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City: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Should Be a Call to Action

Published on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 | 4:46 am
 

Each year, an estimated 5 million older adults are abused, neglected or exploited.

Pasadena announced it has joined WISE & Healthy Aging Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in recognizing June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The day should serve a call-to-action for communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect and exploitation of elders, and reaffirm our country’s commitment to the principle of justice for all, the city said in its announcement.

Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences or can result in serious financial loss. Older Americans lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation—funds that could be used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food, and medical care.

Unfortunately, it occurs in every demographic and can happen to anyone.

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.

According to the city, elder abuse can be prevented. There are many ways to strengthen our social supports through policies, services and programs that keep us integrated in our communities as we age.

June 15, 2021 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

People can help protect themselves and their loved ones from elder abuse by reporting it to the authorities as soon as it is suspected. 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. This also includes reporting any suspected abuse pertaining to nursing homes and residential care facilities.

In regards to financial abuse, there are specific steps you can take before it occurs to reduce your risk, which include:

  1. Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry.
  2. When no longer needed, shred junk mail, old bills, bank statements, and any other documents that have personal identifying information.
  3. Don’t give out personal information over the phone unless you originated the call and you know with whom you are talking. Particularly safeguard your social security number.
  4. It is ok to be rude. If a salesperson calls you or comes to your door who does not seem to be taking no for an answer, it is ok to terminate the conversation. Hang up the phone or close the door. You don’t have to let yourself be pressured into anything.
  5. Never sign something that you don’t understand. Have a trusted and unbiased professional assist you when entering contracts or signing legal documents.
  6. 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.
  7. 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 the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241.

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