Write a commentJune 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
The Oswego County Office for the Aging (OFA) and Department of Social Services (DSS) join forces to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. The occasion aims to raise awareness about the signs of elder abuse and educate people about how they can help prevent it.
“Any senior can fall victim to elder abuse,” said OFA Director Sara Sunday. “Abuse, neglect or exploitation can happen anywhere, including at home, in care facilities or in community settings. According to the World Health Organization, one in six people aged 60 and older experience some form of abuse. It’s important to know the signs of abuse and take action to prevent it.”
DSS Commissioner Lee Sullivan added, “Elder abuse isn’t always obvious, and it doesn’t always look the way people expect. It can take many forms – physical, emotional and financial – and it often happens at the hands of someone the senior trusts. Our Adult Services Unit is here to listen, investigate, and intervene when necessary. We encourage the community to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Protecting vulnerable adults is a shared responsibility.”
Signs of potential abuse include a cluttered or filthy living environment; lack of basic amenities; the presence of cuts, scratches, wounds, bruises or burns; malnutrition; unexplained changes in behavior; unpaid bills, new credit cards or increased cash withdrawals. The victim may also experience harassment, coercion, intimidation, humiliation or isolation. Those facing abuse may display increased fear or anxiety, agitation, anger, depression, contradictory statements, confusion and a hesitation to talk openly.
People can help prevent elder abuse by regularly checking in on older family members, friends and neighbors and making new connections with other older adults in their community to help minimize the risk of isolation. Possible abuse or neglect should be reported to the Department of Social Services. Providing support for caregivers of seniors is also important.
“Caregivers may sometimes feel overwhelmed and alone in their struggles, and we’re here to remind them that they have support every step of the way,” said Sunday. “We offer many caregiver services, including counseling, education, consultations and referrals, caregiver respite, supplemental services and more. We also send out a quarterly caregiver newsletter and have a Caregiver’s Corner resource center where people can obtain relevant and helpful brochures, books and materials.”
For more information on caregiver services, call the Oswego County OFA at 315-349-3484 or visit https://www.oswegocounty.com/departments/human_services/office_for_the_aging/caregiver_services.php.
