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Keeping Seniors Safe

Posted on: June 9, 2014 - 3:30pm
Keeping Seniors Safe
ADA Sheila Tracey; Lt. Bruce Apotheker; DA Marian Ryan; Elder Affairs Officer Eric Rosenbaum; Newton Housing Authority Interim Ex. Director Amy Sutherland; Tom Kelleher, from Eastern Bank; Gretchen Hahn from Springwell Protective Services

NEWTON – Local seniors received important information on how to stay safe in their homes and in the community as part of a Senior Protection Seminar hosted by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

Prior to her appointment as District Attorney, Ryan served for 18 years as the chief of Middlesex District Attorney’s Office’s Elder and Disabled Unit, which prosecutes those who commit crimes against seniors and disabled persons.  District Attorney Ryan launched the Senior Protection Seminars as an important prevention effort to teach seniors how to stay safe and avoid being the victim of a crime.  The program includes information on safe banking practices, how to avoid scams or theft, and how to access local services. 

The seminar, co-hosted by the Newton Housing Authority, was held in Newton on June 3 at the Jackson Gardens Development in partnership with the Newton Police Department, Springwell Protective Services, and Eastern Bank.

“Criminals will find opportunities to prey upon susceptible victims.  We want to provide the tools for our elders to be prepared for those who attempt to take advantage of them,” said District Attorney Ryan. “With partnerships like the one we have formed here in Newton, we can educate our seniors and help prevent some of these crimes from occurring.  And while we can’t prevent every crime, the message we want to share with our seniors is simple – there is no shame in asking for help or reporting to authorities if you are the victim of a crime.”

Joining District Attorney Ryan at the event were Lieutenant Bruce Apotheker of the Newton Police Department; Tom Kelleher of Eastern Bank; Gretchen Hahn of SpringwellProtective Services; and Sheila Tracey, MDAO Elder/Disabled ADA.     

“The Newton Housing Authority was very pleased to welcome Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan to our Jackson Gardens development,” said Interim Executive Director of the Newton Housing Authority Amy Sutherland. “The senior protection seminar provided our elderly and vulnerable residents with important information and tips for protecting themselves from financial exploitation.  This event provided a great opportunity for our residents to meet with leaders in the community on this important issue.”

Among the tips provided to seniors included how to handle unsolicited calls for donations, information or services; information on health care proxies and power of attorney documents; smart financial planning to avoid theft; and how to protect personal information from identity theft.

Other scams to be aware of include: any solicitation requiring cash be wired internationally, advanced payment of a tax or fee in order to receive a larger amount in return; or donations requested over the phone to vague or unknown charities.

For more information contact the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office’s Elder and Disabled Unit at 781-897-8300 or visit http://middlesexda.com/