Elder Protection Programs
In partnership with the Topsfield Police & Fire Depts., the Council on Aging offers programs to help senior citizens to age in place:
Operation Concern
A safety check by daily phone calls from the homebound elder to the Police Department.
Alert Program
A program to protect elders with impaired memory in which the police are notified if a person becomes lost or disoriented.
File Of Life
The File of Life is a card listing your medical information which you can post on your refrigerator or carry in your wallet. In case you are unable to communicate with medical personnel, your File of Life includes the information necessary to meet your medical needs. The card lists your medications, family and doctor's telephone numbers, and information needed to provide appropriate care. You may pick up a File of Life Kit at the COA office in Town Hall. If you already have a File of Life, remember to update changes in medications or contact information.
Enhanced 911
Provides disability indicator information forms to assist police and fire personnel in identifying disabled individuals who may need assistance.
Citizens Information Alert
Releases information about issues or concerns related to your neighborhood quickly via email elerts. Residents may download the form from the Topsfield Police Department website.
Prescription Drug Drop-Off Disposal Program
To safely dispose of left-over or unwanted prescription drugs, the Topsfield Police Department has a marked box in the front lobby of the Police Station at 210 Boston Street (Rt.1). For further information or assistance call the Topsfield Council on Aging at (978) 887-1523.
SeniorCare's Protective Services
Protective Service caseworker investigate allegations of abuse or neglect of individuals aged 60 or over. With the elder's consent, the caseworker will contact those with knowledge of the situation, and make a home visit to the elder. If needed, a variety of home care, clinical, and legal services will be offered. Reportable condidtions include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation. Reports of elder abuse or neglect are confidential. To report elder abuse/neglect weekdays from 9:00AM - 5:00PM call SeniorCare at 1-866-927-1050 or 1-800-243-4636. Evenings, Nights, Weekends, Holidays, call the ELder Abuse 24 Hours Hotline 1-800-922-2275. Anyone who suspects elder abuse or neglect should report it, but some individuals are mandated to report, and are subject to a $1,000 fine for failure to do so. Check SeniorCare's website at www.seniorcareinc.org for list of mandated reporters.
For more information regarding our Elder Protection Programs, please call the COA office at (978) 887-1523 or Sgt. Jack Haywood our Elder Protection Officer of the Topsfield Police Department at (978) 887-6533. Confidential conversation with a professional staff is available 24 hours a day.