World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th. WEAAD is observed the same date each year and was launched in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of elder mistreatment by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic factors that drive and influence elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. (American Society of Aging)
As many as 1 in 10 older Americans are abused or neglected each year and only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse ever comes to the attention of authorities. Older Americans are vital, contributing members of our society and their abuse or neglect diminishes all of us. WEAAD reminds us that, as in a just society, all of us have a critical role to play to focus attention on elder justice. (Administration for Community Living)
Experts have reported that knowledge about elder abuse lags as much as two decades behind the fields of child abuse and domestic violence. The need for more research is urgent and it is an area that calls out for a coordinated, systematic approach that includes policy-makers, researchers and funders. (National Center on Elder Abuse citing the Elder Justice Roadmap)
Each year, an estimated 5 million older persons are abused, neglected and exploited. Older adults throughout the United States lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation, funds that they desperately need to pay for basics such as housing, food and medical care. And it is estimated that only about one in five of those crimes are ever reported. (American Society of Aging)
Financial exploitation causes large economic losses for businesses, families, elders, and government programs, and increases reliance on federal health care programs such as Medicaid. Research indicates that those with cognitive incapacities suffer 100% greater economic losses than those without such incapacities. (National Center on Elder Abuse citing The 2011 Utah Economic Cost of Elder Financial Exploitation and Broken Trust: Elders, Family & Finances)
Not only are older people heavily targeted by scam artists, but surprising data suggest that, as we get older, we become more vulnerable to fraud in so many of its forms. There is neuroscience and psychological data to suggest our ability to detect risky situations may decline. Or, we may become prone to seeing the upside of a risky endeavor and dismiss the downside. Others may lose the ability to push back on a high-pressure predator. Safeguards against financial fraud take the shape of a state-by-state patchwork and, too often, once the money is gone, it is gone for good. Therefore, many advocates are fighting for better defenses. (Marketplace – Age of Fraud: Are Seniors More Vulnerable to Financial Scams)
If you have questions regarding elder abuse or need assistance, in addition to reporting to your local Adult Protective Service agency, an attorney can also assist you in taking legal action.
Local Resources
Portage County Adult Protective Services
Portage County Aging & Disability Resource Center
Portage County Department of Health and Human Service
Wisconsin Elder Adults-At-Risk Hotlines
