The Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance sponsored a presentation for Marshall-Rismiller & Associates during lunch Thursday to discuss signs of possible elder abuse, where and how to report it, and community resources.
"Part of our mission is to go out and educate the public. One of the things we wanted to do is to reach out to medical professionals because you deal with our customers," Georgene Fedoriska, executive director of the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services and co-chair of SEAPA, said during the presentation.
Marshall-Rismiller & Associates is an internal medicine and family practice based in Pottsville and Pine Grove. Dr. David Marshall and Dr. Ross Rismiller founded the practice in 1972.
"They are most often not going to tell you. In my experience, they are very reluctant to talk," Eileen Barlow, long-term care ombudsman at MidPenn Legal Services and SEAPA board member, said during the presentation.
SEAPA board members talked about both physical and financial abuse Thursday.
Barlow said some red flags for possible physical abuse include a sudden change in behavior, more frequent visits for injuries and sexually transmitted diseases. She noted that it is more difficult to identify physical abuse with seniors than children as the elderly bruise more easily.
Financial abuse may also be difficult as it usually takes longer to discover.
Barlow said possible signs include unpaid co-pays, checks bouncing and a sudden change in financing or power of attorney.
"This is something we take very seriously and we hope everyone in Schuylkill County takes seriously," Barlow said. "We wouldn't be here if it weren't for them. Everyone should feel obligated to take care of them, even if it's in a small way."
Providence Place, a retirement community in Pottsville and SEAPA partner, provided lunch for the meeting.
Fedoriska said due to the heavy schedule of healthcare professionals, this was the first opportunity the nonprofit group had to come to a medical office for a presentation. She hopes to have the presentation at other practices throughout the county.
"It's very good for businesses like ours that deal with an older population to recognize the signs of elder abuse and help prevent it in the future," Dr. Robert A. DeColli Jr., of Marshall-Rismiller & Associates, said.
"Marshall-Rismiller & Associates looks forward to being one of the leaders with SEAPA to help end elder abuse."
Anyone who believes that an older adult is being abused, neglected, exploited or abandoned should call the state Department of Aging's confidential elder abuse hotline at 800-490-8505 or the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services at 570-622-3103. Any professional organization that deals directly with the elderly in the area and looking to organize a similar event can also call the county office.