Help Prevent Elder Abuse (FL. USA)

By Contributed - June 2009

Early in 2008, "The Power to Prevent Elder Abuse is in Your Hands" campaign was launched by the State of Florida. It's designed to increase awareness of the mistreatment of older Floridians with the hope of preventing this serious problem both locally and globally.

Abuse takes many forms: emotional, financial exploitation, physical, sexual, neglect, and self-neglect. Unfortunately, only 20 percent or less of all elder abuse and neglect cases are reported nationally. Elders can be abused in their home or in institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes or other long- term care facilities. Victims are often hidden behind closed doors, with little hope of assistance or recognition.

As citizens, we are required by Florida Law (F.S. Chapter 415) to report any knowledge or reasonable cause to suspect abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of a vulnerable adult to the Florida Abuse Hotline, 1-800-96ABUSE or 1-800-962-2873. For the hearing impaired, the Abuse Hotline can be accessed through the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-453-5145 TDD. The abuse hotline is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days per week. Callers to the hotline can remain anonymous and the information given is confidential.

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The goal of the day is to recognize elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue and to raise awareness to ultimately put an end to the abuse and neglect of older adults.  This annual observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is sponsored by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA). Show your support by hosting World Elder Abuse Awareness Day activities such as educational programs, community proclamations and other cultural events. The color for the day is purple and the theme for the day is "My World...Your World...Our World-Free of Elder Abuse."

So on June 15, show the world you care about ending elder abuse and neglect by wearing something purple and taking a stand against elder abuse.

Remember to report suspected cases of elder abuse. By doing so, you can save someone's life.

For more information on the elder abuse prevention presentations in your area, contact Chrystal Holmes at Elder Options, 800-963-5337. 

SOURCE:    Senior Times - Gainesville,FL,USA

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