I recently attended the Elder Abuse Prevention Training course through CHATS to learn more about what constitutes abuse of Older Persons, how to recognize that abuse is taking place and what strategies can be used to prevent it (Be watchful; ask questions; listen carefully; don’t give advice; guide the Older Person to resources, etc.). After learning the types of abuse, the signs that abuse may be taking place, and how the entire situation has been exacerbated by COVID safety precautions, I was relieved to learn that there are non-emergency resources available for victims and their supporters. I found this program very informative: I was shocked to learn that a lot of abuse of Older Persons can be attributed to their teenage grandchildren! After taking this course I feel much more confident that I could recognize signs of mistreatment among the Older Persons I serve, and much more knowledgeable about what I can do to help them.

— Jan Evans,

What a informative and empowering presentation on elder abuse you shared with the St. Bonaventure’s Maturing Adults program. I was deeply touched by your ability to share with us such shocking statistics on the prevalence and subtle manifestations of elder abuse in our families and communities. Your compassionate approach to helping us look at the entire experience through the use of excellent videos taught us to be open and aware of our own assumptions and reactions to others. I would recommend your presentation to other groups as the intergenerational realities of elder abuse calls us to be attentive to the legal realities and the depth of suffering hidden behind the silence around this topic.

— Maureen McDonnell,

Listening to your presentation on Elder Abuse for the second time, reminded me how knowledgeable you are on this subject. You shared your wealth of experience with the Good Shepherd Church Ministry with Maturing Adults, and we are grateful. We all learned a great deal, and were comfortable asking questions, which you answered with understanding. The fact that you added personal examples, helped to drive home your pertinent points. The reality of Elder Abuse often goes unnoticed, and you clearly revealed to us the importance of being more aware of it, and doing something about it. I hope you have the opportunity of educating others, as you have done for us.

— Viola