Caring Hearts Is Raising Awareness for Elderly Abuse & Neglect

In support of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, Caring Hearts is raising awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Throughout the world, abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults remain a hidden problem that is largely under-recognized and under-reported. According to the National Center for Elder Abuse, there are few accurate statistics on the occurrences of physical abuse because it is so rarely reported.

It is crucial to increase public awareness and knowledge of physical and financial elder abuse, and to promote the education of professionals and community members in the identification, treatment, and prevention of this issue.

Suspected abuse of any kind should be reported immediately. The reporting agencies in each state are different, but every state has a service designated to receive and investigate allegations of elder abuse and neglect.

Even if these agencies determine that there is no abuse, only the potential for abuse, they will make referrals for counseling. There are several resources available:

• Call 911 if a person is in immediate danger.
• ElderCare Locator: Call 800-677-1116 or visit www.eldercare.gov.
• National Adult Protective Services Association: www.apsnetwork.org/Abuse/index

Together, we can put a stop to elder abuse!