The Elder Abuse Outreach Program represents a cooperative agreement between the Broome County Office for Aging and the Broome County Department of Social Services. Through this program, Office for Aging staff provides assistance to older adults who are at-risk of abuse, neglect and/or financial exploitation by linking them with appropriate services. Through Office for Aging interventions, the older adult's risk of further abuse, neglect, and exploitation is reduced, and the number of cases needing referral to Adult Protective Services decreases.

Also, Office for Aging staff also identifies older adults whose risk of abuse, neglect and/or financial exploitation are beyond the capabilities of the agency. When this is the case, referrals are made to Protective Services for Adults for consultation, review and/or investigation.

The program defines elders as at-risk adults age 60 and older: 

• who have an illness, disability and/or mental impairment that decreases their capacity for self-care and self-determination;
• who are unable to meet their essential needs for food, clothing, shelter or medical care;
• who are unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation;
• who have no one who is willing and able to assist them in a responsible manner.

For more information, call the Broome County Office for Aging at 607.778.2411 or Protective Services for Adults at 607.778.2635. Please leave a message if calling after 4pm. Neither phone number is for emergencies; if you have an emergency, please call 911.