Latest Guides

Community News

City Highlights Significance of Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Lists Prevention Steps

A City Council proclamation will encourage residents to learn more about elder abuse and how to prevent it

Published on Saturday, June 10, 2023 | 6:21 am
 

Elder abuse can happen to any senior, anywhere, at any time, the City of Pasadena said Friday.

To drive home that point, Mayor Victor M. Gordo will proclaim June 15, 2023, Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Pasadena at  the June 12 City Council meeting.

Additionally, purple flags have been placed on the lawn of the Pasadena Public Health Department to signify the number of abuses reported by Pasadena residents, and to honor those who have been affected by elder abuse.

In 2006, the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations (UN) launched the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in an effort to unite communities around the world in raising awareness about elder abuse. WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for our communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect and exploitation of elders, and reaffirm our country’s commitment to the principle of justice for all.

“Elder abuse is a serious issue affecting one of the most vulnerable groups in our nation,” said Manuel Carmona, acting director of Pasadena Public Health Department. “Older adults deserve to live with dignity, security and appreciation.”

Each year, an estimated 5 million older adults are abused, neglected or exploited. Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences, and can result in significant financial loss. In the U.S., the estimated loss by victims of financial abuse is estimated to be at least $2.6 billion, according to the National Council on Aging. Unfortunately, it occurs in every demographic and can happen to anyone—a family member, a neighbor, even you. Experts believe that elder abuse is significantly under-reported, in part because so many of our communities lack the social supports that would make it easier for those who experience abuse to report it. Research suggests that as few as 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities.

In 2022, Pasadena Police Department received 31 reports of elder abuse in Pasadena. Elder abuse comes in many forms, including neglect and financial, emotional, sexual or physical abuse. “We have a collective responsibility to protect senior residents by recognizing and reporting elder abuse when it occurs,” said Police Chief Eugene Harris. “Anyone with questions concerning elder abuse is urged to call the special victim unit supervisor, Sgt. Brian Bulaon, at (626) 744-3863.”

Help prevent and address elder abuse by reporting it to authorities as soon as it is suspected. This also includes reporting any suspected abuse pertaining to nursing homes and residential care facilities. Physical injury, neglect, and/or emotional or behavioral changes are all telltale signs of abuse that could be exhibited by a loved one and should compel you to take immediate action.

There are specific steps you can take to reduce your risk of financial abuse.

  • Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry.
  • When no longer needed, shred junk mail, old bills, bank statements, and any other documents that have personal identifying information.
  • Don’t give out personal information over the phone unless you originated the call and know with whom you are speaking. Particularly safeguard your social security number.
  • It is okay to be rude. If a salesperson calls you or comes to your door and they’re not taking no for an answer, it is okay to terminate the conversation. Hang up the phone or close the door. You don’t have to let yourself be pressured into anything.
  • Never sign something that you don’t understand. Have a trusted and unbiased professional assist you when entering contracts or signing legal documents.
  • If you hire someone for personal assistance services, in-home care services, etc., ensure that they have been properly screened, with criminal background checks completed.
  • Learn about scams and stay informed.
    1. Sign up for AARP’s Fraud Watch.
    2. Check out AARP’s interactive national fraud map.
    3. Review FBI Common Scams and Crimes.

To report elder abuse in Pasadena, call Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241.

Get our daily Pasadena newspaper in your email box. Free.

Get all the latest Pasadena news, more than 10 fresh stories daily, 7 days a week at 7 a.m.

Make a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

 

 

buy ivermectin online
buy modafinil online
buy clomid online
buy ivermectin online