Michael Ostrye, 70, takes care of his two grandkids during the day, which usually comes complete with watching children's songs on TV while enjoying their nuggets and fries. He equally enjoys his new apartment that he's only been in for a short time.

"It's a lot better," he said.

Better than where he used to live in Fredonia. Inside, he says pieces of the laundry room ceiling had been missing for quite some time, causing leaks all over the house.

"[The] bedroom leaked, the bathroom leaked, living room, kitchen. Ceilings leaked. Floors got weak. It was not a nice place," he explained.

Ostrye says the landlord tried to fix it from time to time but it was never right, so he got in touch with the Center for Elder Law and Justice, or CEL-J, providers of free legal help to older, disabled and low income adults.

Staff there coached him and helped him navigate through the process, even suggesting he withhold his rent money and place it in a savings account until the repairs are made.

"Frustrating, because some of my stuff got ruined," Ostrye said.

Then facing eviction, he finally had enough and moved out.

"A lot happier. It's a lot easier for me to get around," he said.

"And our elderly are our most vulnerable population," said Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, who says the county recently joined others across the state and nation recognizing world elder abuse awareness day.

Leaders are partnering with several community agencies, including CEL-J to help prevent all forms of elder abuse.

"We must all look after our friends and loved ones as they have looked after us. When we all work together, we can make a bigger difference than when we can alone," said Josh Siliano, supervising attorney, Center for Elder Law & Justice

Yet so many more need help as only one in 23 cases are reported, with one in ten victims over the age of 60.

"Every case of abuse has the potential to irrevocably harm the victim whether that be financially, physically [or] emotionally," said Siliano.

Thanks to Siliano and his team, Ostrye, who along with his grandkids are now out of harms way, says he's grateful for the center's help.

"I felt better that someone was trying to help me out," said Ostrye.

If you or someone you know may be a victim of abuse, there are a few signs to watch out for, including bruises, burns or scars, as well as depression, isolation or changes in banking and spending.