Elder abuse shelter to open in Mason

MASON, Ohio - For the first time in Ohio, elderly victims of abuse will have a place to turn for help.

The Cedar Village Retirement Community in Mason will care for victims 65 and older with the creation of The Shalom Center. By establishing the shelter in a long term care facility, this will allow for the elderly in Hamilton, Butler, Warren and Clermont counties to receive a variety of services including medical, nursing and therapy services if needed.

"We believe that this is a place where we can provide a safe haven for seniors in a way that's going to meet their needs and meet some of the needs in our community," said Carol Silver Elliott, President and CEO of Cedar Village Retirement Community.

Cedar Village will be working with police, social service agencies and hospitals to build a network and accept referrals.

"It's not just about us being able to provide shelter or some of our organizations being able to make referrals, it's about helping to raise that level of awareness in our community because that's really what's most important," Elliott said.

This shelter is opening at a time when elder abuse is becoming a growing problem. It's estimated 1 in 10 elders are abused nationwide. Individuals accepted for admission will have an emergency stay for 90 to 120 days. Then, a care team will work on a long-term plan.

The Shalom Center is scheduled to open in January. They will also set up a hotline on Jan. 1 for people to call to get help to care for a victim. The number is 888-295-7453. 

"We want to make Cincinnati a safer place for our elders," Elliott said.