World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2011

According to the American Psychological Association, an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of physical, psychological, or other forms of abuse and neglect, each year. (PRNewsFoto/The Senior Citizens League)

by Thelma Sardin

June 15th marks the 6th anniversary of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEEAD) . The annual day of awareness was started by International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. WEEAD highlights the pain and suffering many elderly people face which often goes unnoticed.

The INPEA says the key objective of WEAAD is to raise awareness of elder abuse throughout the world. Individuals are encouraged to wear purple on June 15th to show solidarity to end elder abuse and neglect.

Nationally, the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) defines elder abuse as intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or trusted individual that lead to, or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable elder. Physical abuse; neglect; emotional or psychological abuse; verbal abuse and threats; financial abuse and exploitation; sexual abuse; and abandonment are considered forms of elder abuse. In many states, selfneglect is also considered mistreatment.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration on Agings (AoA) reported that older Americans lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation, funds that could have been used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food, and medical care.

AoA also cites that elder abuse occurs in every demographic and can happen to virtually anyone. The crime is only one in five that are ever discovered.

Closer to home, the state of Illinois is also raising elder abuse awareness. The Illinois Department on Aging (AoA) developed the Break the Silence Awareness Campaign in 2005.

The campaign is a measure for the IDoA to spread the message about elder abuse. The Break the Silence webpage lists a number of Q & As that answers questions surrounding elder abuse. The two following Q & As are from the webpage.

Q: Are there criminal penalties for the abusers?

A: Illinois has increased penalties for those who victimize older adults. Increasingly, across the country, law enforcement officers and prosecutors are trained on elder abuse and ways to use criminal and civil laws to bring abusers to justice.

Q: How can I help stop elder abuse?

A: Knowing the warning signs of abuse is a first step toward protecting elders. Some specific tips: Keep a watchful eye out for loved ones, friends, or neighbors who may be vulnerable. Speak up if you have concerns. That means even if you are not sure. You have a right to question. Be involved. Volunteer with older adults in your community. Support initiatives to increase and strengthen adult protective services. Help to "Break the Silence."

Last month, Illinois celebrated Older Americans Month. According to a press release, the month long event was celebrated through ceremonies, events, fairs and other such activities. Some activities included seniors acting in a play titled, Serendipity at Chicagos Millennium Park on May 24.

Older Americans Month is observed each year in May. Its a national observance to assist the aging services network of state, area agencies on aging, and local community services providers plan activities to take place in May or throughout the year, IDoA Director Charles Johnson stated in the release.

For suspected elder abuse, exploitation or neglect please call the statewide 24-hour Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-866-800-1409.

For more information about program services to assist older adults in Illinois and their caregivers, call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966.

The IDoA also has the Elder Abuse and Neglect Program which corresponds with state law. The Elder Abuse and Neglect Act (320 ILCS 20/1 et seq.), responds to reports of alleged abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of persons 60 years of age and older. The program provides investigation, intervention and follow-up services to victims, according to the IDoA website.

The Elder Abuse Program is locally coordinated through 45 provider agencies. The two agencies below are located within the Citizen Newspaper coverage areas.

Chicago

Metropolitan Family Services

Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Elder Abuse Services

3843 W. 63rd Street

Chicago, Illinois 60629

Phone: 312-986-4332

Fax: 773-884-0003

E-mail: angeri@metrofamily.org

South Suburban

Catholic Charities

South Suburban Senior Services