For assistance from CREA of Memphis and Shelby County, call the Family Safety Center at 901-222-4400.
24-HOUR CRISIS LINE 901-800-6064
About CREA
In 2015, the Plough Foundation funded the Coordinated Response to Elder Abuse (CREA) after extensive research about the most pressing issues facing older adults in Memphis and Shelby County. CREA represents a comprehensive, community-wide effort to make Shelby County a safe community for people of all ages. CREA addresses elder abuse by improving the protection of older adults and giving them a voice. For more information, visit plough.org/aginginitiative.
We do this through:
The Coordinated Community Response (CCR) members are a collection of more than 20 organizations ranging from government and community based agencies to non-profits. All CREA partners share a common vision and responsibility to enhance the safety of adults 60 and older.
Partners hold each other accountable to create a seamless response to the needs of victims of elder abuse. In order to define and align the resources that can facilitate quick intervention in cases of reported elder abuse, partners follow a comprehensive and sustainable model of community response that is victim-centered and seeks justice.
In most cases of elder abuse, the perpetrator is someone the victim knows and trust; two-thirds of perpetrators of elder abuse are related to their victims. CREA care coordinators and other CREA team members are housed at the Family Safety Center, where the infrastructure is in place to provide civil, criminal, health, and social services to victims of family violence.
CREA’s services are intended for individuals over the age of 60 who may be abused and who are seeking services in response to elder abuse. Older adults have the right to self determination and to request services. All referrals for the following services are made by law enforcement, victim advocates and elder care coordinators only.
Advocacy: Victim advocates and elder care coordinators are specially trained to support the older adult, listen to their wishes, and make referrals for services they request. Individual and group counseling services are available as well as transportation for court hearings, medical appointments, and adult day care programs. When there is an urgent need, a victim advocate will visit an older adult with law enforcement officers during the day. The advocate will assist the older adult by making referrals for emergency housing and healthcare for their protection, in addition to introducing them to a care coordinator to provide additional services.
Healthcare: A medical evaluation and homemaker services may be necessary to keep the older adult in their home and for their physical well-being. RN and MD home visits are available.
Housing: Temporary emergency housing services are available and located in a foster home, assisted living facility, or nursing home depending on the needs and wishes of the older adult.
Legal: Legal professionals are prepared to meet the needs of an older adult who is abused. The attorneys will work with probate court, the district attorney’s office, and law enforcement when needed. They can address power of attorney, orders of protection, conservatorship, and concerns with financial institutions.
CREA Partner Organizations
The Coordinated Response to Elder Abuse is generously supported by the Plough Foundation and driven by the following community partners:
Adult Protective Services of Tennessee
Aging Commission of the Mid-South
Baptist Memorial Health Care
Bartlett Police Department
Case Management, Inc.
CoactionNet
Collierville Police Department
Community Legal Center
Delta Medical Center
Germantown Police Department
Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS)
Memphis Crisis Center
Memphis Fire Department
Memphis Police Department
Meritan
Metropolitan Interfaith Association (MIFA)
Millington Police Department
Plough Foundation
RISE Foundation
Shelby County Crime Victims/Rape Crisis Center
Shelby County District Attorney’s Office
Shelby County Division of Community Services
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office
Tennessee Dept. of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services
West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center
For assistance from CREA of Memphis and Shelby County, call the Family Safety Center at 901-222-4400.
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