Jefferson City, Mo. – The Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging (MA4) announced today that it has received a grant of $5,000 from the Verizon Wireless Hopeline Program to underwrite elder abuse and exploitation training sessions at the 2012 Show Me Summit on Aging and Health.  MA4 will present specialized training for case workers, senior service providers, nursing home administrators, attorneys, law enforcement and financial institution personnel.

“We truly appreciate Verizon’s support of our work to end elder abuse and exploitation. These funds make it possible for ma4 to continue to offer training on elder abuse and exploitation at our annual summit, an initiative we began last year with support from Verizon’s Hopeline program,” said Catherine Edwards, executive director of ma4.

“The theme of this year’s summit is ‘Aging, Awareness and Advocacy.’  The training we offer will raise the awareness of elder abuse and will give attendees the tools they need to advocate effectively to end it,” Edwards added.

“Ma4 applauds Verizon Wireless’ long-standing commitment to the State of Missouri and we value the HopeLine program focus on the problem of domestic violence and elder abuse. We are truly fortunate to have such a distinguished partner in addressing this problem,” Edwards continued.

The sessions will be presented by adult protective services investigators, attorneys and long term care ombudsmen.

The session will cover a range of topics including an overview of elder abuse in Missouri, the role of advocacy in combatting abuse, and the signs of financial exploitation. Continuing education credits will be offered for nursing home administrators and social workers.

ABOUT MA4

The Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging (ma4) was founded in 1973 to serve as a statewide advocate and resource for older Missourians.  Ma4 is comprised of the state’s 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), which were created under the 1973 amendments to the Older American’s Act of 1965.   For more than 38 years, these local agencies have been providing vital services, programs and information to millions of Missourians and their caregivers, including legal services, home-delivered meals, disease prevention and health promotion, transportation, public benefits counseling, senior centers and in-home services. The 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) provide a coordinated network of care in implementing statewide initiatives that are designed to help older Missourians maintain their independence and give them a voice in articulating their concerns and changing needs.

As the official statewide association of these agencies, ma4 is dedicated to carrying out its mission of service, information and advocacy to improve the lives of older Missourians and to plan for the changes that will take place as the aging population grows in number and importance in the next decade.

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