ELDER ABUSE

The Elder Abuse Unit is dedicated to supporting older adults experiencing abuse by providing a wide range of civil legal services. We use a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to reduce harm, identify each individual’s needs and goals, and develop solutions that promote safety and justice. Through a multi-disciplinary and community-based response, we partner with a variety of local organizations to address systemic barriers in the justice and social systems, with the goal of improving both short and long-term outcomes for survivors.

Center for Elder Law & Justice also offers trainings for professional organizations and individuals to raise awareness and provide practical tools to recognize, respond to, and prevent elder abuse. Request a training event to bring this vital education to your group or organization.

Eligibility may vary. To find out if you qualify for services, please contact us at 716-853-3087.

• Age 55+

• Resident of Western New York

• No income restrictions

Elder abuse is both widespread and severely underreported. In New York State alone, an estimated 260,000 older adults experience at least one form of elder abuse. Yet for every case reported, 24 cases go unreported. The majority of elder abuse happens where the older adult lives, often at the hands of a caretaker, family member, or friend.

Recognize Types of Abuse

• Financial, unauthorized spending including scams

• Emotional/psychological, including belittling, speaking down to or name calling

• Neglect, failure to meet basic needs

• Physical, including injury, illness & impairment

• Sexual, including harassment

Recognize Signs of Abuse

• Caregivers who do not allow you to speak with the older adult alone or allow them to answer questions

• Caregivers who try and explain away injuries or other concerning symptoms

• Sudden changes in an older adults finances, lifestyle and/or relationships

The Center for Elder Law & Justice coordinates Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams (EMDTs) in the Western New York Region, bringing together public, private, and nonprofit organizations to work collaboratively on complex elder abuse and financial exploitation cases. By combining the professional expertise of attorneys, social workers Adult Protective Services, area Offices for the Aging, financial institutions and other allied professionals, the EMDT improves the process of protecting victims, recovering assets, and holding offenders accountable. To learn more, visit our partners at Lifespan of Greater Rochester.

Contact the EMDT Coordinators:

• Kathy Kanaley, Erie/Niagara/Wyoming: 716-853-3087 ext. 219

• Mike Lee, Cattaraugus/Chautauqua: 716-853-3087 ext. 261

• The Council on Elder Abuse is a collaborative group that meets to bring together professionals and advocates dedicated to improving the safety and dignity of older adults

• If you or someone you know are the victim of a crime, contact NY State Crime Victims Network 

• Crisis Services (available 24/7): 716-834-3131

• Erie County Adult Protective Services: 716-858-6877

• The Replication Toolkit is designed to provide information for legal service providers, court systems, local governments, and allied professionals.

I think a family member/friend is taking money from a loved one, can you help me?

• Center for Elder Law & Justice is a law office, and our client must be the older adult who is experiencing abuse. If your loved one would like our assistance, we may be able to assist. However, we must speak directly with your loved one to understand whether they want our support and to determine the next steps.

Do you take criminal action against an abuser?

• Our office does not handle criminal prosecution. However, we collaborate with local District Attorneys when a case may warrant criminal charges and the client wishes to pursue that option. Center for Elder Law & Justice focuses on the civil aspects of elder abuse cases, including recovering stolen funds, revoking powers of attorney, and requesting accountings.

Do you take nursing home cases?

• The Elder Abuse prevention unit does not take cases of nursing home abuse or neglect.

This program is funded in part by New York State Office for the Aging, New York State Office of Victim Services and in partnership with Lifespan of Greater Rochester.