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Mike NozzolioIt is estimated that every 5 seconds a senior citizen is abused and that only about one in five instances of elder abuse are ever reported.  Just like any other form of domestic violence, elder abuse occurs across every demographic and can take many forms - from physical abuse to emotional or psychological abuse to financial exploitation.

Senator Mike Nozzolio today announced that $750,000.00 has been included in this year’s New York State budget to protect our seniors and support elder abuse prevention.   This critically needed funding will support  Lifespan’s efforts to protect our most vulnerable citizens by providing elder abuse prevention services, education, and training for families and healthcare professionals - especially for those individuals who work with seniors.

“Lifespan provides critically important services and programs that benefit thousands of individuals and their families throughout our region.  Combating Elder Abuse continues to be one of my top priorities, which is why I have fought so hard to ensure Lifespan continues to receive the necessary funding for their education and prevention efforts.  Lifespan has played an integral role in helping to improve and enhance the quality of life for our seniors and I am pleased to support their efforts,” said Nozzolio.

“Senator Nozzolio was one of the primary architects of establishing the Elder Abuse Prevention Program, which has helped thousands of local seniors,” said Lifespan CEO, Ann Marie Cook.  “Thanks to Senator Nozzolio’s efforts, Lifespan has trained more than 25,000 professionals to recognize elder abuse and what steps to take when it is identified.  On issues ranging from identify theft to emotional or physical abuse, Senator Nozzolio has been a leading proponent and advocate for today’s seniors and we look forward to working with him as he continues his efforts to protect our older citizens.”

Nozzolio has fought for numerous measures to strengthen the penalties against individuals who commit abuse or fraud against our seniors. Nozzolio led the fight to adopt legislation that made identity theft a crime in New York State and fought aggressively for the creation of the “Do Not Call” registry, which has dramatically reduced unsolicited telemarketing calls and protected countless senior citizens from becoming victims of telephone marketing scams.

“Nothing is more important than ensuring the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable citizens.   It has always been my belief that we owe a great deal to the generations who have come before us and I thank Lifespan CEO, Ann Marie Cook, her Board as well as the staff and volunteers, for their tireless efforts and the immeasurable difference they make in the lives of our senior citizens,” concluded Senator Mike Nozzolio.

Lifespan provides information, guidance, education and service programs that help enhance the quality of life for seniors living here in the Finger Lakes region. They serve as advocates to prevent seniors from falling victim to abuse and fraudulent business practices and have helped thousands of individuals and families in our region.

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