Learn the Signs, Help Prevent Elder Abuse
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 19, 2021
For more than 80 years, Social Security has helped secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, information, and tools that provide a safety net throughout life’s journey.
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day that reminds us how important it is to protect seniors in our communities.
Each year, millions of elderly adults are abused, neglected, or are financially exploited. Often they are taken advantage of by those they trust and rely upon for assistance. According to the Administration on Aging, elders throughout the country lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually as a result of financial abuse and exploitation. Countries across the world observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to bring awareness to this epidemic.
It is critical, especially for public servants, that we do our part to protect seniors and other vulnerable persons who are at risk of financial exploitation. In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, I ask that you take time to learn the signs of elder abuse and neglect so that you will recognize them in the future. This will go a long way toward not only preventing abuse of those we serve, but also possibly preventing your loved ones from becoming victims. Over the years, I have learned of heartbreaking cases of seniors who have lost their life’s savings as a result of deceptive scams and unscrupulous individuals. We must work diligently to prevent such unthinkable acts.
On June 16, the second World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Global Summit will be held. It is a day of collaboration with national policy makers, advocates, financial services institutions, media, social services organizations and members of the public. I will share the many steps we have taken to raise awareness and to prevent the incidence of financial exploitation.
There is so much to learn about this issue. I encourage you to visit the Administration for Community Living and www.ncea.aoa.gov for more information. As we increase our awareness, each of us can become more proactive in our efforts to protect elderly adults in our communities and families.
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Stacy Rodgers, Chief of Staff, Social Security Administration
Stacy Rodgers, Chief of Staff, Social Security Administration
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Mattie M.
help this 94year old keep the care that she have. I live at 19380 St. Stephens Rd., Mt. Vernon, Al. the money that I get each month can help pay for help to care for me but this is not the case. my daughter is over my bank account and will not pay the lady for my care consistently. there is no one else willing to come each day except one and she is not as strong as she once was. can you help. Mattie Marks.
Priya
Great thought, I strongly agree with you.
Droidpile@Mothers D.
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Cicely
What about those of us who entered an independent living facility based on the promise of services that would be offered, the fact that a qualified Chef was in charge of the kitchen and special needs would be catered for, only to find that it was more like a nursing home, power chairs wheel chairs, walkers, canes, oxygen, dementia and more, some who were violent, the cost of this place is astronomical and we are not receiving what we were promised. Complaints are listened to but nothing is done. Other Independent Living homes in the area are more expensive there is no chance of . I am 90 years old and thought I was going to be provided with peace of mind and consideration.
Ray F.
Please visit http://www.assistedlivingfacilities.org/resources/safety/reporting-problems/ for assistance.
Abhi
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Alan
In the government’s over-zealous attempt to protect seniors, they instead have been intrusive and insulting with their new mandatory counseling protocol. They have caused the counseling session to increase to 90 minutes or longer. And now, to add insult to injury, they are allowing counseling agencies to charge senior clients a higher fee. It’s ridiculous and unnecessary, and just another added burden to senior.
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Rabby
This is a highly important issue and one that is often neglected. It is vital that people watch out for seniors in their family or their community, always alert to the fact that some people will try to take advantage of vulnerable older people. It is sad that this happens, but we can help stop it happening by keeping communication open with older people and watching out for the signs of abuse.
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Retiree
If someone is in your home and won’t get out than sell the home to the Mafia. That person may decide he wants no dealings with them.
Jayne M.
Under the Older American’s Act an older person is one who is age 60 and older. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized every year on June 15th. Here in Wisconsin most of the 72 counties highlight this day by holding events and distributing information on elder abuse. For a listing of “what’s elder abuseabuse?” go here: http://www.centeronelderabuse.org/red-flags-of-elder-abuse.asp
To find out about elder abuse agencies or aging programs where you live please contact this government helpline, Eldercare Locator at: 1-800-677-1116.
Diane
Elder abuse, a very important topic. I realized there is abuse in homes but what about nursing homes. My mother was in Greenbriar Nursing Home in Parma Hts., OH and she had been a fall risk. Well my 101 year old mom fell and hit her head April 1, 2016, she is dead now; 2 weeks ago. No one took care of her, I say this with tears in my eyes. She was vibrate and moving around before the fall, they just don’t care, they want the money. I think looking at the nursing homes is a good thought. We place our family members there and yes they are old and have problems but mom fell more then once there, this one killed her. Help the families please.