In support of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, Home Helpers is raising awareness about elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Throughout the world, abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults remains 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:
Together, we can put a stop to elder abuse!
