The Elders and Persons with Disabilities Unit of the Hampden District Attorney’s Office is designed to:

• Increase communication with persons responsible for the protection, treatment and continuity of care of elders and persons with disabilities;
• Increase awareness of crimes being committed against elders and persons with disabilities;
• Increase communication and cooperation between law enforcement and agencies providing services to elders and persons with disabilities; and
• Ensure that crimes committed against elders and persons with disabilities are promptly reported, investigated by trained law enforcement personnel and prosecuted by experienced assistant district attorneys.
• The District Attorney’s office is dedicated to working with the elderly and persons with disabilities, their families, and social service agencies in order to develop prevention strategies and effectively prosecute crimes committed against the more vulnerable members of society.

Education Against Senior Exploitation (EASE)

EASE addresses the senior population of Hampden County regarding scams, financial exploitation and physical abuse. Along with a representative from the Greater Springfield Senior Services, an Assistant District Attorney who specializes in elder abuse speaks to groups at elder communities, assisted living facilities and councils on aging about protecting themselves against abuse and scams. These experts on elder issues provide tips and advice to help elders avoid becoming victims. Any group interested in the EASE Program can call the Hampden District Attorney’s Elders and Persons with Disabilities Unit at 413-505-5671.

Elder Abuse Hotline 1-800-922-2275

Operating 7 days a week 24 hours a day

Resources

• Executive Office of Elder Affairs
• MA Department of Mental Health
• MA Department of Developmental Services
• Executive Office of Health and Human Services