Programs and Services For Seniors and Caregivers

Stanislaus Elder Abuse Prevention (SEAPA)

Victims of elder and dependent adult abuse often live in silent desperation, unwilling to seek assistance because they unfortunately believe their cries for help will go unanswered and they fear retaliation from their abusers.

The Stanislaus Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance better known as SEAPA was established in 1997 as a concerted effort to battle elder and dependent adult abuse. SEAPA brings together public and private agencies that share a commitment to fighting abuse and assisting victims of elder and dependent adult abuse or neglect. Partners include all city police departments, the Sheriff’s Department, the District Attorney’s Office, Adult Protective Services, the Area Agency on Aging, fire departments, hospitals, Behavioral Health Services, Health Services Agency, banks and credit unions, representatives from the Social Security Administration, Valley Mountain Regional Center, AARP, Project Sentential Fair Housing, and other agencies serving older residents.

As an alliance, SEAPA is particularly effective at bringing together and providing networking opportunities for its many partners. When partners become more familiar with each other and the constraints within which each work, improved effectiveness has resulted. Law enforcement, prosecutors, and social service providers all identify specific examples where relationships facilitated by SEAPA have enabled them to “cut to the chase” and to quickly find the resources they need to better serve Stanislaus County residents.

Eight community forums in Salida, Riverbank, Oakdale, Hughson, Ceres, Turlock Patterson, and Newman provide tremendous opportunity to assure that SEAPA efforts permeate all areas of the county. Forum members include representatives from local law enforcement, fire personnel, city government, and community activists. The forums help to facilitate essential communication among agencies within their respective community as well as with those whose responsibilities cover a broader geographic area. They successfully organize local events which acquaint residents with available services and resources. (Create separate page/link with photos of Senior Information Days organized by forums).

SEAPA uses a variety of “tools” to fight abuse. Chief among them are education and increased public awareness. SEAPA staff is responsible for coordinating training for professionals who might have opportunity to spot suspected elder abuse. This includes professionals who are mandated by law to report abuse such as health care workers, law enforcement and fire personnel, clergy, and employees of financial institutions. SEAPA seeks to always expand the number of “community eyes” who are available to watch out for vulnerable citizens by also coordinating the training for others who may have unique opportunity to see potential abuse or neglect such as postal employees or personnel delivering meals. Training for utility workers and library volunteers who provide home delivery of reading materials are planned.

The Savvy Senior is quick-read newsletter published quarterly to help remind readers of potential elder abuse …how to spot it and how to fight it. Free copies are available at Longs Pharmacy counters throughout the county and from the public counters of SEAPA partner agencies. (Include link to pdf file of current and archived issues).

Outreach events such as community fairs and festivals provide opportunities for community education. SEAPA staff and volunteers are often found at special events on weekends offering information and visiting with the public to help provoke the thought which leads to recognition of elder and dependent adult abuse or neglect. Frequent presentations to service clubs and professional organizations also help to increase public awareness of a problem, which for years, went unnoticed.

The annual Safe Banking Seminar presented by the SEAPA Financial Committee also helps to raise awareness among older residents and helps to prevent future cases of abuse. Creative scams which target older residents are often exposed during the free seminar. Donations and sponsorships from local banks and credit unions support the event which is free to attendees. The next SAFE Banking Seminar is scheduled for Friday, March 16, 2008 in Modesto.

It is important to become aware of the possibility of elder and dependent adult abuse and to recognize signs that might suggest its occurrence. This awareness will enable us to help neighbors, friends, or family members who may need information, direction, support or assistance.

Report Elder & Dependent Adult Abuse!

If you suspect abuse in the community, contact: Adult Protective Services at 1-800-336-4316.

If you suspect abuse in a nursing home or residential care facility, contact the Catholic Charities Ombudsman at 209-529-3784.

For Life Threatening Emergencies, CALL 911
For information call: 529-3784