Elder Abuse and COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities

Elder abuse affects at least 260,000 older New Yorkers annually, yet most cases remain undetected. This presentation will discuss the dynamics, including red flags, of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Ms. Siebert-Konopko will discuss current trends and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected service provision to older adults. Attendees will also be provided with some suggestions as to how to better reach and serve older adults in the community. About the Presenter: Tracey Siebert-Konopko, LMSW has worked with survivors of elder abuse for over a decade. In addition to direct case management, Ms. Siebert-Konopko is the coordinator for the Monroe County Elder Fatality Review Team and the Program Manager for statewide Education and Training for the Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan. Ms. Siebert-Konopko received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SUNY Brockport in 2006, and earned her master’s degree in Social Work from the Greater Rochester Collaborative Program in 2008, where she completed specialized course work and a field practicum focusing on the development of social work competencies for work with older adults.