(FLORIDA)- As a society, we hold a collective responsibility to protect and empower our older adults, ensuring they can live their lives with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, elder abuse and age discrimination continue to be pressing issues faced by many seniors in both the Fort Myers and Fort Pierce communities. At Florida Rural Legal Services, we are committed to providing support and assistance to address these challenges effectively in both regions.
Elder abuse encompasses physical, emotional, sexual harm, financial exploitation, or neglect inflicted upon older adults by those responsible for their care. This includes individuals who are directly responsible for the well-being of the seniors. We strongly stand against such abuse and offer legal assistance to victims. In both Fort Myers and Fort Pierce, our experienced attorneys can help with various situations, including divorce, protection injunctions, custody matters, and recovery of stolen or exploited assets. Our goal is to empower victims and hold abusers accountable for their actions, ensuring a safer environment for our seniors.
Age discrimination is another pervasive issue faced by older individuals, affecting their employment opportunities and housing. In both regions, we firmly believe that age should never be a barrier to opportunities. The law protects seniors from employment age discrimination, making it unlawful for employers to discriminate based on age. Additionally, the Federal Fair Housing Act protects seniors from housing discrimination based on disability. At FRLS, we are dedicated to fighting against unfair treatment, termination, and denial of benefits based on age, striving to create an age-inclusive community where seniors are valued for their contributions.
Housing and financial stability are essential for older adults' well-being. Both Fort Myers and Fort Pierce communities face housing challenges, including landlord-tenant disputes, foreclosures, and mortgage issues. Seniors also encounter difficulties in accessing and maintaining sources of income, such as social security benefits, pensions, and unemployment benefits. Navigating these processes can be overwhelming, which is why our legal service is ready to aid. Our team can help resolve housing disputes and offer guidance on income-related challenges, ensuring that our seniors have a secure and dignified life.
Furthermore, grandparents' rights are a significant concern for many seniors in both regions. Whether in Fort Myers or Fort Pierce, grandparents play crucial roles in their grandchildren's lives, offering love and support. In cases of parental absence or neglect, Florida law allows grandparents to retain visitation rights or seek custody/guardianship of their grandchildren.
In conclusion, as a legal service dedicated to serving both the Fort Myers and Fort Pierce communities, we understand the unique challenges faced by older adults. We are committed to providing support and assistance in matters of elder abuse, age discrimination, housing, income maintenance, and grandparents' rights. Our mission is to empower seniors, ensure their rights are protected, and help create inclusive communities where they can thrive. If you or anyone you know could benefit from our services, visit WWW.FRLS.ORG or call us at 1-(888)-542-3410.