An Age for Justice

On Thursday, March 22 at 10:30 am at Bernardsville Public Library, Laurie Rowe, MS, Eldercare Educator for the Somerset County Office on Aging, will introduce a short documentary video confronting elder abuse in America and address the common and complex challenges seniors can experience.

Every year elder abuse leads millions to live in fear. The intimate 16-minute documentary An Age for Justice: Confronting Elder Abuse in America brings the viewer into the homes of courageous American elders to hear their poignant and real stories about abuse, neglect or abandonment they have experienced. The film unites the voices of abused elders, family members and experts from across our nation to help bring the issue of elder abuse out of the shadows. A discussion will follow of how seniors can empower themselves and protect others from abuse.

As the Eldercare Educator for the Somerset County Office on Aging, Ms. Rowe addresses the common and complex challenges seniors experience through education, intervention and knowledge of available resources. She is committed to finding solutions for problems using a fresh perspective, creative problem solving and humor. With a Master’s degree in Studies in Aging from the University of North Texas and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rutgers University, she has served in many capacities in the field including case management, counseling, training, research and assessment.

Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services is the local agency which plans and coordinates services for older adults (60+), persons living with disabilities and their caregivers. Its mission is to promote independence, health, dignity and choice and to provide support for individuals and their caregivers.

This program is part of the library’s CARES (Community Assistance Resource & Educational Services) series, a locally administered umbrella program that delivers informational sessions pertaining to local, county, state and federal programs. Its objective is to inform and educate local residents and support the goal of healthy, fulfilling and happy lifestyles. All CARES events will be presented by subject matter experts who will be able to answer all questions pertaining to their topics.

There is no charge to attend the program, but advance sign-up is requested. Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link under Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.