly, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at the Bethel Congregational Church Hall. The program is sponsored by To Your Health of Western Mountains Senior College (WMSC).
Balderston said, “Elder Abuse is of growing concern throughout the U.S. today, especially here in Maine, since we’re one of the oldest states in the country.” She added, “Statistics show that tens of thousands of older adults in Maine are abused each year.”
Balderston will share an overview of what elder abuse looks like, the red flags to watch for, and the Maine resources that are available. She concluded, “By becoming educated about the problem of elder abuse, each of us can become part of the solution.”
Balderston’s position at Legal Services for the Elderly (LSE), is focused on raising public awareness about the serious problem of elder abuse. Her position is supported by a one-year grant from the John T. Gorman Foundation.
LSE is a nonprofit organization that has been providing free and confidential legal services to Maine residents age 60 and older on a statewide basis since 1974.
Prior to holding her current position, Balderston worked at LSE fighting fraud and abuse as the statewide coordinator for the Maine Senior Medicare Patrol for 15 years.
The program is sponsored as a community service by To Your Health of WMSC with the collaboration of Bethel Family Health Center and SAD 44/Continuing Education.
The public is invited and admission is free. Light refreshments will be available.
The next To Your Health program will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12, titled, “Be Safe in Your Home.”
FMI: 207-824 -2053.
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