BCOA NEWS BREVARD COMMISSION ON AGING
BCOA meetings are open to the public and are held the second Thursday of each month at the government center in Viera. For information, contact Cindy Short at 321-6332076, FAX 321-633-2170, cindy.short@brevardfl.gov, brevardf l.gov/HumanServices/CommissionOnAging or at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, B-106, Viera, FL 32940.
Brevard County commits to help the community identify, prevent elder abuse Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation, Brevard Commission on Aging, Aging Matters in Brevard and other state and local community organizations will host a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The WEAAD event will support efforts to raise awareness about elder abuse and neglect in our communities. Join us from 9 a.m. until noon June 15 at Wickham Park Senior Center in Melbourne to learn what we are doing to prevent elder abuse and neglect. We will educate you on warning signs, what to watch for and how to report. The event activities include: Vendors providing resources on community services. A Walk Down Memory Lane — Take a stroll to view scenes from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.
Win a 65-inch TV in our memory challenge. Education seminars will include Dr. Visa presenting an early detection of Alzheimer’s at 9:30 a.m. and Detective Rebecca Hamilton from the Seminole Sheriff’s Department providing information on the latest elder abuse scams at 11 a.m. Admission and parking are free. WEAAD serves as a call-toaction for our communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect and exploitation of elders, and reaffirm our country’s commitment to the principle of justice for all. Elder abuse is widespread. Every year an estimated one in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation. Experts believe that elder abuse is significantly
underreported. Research suggests that as few as one in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities. When we come together, we can prevent elder abuse from happening. We can put support services in place, and direct community resources toward addressing elder abuse. We can prevent and address the issue of
Fraud Alert from State Attorney Phil Archer
Financial fraud, especially online scams, is the No. 1 consumer crime nationwide today. It’s up to us to protect ourselves from this threat. Per the BBB, online purchases remained the most reported scam at 37.4%. Followed by cryptocurrency, employment, home improvement, and investment. Credit cards were the most targeted payment method, while online
apps and systems rose to second. Gift cards are popular and con artists are increasingly using them as a form of payment in their scams. Why? They are available everywhere and allow the crooks to steal the victim’s money instantly using the numbers on the back of the cards. SL Phil Archer is the State Attorney for the 18th Judicial Court.
elder abuse. There are many ways to strengthen our social support through policies, services and programs that keep us integrated in our communities as we age. For more information, check out worldelderabuseawareness.com or contact the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation at 321-253-4430. SL
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Attorney and Counselor at Law
Serving Brevard County · Estate Planning · Wills · Trusts · Probate · Family Law 7351 Office Park Place Melbourne 32940
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25th ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
SENIOR LIFE • JUNE 2022
19
