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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2015.07.16 - 21917MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #15190 BY: Commissioners Shelley Taub, District #12; Helaine Zack, District #18; Jeff Matis, District #15; John Scott, District #5; Bill Dwyer, District #14; Marcia Gershenson, District #13; Michael Gingell, District #1; Eileen KowaII, District #6; Wade Fleming, District #16; Robert Gosselin, District #11; Nancy Quarles, District #17; Hugh Crawford, District #9; Thomas Middleton, #4; Gary McGillivray, #20; Philip Weipert, District #8; Michael Spisz, District #3; Bob Hoffman, District #2 citv\-0„,_ IN RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS — SUPPORT FOR ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION AND A SAFEGUARD SHELTER To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen: WHEREAS the population of people age 65 and older is growing in the U.S. with 40.3 million reported in the 2010 Census and this 'Boomer Generation" effect will continue for decades; and WHEREAS it is estimated by 2050 those 65 and older will make up 20% of the U.S. population; and WHEREAS the fastest growing segment of this population are those 85 and up and it is projected by 2050 there will be 19 million people 85 years of age and older; and WHEREAS with this growing elderly population there is also the growing risk of significant harm from elder abuse to vulnerable elders; and WHEREAS elder abuse is the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable older adults usually by a family member, caregiver or a person in a trusted relationship with the elder; and WHEREAS there are over 2 million older adults who are victims of elder abuse each year and with as many as 90,000 cases of elder abuse every year in the State of Michigan; and WHEREAS the majority of elder abuse is unreported, making it a silent epidemic, resulting in only 1 of 14 cases ever being reported to the authorities; and WHEREAS the effects of elder abuse - the physical, sexual, emotional, or financial - places elderly victims at a high risk for premature death; and WHEREAS the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) states elders who experience abuse had a 300% higher risk of death when compared to those who had not been abused; and WHEREAS the abuse experienced by older adults is life-changing and affects their psychological, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being and leaves the victim feeling there is nowhere to turn; and WHEREAS elder abuse victims have a difficult time in seeking refuge from their abusive environment due to the lack of safe, temporary shelters; and WHEREAS the Center for Elder Abuse Prevention has been established by the Jewish Senior Life, Southeast Michigan's only elder abuse shelter, offering a 24/7 helpline to provide supportive services and safe temporary shelter for 90 days to safeguard older adults who have been abused; and WHEREAS through partnerships with community resources the shelter supports independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care to assist older adults who are vulnerable and in crisis by providing programs and services to support them in their time of need; and WHEREAS the Center for Elder Abuse Prevention is open to all faiths and ethnic groups with no costs incurred to those seeking a safe haven; and WHEREAS a service plan is developed for each individual by a Jewish Senior Life Social Worker to provide caring and supportive services that include counseling, medical care, physical and/or psychological therapy, courtroom support, legal referrals, and spiritual support; and WHEREAS the Jewish Senior Life is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults through programs and services that support aging with dignity and choice, and maximize independence; and WHEREAS the Center for Elder Abuse Prevention collaborates with community partners to create a network of support to ensure a safe transition and discharge for the older adult to live as independently, as possible. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners acknowledge the urgent need to support and protect the vulnerable older adult residents of Oakland County from being victims of elder abuse. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners initiate conversation with Jewish Senior Life to establish a collaborative effort to support the Center for Elder Abuse Prevention that provides a safe haven from the abusive environment vulnerable older adults are seeking refuge from. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners engage in discussions with the Oakland County Administration for a Professional Services Contract in the amount of $30,000 for the Jewish Senior Life to provide victims of elder abuse in Oakland County with medical care, counseling services and courtroom support through the Center for Elder Abuse Prevention. Chairperson, we move the adoption of the foregoing Resolution. brnmissioner Micybel Gin District #1 Commissioner Wade Flalin District #16 Com ammiseitnr Thomas Middleton Distra#4 AO° missi Philip Weipert Commissioner Bob Hoffma District #2 Commissioner Helaine Zack Distr-ir-L#18 Cotrimissioner Ratet Gosselin ffff ff Commissfoner ary McGillivray District #20 Commissioner District # Comnriissioner Marcia Greshqson District #13 Resolution #15190 July 16, 2015 The Chairperson referred the resolution to the General Government Committee. There were no objections.