If you’ve ever suffered through a loved one being harmed at a nursing home, then you may be pleased to know that June 15 celebrates Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day that aims to educate people about the dangers and prevalence of elder abuse. This May 22 article discusses what the day means in Alabama and what activities may take place to raise awareness about elder abuse, nursing home neglect , and other ways the elderly could suffer. For instance, Shelby County will be having a town hall meeting presented by the Interagency Council for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. This meeting will be held on June 10 at the Alabaster Senior Center.
The awareness day is worldwide and nationally recognized. The color theme for the event is purple, and anyone who wants to raise awareness can wear the color purple on June 15 to do so. According to the news report, Gov. Robert Bentley has declared June 15 the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day due to the fact that so many elderly people are dependent on others, can become isolated and are often targets of abuse.
The Shelby County Department of Human Resources director reported that victims are most often abused by people who they know and trust. That’s why the Adult Protective Services work with the community to investigate reports and to make arrangements for those who are being hurt to have protection from harm. The Alabama Department of Human Resources works to investigate adult abuse, exploitation and neglect around the state.
According to the story, the DHR works with 30 agencies, including the Alabama Council for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, which is vital in helping raise awareness of ways to prevent elder abuse. The report claims that elder abuse is still widely under-reported, so it’s asked that if mistreatment is suspected, a person should call the DHR or other adult abuse hotlines for help.
Source: Shelby County Reporter, “June 15 is elder abuse awareness day” No author given, May. 22, 2014
