Sad as it seems, Elder Abuse exists all over the world… Each of us needs to be aware of this and know that we can do something to end it!
Many communities all over the globe have activities to bring awareness to the general public to reduce such incidents. Abuse is not only physical and financial but often can be psychological or sexual. The laws differ by state, and of course by country.
Some known facts:
- One in ten Americans over 60 years of age will experience abuse each year.
- 11% of elders reported experiencing one form of mistreatment, including emotional, physical, sexual, or neglect in the past year.
- One in every eight individuals over 65 living with Alzheimer’s disease and nearly one in two people with dementia experience some form of abuse by others.
- Those with dementias can be easily taken advantage of by so-called “nice people” – household help, local business vendors, and even relatives. Those with impaired judgment issues are prime targets. Protect your family members with proper legal tools, financial checks and balances, and real oversight of their well-being (Aging Life Care Professional Care Managers(TM) can be your gatekeepers).
Families need to protect themselves from being accused of “Elder Abuse”:
- When an older family member refuses to help a person with a dementia, bring in the experts to assist you in a safe living plan – taking action to protect you from being charged with a crime.
- Learn how to communicate to older family members about current scams that take advantage of even the most highly educated of the over-65 age group (financial planning scams, lotteries, home improvement scams, etc.).
If you suspect abuse in any form, call your local Adult Protective Services office and they will take a report and can keep your name anonymous. Be safe and not sorry. An ounce of protection is worth a lot! Stand with Eldercare on World Elder Abuse Day!
Wednesday, June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. There will be activities in many communities to mark this occasion. Honestly, the most important thing that can come from these events would be an increased awareness that elder abuse does exist — and needs to be recognized in all forms: physical, psychological, sexual or financial. Ignoring elder abuse only allows it to continue, and there will be additional victims. World Elder Abuse Day is a chance for our voices to be heard. Let’s stop elder abuse together.