Be aware of elder abuse, every day of the year
June 19, 2009
(The writer is director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services within the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services)
The image is not pretty, the examples may make one feel uncomfortable, and some victims may not realize they need help. Elder abuse can take many forms and can sometimes be difficult to recognize.
These are some of the reasons that each June, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized. This year's observance was Monday, but it's a problem that must be addressed every day.
Each year, more than two million vulnerable adults and older adults fall prey to elder abuse in the United States.
Protecting our vulnerable and older adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation is the responsibility of all our citizens. Learning to recognize the signs of abuse and neglect are important factors to ensuring that our seniors and vulnerable adults live their lives in safe environments with dignity and respect.
Some of the signs of elder abuse may include:
- Bruises, burns, cuts, scratches
- Malnutrition
- Untreated medical condition(s)
- Unsafe or unsanitary housing
- Mental anguish and distress
- Mistrust toward others
- Mismanaged property or savings
- Inability to provide needed care
What can you do to help raise awareness about elder abuse?
- Don't ignore this problem. It's not going away.
- Report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation to the adult protective services intake unit in the North Carolina county where the adult lives. Contact information for county departments of social services is available at: www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/local
- Volunteer in local programs that provide assistance and support for vulnerable and older adults in your community and at long-term care facilities.
- Educate yourself, family and community about elder abuse by visiting our website at www.ncdhhs.gov/aging
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