Senior Services Plus, Inc. (SSP) and their dedicated Ombudsman Program will host a panel discussion on Elder Abuse Prevention, Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, from 12:00pm-1:00pm in SSP’s School House Grill located at 2603 North Rodgers Avenue in Alton, IL. Speakers include Tracie Ramel-Smith with Illinois Long-Term Ombudsman Program, Scott Spencer with Adult Protective Services, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, and the Madison County Assistant State’s Attorney Office. A free lunch is provided and is sponsored by SSP’s Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

This panel discussion is designed for not only older adults but also their family members and caregivers. Elder abuse can manifest in many ways, each carrying the potential for serious physical, emotional, or financial harm. Victims often feel too embarrassed or fearful to speak out and may be unsure of how to begin the reporting process. “Recent studies have shown that 1 in 5 older adults have experienced some form of elder abuse,” says Ombudsman Tracie Ramel-Smith. “Everyone can play a role in preventing elder abuse by recognizing the signs and knowing how to report it.”

This presentation is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Doors for the event will open at 11:00am, lunch will be served at 11:45am, and speakers will begin at noon. To RSVP for this event, call 618-465-3298 ext. 123.