World Elder Abuse Awareness
Did you know that June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day? Well now we all do!
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.
Between 2019 and 2030, the number of persons aged 60 years or over is projected to grow by 38%, from 1 billion to 1.4 billion, globally outnumbering youth, and this increase will be the greatest and the most rapid in the developing world, and recognizing that greater attention needs to be paid to the specific challenges affecting older persons, including in the field of human rights.
Elder abuse is global and comes in many forms including physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse and also neglect. Elderly people are human and deserve the same dignity and respect as people of all other age groups.
Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to abuse and to being unable to defend themselves and get help as fear and infirmity can be major barriers to seeking and getting help, and sometimes spotting and challenging abuse in the elderly isn’t easy, some are isolated having outlived family and friends, and some are abused in institutions where abuse is not spotted or is covered up, and in some cases the elderly are not given priority by authorities in abuse matters.
National Center on Elder Abuse
The NCEA provides the latest information regarding research, training, best practices, news and resources on elder abuse, neglect and exploitation to professionals and the public. First established by the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) in 1988 as a national elder abuse resource center, the NCEA was granted a permanent home at AoA in the 1992 amendments made to Title II of the Older Americans Act.
The NCEA is one of 27 Administration on Aging-funded Resource Centers. Research shows that as many as two million elders are abused in the United States. The Administration on Aging recognizes that as a government, as a society and as individuals, we must increase our efforts to ensure that all older adults age with dignity and honor.
What are some Signs of Abuse
| Physical | Bruises, pressure marks or sores, broken bones, abrasions, and burns |
| Sexual | Bruises or injury to the genital area which may present as difficulty moving or sitting |
| Emotional | Withdrawal from normal activities, anxiety, depression, unusual behavior, or unease |
| Neglect | Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss |
| Financial | Uncharacteristic purchases by the individual or caregiver; failure to pay bills or keep appointments; questionable behavior |
If you suspect Any Type of Abuse
You should contact the appropriate authority referenced below. You do not need to prove that abuse is occurring. The professionals will investigate claims of elder mistreatment.
Law Enforcement
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or the local police.
Adult Protective Services
If the danger is not imminent, report concerns to the local Adult Protective Services (APS) agency.
Find the APS reporting number for each state by visiting our State Resources section.
Long Term Care Ombudsman
If you suspect abuse of a person living in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or board and care home contact the local Long Term Care Ombudsman. Find your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
For more information click Here
We can all work together to help protect our elderly!
Information for this blog was taken from several sites. For more information please visit:
https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/
https://www.un.org/en/observances/elder-abuse-awareness-day
https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day-2020/