Senior citizens director: Play outlines elderly abuse issues

SWAMPSCOTT – Elder abuse takes on many forms: physical, sexual, psychological and financial.But it is also sometimes misunderstood or ignored, according to Marilyn Hurwitz, director of the Swampscott Senior Center.To better inform the public about the warning signs of elder abuse, Hurwitz said a play is in the works to act out scenarios that will hopefully strike a chord with viewers.?There are an awful lot of issues surrounding elder abuse, even self-inflicted abuse, nutrition concerns and hoarding,” Hurwitz said. “It?s a huge health and social issue and is certainly not a new trend, but an ongoing one.”Many times, Hurwtiz said, elders are faced with overwhelming decisions of who to turn to when deciding financial or other major issues. And sometimes, they turn to people for answers who they aren?t positive they can trust.?Entering the late stages of life, they realize they can?t drive anymore, can?t live by themselves anymore, or need to downsize their home,” Hurwitz said. “And they wonder if they are being taken advantage of or treated fairly.”As a result, Hurwitz said elders often suffer from depression.?It?s really a hot topic because unfortunately, more and more seniors are becoming isolated,” Hurwitz said. “At the end of life, people need help from someone, and sometimes that?s not always an easy thing to accept.”Hurwitz said the point of the play is to raise the question of developing ways to solve the growing problem, which often baffles neighbors, elder care providers and those who are abused.The play, which will not run until April 2012, and will be titled “Breaking the Silence: Voices of Hope” will not be a structured one with a script, but rather role playing and the reaction to various situations.?The play was written by a protective social worked named Kelsey McCabe,” Hurwitz said. “We?re just starting to recruit people for it now.”Those selected for the play will attend a two-hour workshop about elder abuse, including ways it happens in assisted living and nursing homes, scams on the Internet, identity theft and abuse from the victim?s children.For more information on becoming a part of the play or volunteering, call 781-596-8866.