Elder Justice Day helps seniors guard against abuse and fraud

The seventh annual Elder Justice Day will take place from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at Airport Park in Matamoras. The free event will have speakers discussing topics including power of attorney, Alzheimer’s/dementia, and preventing becoming a victim.

“This event is held to educate seniors in the community about pressing issues they may face either now or in the future,” said Tracy Simon, protective services care manager of the Pike County Area Agency on Aging. “It is the hope that by attending this event they will gain valuable knowledge on how to better prepare themselves and educate them on elder abuse.”

Vendors will inform attendees about the services they provide. Light refreshments and lunch will be offered.

A drive-through option will be available for those not comfortable attending in person. Those who choose this option will receive all of the information from the event along with a bagged lunch.

In addition, Carbon, Monroe, Pike County Drug and Alcohol Commission will be in attendance with BioHaz for the Drug Take Back program. Everything will be accepted, including prescription drugs, over the counter medications, and needles.

“Elder Justice Day is an important event held every year,” said commissioners’ chair Matthew Osterberg. “It is unfortunate that there are individuals who will take advantage of senior citizens. We as a community need to do everything we can to promote Elder Justice Day for our senior citizens.”

This is a public event. Attendees are not required to be Pike County residents. The deadline to register is Aug. 11; call 570-775-5550 ext. 1305 or 1312. There is no registration fee. If you require transportation, call 570-296-3408.

The rain date is Aug. 25. Additional vendors and sponsors are welcome. Interested parties should contact the Pike County Area Agency on Aging.

This event is organized by the Pike County Elder Abuse Task Force. The taskforce was established in 2013 with the mission of educating the public on recognizing, preventing and reporting potential cases of elder abuse. If you know or suspect that an elderly person is being harmed, contact the Pike County Elder Abuse Taskforce: 1-800-233-8911. Reports are taken 24 hours a day.