Elder Abuse Awareness Day is not a day filled with big parties and large parades, but is a day that needs to recognized all the same. You may be asking yourself, what is elder abuse? Is that even a thing? According to a nursing home neglect attorney, it is estimated that “one in 10 seniors in Michigan are victims of elder abuse” and that number is only going to continue to rise as the population in Michigan continues to age.
Who is doing this abuse? Is it a stranger? Is it the caller from another country? Though that is the type of abuse we typically hear about in the news, unfortunately, it is not always. In fact, more times than not, the abuser is a spouse, child, grandchild, caregiver, or another trusted individual.
Here are the Red Flags of elder abuse: Neglect/Self-Neglect; Physical/Sexual Abuse; Financial Abuse/Exploitation; Psychological/Emotional Abuse
On National Elder Abuse Awareness Day, how can we protect our senior neighbors, friends, or family?
Isolation is one of the largest factors leading to elder abuse. Here are some suggestions: Visiting a senior (during the COVID-19 pandemic, not as easy, but can still be accomplished); visit through the door; stay 6 feet apart; visit on front porch or yard with mask on; Call or Facetime a senior; send cards or letters.
Most importantly, if you suspect elder abuse is occurring, report the suspicion. You can call 1-855-444-3911 to make a report.
The only way we can stop elder abuse is to keep reporting suspicious activities.
If you would like to learn more about the Prevention of Elder Abuse Neglect and Exploitation, you can contact either Beth Newman or Penny Jones of Livingston County Catholic Charities at (517) 545-5944.
During these unprecedented times, we have seen generous hearts and giving hands help Livingston County’s most vulnerable citizens. Let’s keep the giving, caring spirit alive and nurtured even long after the pandemic. Let’s make every day Elder Abuse Awareness Day and keep our seniors engaged in their community. Listen to their stories, let them teach us new recipes or new songs. Our senior neighbors have so much to give if we let them.
