Riverside Co. Hosts Symposium on Elder/Dependent-Adult Abuse

From the County of Riverside: More than 400 professionals, community leaders and faith-based partners will meet to brainstorm and listen to several local experts on elder abuse prevention at the Fourth Annual Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Symposium.

Hosted by Riverside County Adult Protective Services, with significant support from several county and non-county partners, the symposium will feature keynote speakers: Jay Orr, former county executive officer for Riverside County and Dr. Rachel Wu, assistant professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside. Jay Orr will discuss the impacts of “ageism” in our society and why it’s necessary to “change the conversation” to frame a positive message.

Changing the message reinforces the importance of social engagement in healthy aging, free of abuse, neglect and social isolation. Dr. Wu is an expert in the field of cognitive development and will share insights from her research on how older adults can mitigate cognitive decline during aging.

Media representatives are invited to attend the symposium on Wednesday, June 28, from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Riverside Convention Center, 3637 5th St., Riverside.

“June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Riverside County. This symposium is a coordinated effort with many of our county and community partners who share responsibility for addressing this societal concern,” said Lisa Shiner, DPSS assistant director of adult services. The symposium will include an opening and closing keynote address, ten workshops to choose from, and a call to action.

Symposium sponsors include the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, Riverside University Health System-Behavioral Health, Department of Public Social Services, District Attorney’s Office, Office on Aging, Sheriff’s Department, Superior Court-Probate, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, City of Riverside Police Department, Molina Healthcare, Inland Empire Health Plan, Innovate-P.A.C.E., and Inland Regional Center.

Riverside County DPSS Adult Services regularly provides prevention education to seniors and training to those interested in how to recognize and report elder abuse. The 24-hour Adult Protective Services Hotline is: 800.491.7123

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