||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER |||
Elder abuse is more widespread than many of us believe, and we see it here on Orcas Island. Not always physical abuse, it can be financial, emotional, and/or sexual. It also includes people who are neglected and those who neglect themselves for a variety of reasons. Social isolation, financial or emotional stress, and dementia can make a senior more vulnerable to abuse. COVID isolation increased these risks for older adults.
Elder abuse is an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult, affecting millions of older adults annually. Older adults may be mistreated in many settings (homes, nursing homes) by family members, friends and neighbors, professionals, and strangers. Elders are especially vulnerable to online and telephone scams.
An estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Experts believe that elder abuse is significantly under-reported. Research suggests that as few as 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15 this year. Please join Orcas Senior Center in working to ensure that seniors on Orcas have the opportunity to age well and safely in our community. To learn more about the signs of elder abuse and how you can help, see:
https://ncea.acl.gov/NCEA/media/Publication/NCEA_5thingsToPrevent.pdf or https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/WEAAD-Action-Guide.pdf and https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/elderabuse/fastfact.html.
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