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Combatting Elder Abuse: It’s About Dignity

June 13, 2019 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: August 19, 2021

" "This Saturday is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), when people all over the world voice support for the rights and dignity of elders and opposition to the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.

WEAAD is part of a global movement for “elder justice” that asserts the fundamental dignity and equality of older adults. Elder justice requires us to develop systems, approaches, and programs that prevent abuse, protect people from abusive situations, and support those members of our community who have experienced abuse to help them recover.

Abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation are not the inevitable consequences of growing old. We all have a role to play in changing how we talk about elder abuse in this country and around the world. Respecting the dignity and rights of people of all ages is a core American value, and a principle built into many American laws. For example:

  • The Elder Justice Act established programs and initiatives to strengthen the federal response to elder abuse, promote elder justice research, and support state Adult Protective Services (APS) systems. If you suspect elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, contact your local APS office.
  • The Older Americans Act (OAA) created programs and services that help older adults stay healthy and engaged in our communities. You can connect to nutrition, caregiver support, legal assistance, and other OAA programs through Eldercare Locator or by calling 800-677-1116.
  • The Nursing Home Reform Act established a “Resident’s Bill of Rights” for people in most long-term care facilities. It includes the right to privacy, to participate in all aspects of care, to complain without retribution, and to visits from friends and medical providers. If you believe your rights, or the rights of a loved one in a long-term care facility, are being violated, contact your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act protects the civil rights of people with disabilities of all ages and helps make our communities more accessible and age-friendly. State Protection and Advocacy agencies inform and empower people with disabilities by investigating suspected abuse and neglect, and providing free legal representation and support for clients.

Our society is like a building.  Just as buildings need strong supports and secure beams to remain strong, our society needs solid “social” beams so that we can all participate fully in our communities, living free from abuse as we age. As we commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, I hope you will join me in lifting up the voices of survivors, and taking action, such as engaging with the older people in your life, empowering members of your community with information, involving students and young people, or by speaking out.

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About the Author

Lance Robertson, Assistant Secretary for Aging and Administrator, Administration for Community Living, HHS

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  3. LaFaye

    what about Disabled persons abuse awareness day?
    I have a Disabled son, He’s not and Elder. I feel is being Abused from lack of proper care, No dietary technician at all. to provide proper Healthy foods and cooking style. My son is now overweight, and I fear for his health. (like a heart attack just waiting to happen.) He is told to go to his room (in a Group Home for Brain Trauma Persons) at 7pm every night and is NOT allowed to leave his room till in the morning for Breakfast Meal. He must urinate in a Male hospital urinal jug, and empty that in the morning as well. Since when is a trauma victim to be treated like a criminal? When the care givers do not want to waste their time doing their job that they’re getting paid for! This is Abuse of a Disabled Person! and should be investigated as well as a Disciplinary Action taken to correct these matters.
    My son is not allowed to go anyplace overnight when a Family member Visits, We do not live in the same state as him so when we visit, we would like to have him spend the weekend with us even if it’s in a motel room. also, he’s not allowed to travel out of state for a week or two even to see his son’s. One which also does not live in state! to me this is a grievous breach of his rights as a person Disabled or Not! Just because the State has taken control of his life and place him in a guardian’s care does not mean that we would Hurt him, not even in the way he’s being abused now!

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