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PROTECTIVE SERVICES

An old stone bridge creates a narrow underpass in Holliston/Photo by Stephen Corso

Elder abuse is the mistreatment or neglect of a person 60 years of age or older, and sadly it is all too common a problem.

The Massachusetts state website notes that “it’s happening at an alarming rate. Elder abuse is usually perpetrated by someone the senior knows and trusts and is dependent on for care.”

Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional or sexual abuse, financial exploitation, neglect or abandonment.

Elder abuse should always be reported. If it is an emergency situation or there is an immediate danger, call 911.

In non-emergency situations, you should contact your local protective services agency. The protective services program is run by ASAPs throughout the state. Below is a listing of the agencies serving MetroWest and the MetroWest communities each serves:

Designated Protective Services Agencies

Elder Home Care Services of Worcester Area, Inc.
Address: 411 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA 01602
Phone: 508-756-1545
MetroWest Communities Served: Hudson, Marlborough, Northborough, Southborough, Westborough
Website: eswa.org/services-we-offer/
protective-services/

HESSCO
Address: 1 Merchant Street
Sharon, MA 02067
Phone: 800-462-5221; 781-784-4944
MetroWest Communities Served: Medfield, Millis, Norfolk
Website: hessco.org/protective-services/

Tri-Valley, Inc.
Address: 10 Mill Street
Dudley, MA 01671
Phone: 800-286-6640
MetroWest Communities Served: Bellingham, Franklin, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford
Website: http://www.trivalleyinc.org/in-home-services/
protectivecrisis-intervention/

Springwell
Address: 307 Waverley Oaks Road, Suite 205
Waltham, MA 02452
Phone: 617-926-4100
MetroWest Communities Served: Ashland, Dover, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Needham, Sherborn, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley
Website: www.springwell.com/service/
protecting-elders-at-risk-of-abuse

You can also call the state-wide Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275. That number is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Seniors are often targeted for a variety of financial scams and frauds. The AARP website provides a valuable resource for protection with a variety of informative articles on its Scams and Frauds page.

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