Learn How Clergy and Church Leaders Can Help Protect Older Adults from Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation
Clergy often have opportunities to have personal conversations with parishioners who may confide in them about problems and concerns. Because of this personal relationship and the opportunity to meet people in their homes, clergy could be able to observe interactions between parishioners and others close to them that raise suspicions. However, clergy need to recognize risk factors even if the parishioner doesn’t. Because of the complexity of family relationships, it is easier to overlook comments and actions that could be a sign that something harmful or potentially harmful could be happening.
This session will help clergy and church leaders protect older people from elder abuse and financial exploitation or contribute to stopping it if it does occur. Most people think it won’t happen in their own family, but all too often they are wrong. Learning about risk factors can decrease the likelihood family-perpetrated abuse and/or exploitation. This session is based on more than a decade of research by Dr. Virginia Vincenti, University of Wyoming Professor Emeritus in Human Development and Family Sciences, and her multi-state team.
The session usually takes 1.5 hrs depending on the amount of group interaction. Printed materials will be provided for participants to review and share with others. I have done sessions designed specifically for elder law attorneys, law enforcement with the Albany County Sheriff’s deputies and with Laramie Police Department employees and interns, various non-profits, and community organizations.
To set up an educational session about elder abuse, please contact Virginia Vincenti, PhD, member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Laramie, WY, vincenti@uwyo.edu, 307-399-9753
