Services

We are committed to helping seniors from all backgrounds.  Our elder abuse prevention services are not income based.  While we offer a variety of legal services, the following legal tools are used in cases of elder abuse:

Orders of Protection: 
Filing for orders of protection in supreme or family court, protecting the elderly person from their abuser by ordering someone to stay away from the a specific location such as the home or ordering someone to cease contact with a specific person.  When an order is violated and police are called, the police have probable cause to make an immediate arrest.

Powers of Attorney:
Many abusers use a POA document to steal funds from the victim.  We can revoke the POA and Health Care Proxy and draft a new legal document to appoint another person as POA/HCP to act for the senior.  We can also contact Social Security on behalf of the victim to ensure that the abuser cannot serve as Representative Payee.  We also work closely with the Social Security Administration to obtain Social Security Funds that have been stolen, or misused, by the abuser.

Safety Planning:
COEA will work with seniors to tailor a safety plan specific to their needs, including concerns specific to aging. The safety plan can include working with cognitive and physical disabilities associated with aging, ensuring that the senior has a plan which he or she can follow, and that the plan can be updated as needed.

Programs and Assistance: 
Our unique understanding of a variety of benefits available to seniors, including VA benefits, Medicaid, EPIC, Medicare, and Social Security allows us to work with the senior to ensure that any services which may have been provided by the abusive caretaker can be replaced by alternative programs.

If you Suspect Abuse, TAKE ACTION!

More than 1,500 cases of elder abuse are reported each year in Erie County. Many more cases are never reported.

If you suspect abuse and would like legal assistance, please contact:

Center for Elder Law & Justice:

716-853-3087

For immediate assistance 24 hours a day, please contact:

Crisis Services Hotline at:

716-834-3131

If you suspect someone is being abused, please contact:

Erie County Protective Services for Adults: 

716-858-6877

For general information on programs or referrals, please contact:

Erie County Department of Senior Services / NY Connects: 

716-858-8526

            In an emergency, call 911

For Elder Shelter screening tool, please visit the Elder Shelter Page located under the "Elder Shelter" tab at the top of your screen