PROTECT Week targets abuse, financial exploitation

Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Carmel Roques joined other Maryland officials and non-profits this week to kick off PROTECT Week 2023 – a statewide awareness and education campaign targeting abuse and financial exploitation of older adults.

“The Maryland Department of Aging is committed to the safety and well-being of older Marylanders and supports efforts across multiple sectors and state agencies to achieve that end,” Secretary Roques said. “Our goal is to provide protections for older people, including teaching them how to protect themselves.”

In addition, June 15 is designated World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older adults and encourage taking action to raise awareness, prevent, and address this abuse.

The MDOA works with its 19 local Area Agencies on Aging across the state – including MAC Inc., which serves Wicomico, Somerset, Dorchester and Worcester counites on the Lower Shore – to help combat abuse and keep older Marylanders safe through several Department of Aging programs. These programs include:

• The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which protects the rights and promotes the well-being of the more than 50,000 residents currently living in assisted livings and nursing homes in Maryland;
• The Public Guardianship Program, which serves older adults who have been deemed by a court of law to lack the capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning their daily living needs;
• The Senior Legal Assistance Program, which provides access to legal advice, counseling, and representation to older Marylanders, local Ombudsmen, and health insurance counselors; and
• The Senior Medicare Patrol, which teaches Medicare and Medicaid clients how to recognize and report health care fraud, waste, abuse, or error.

To connect with these programs, on the Lower Shore check out information on this website, or contact MAC at 410-742-0505.