May is Elder Abuse Awareness month

Learn how to avoid elder abuse from the staff at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center.

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Lake Oswego Adult Community Center staff members wish to alert seniors about a serious scam involving elder abuse.

Imagine this scenario:

A widower in deep grief goes to the neighborhood bar for a few drinks and talks about his wife. This goes on for months, and a younger woman at the end of the bar takes notice. Night after night she listens, learning about the man's grief. Soon, she knows just what to say and do to get the man smitten with her. They begin a relationship; he buys her a condo and spends his life savings on her. He believes they are in love; he isn't lonely anymore and is genuinely happy.

Eventually, someone tips off Adult Protective Services (APS). It comes out that the woman has manipulated the man for her emotional and financial gain. She has lied about who she is, given him a false name and not even divulged that she has three children.

Elder abuse can take many forms. Relatives and caregivers may need help dealing with the stresses of caring for an aging loved one.

The ACC can help. We have resources for caregivers and family members, as well as support groups. If you or someone you know needs help, give us a call at 503-635-3758.

The lunch menu this week features Tuscan chicken pasta on Friday, May 26. We will be closed Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day. On Wednesday, May 31, we will celebrate Senior Health and Fitness Day with a luau offering hamburgers and hot dogs. Meal cost is a suggested donation of $4 for those 60 and older and $5 for everyone else.

The LOACC is located at 505 G Ave., Lake Oswego. A list of activities and support groups can be found on our website, loacc.info, under the Calendar banner. Click on "View the Adult Community Center Calendar" and then the activity for more details. Call 503-635-3758 to register for classes, events, make lunch reservations or schedule a massage.

Maria Bigelow is a program supervisor at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center.