Protect older adults: Raise awareness of elder abuse
Every year on June 15, communities around the world observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The observance is dedicated to recognizing, preventing and responding to the mistreatment of older adults. It serves as an important reminder that elder abuse can happen anywhere. Locations include private homes, health care settings and living communities. Everyone has a role to play in helping older adults live safely, with dignity and respect.
Elder abuse can take many forms:
• Physical, emotional, sexual or psychological abuse
• Neglect or self-neglect
• Abandonment
• Financial exploitation
Abuse may be committed by family members, caregivers, trusted individuals, strangers or others in positions of responsibility. In some cases, abuse is obvious. But it can also be hidden, gradual or difficult for an older adult to report.
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA’s) Older Adult Protective Services (OAPS) unit is a key resource to protect older Philadelphians. OAPS receives and investigates reports of suspected abuse involving adults age 60 and older. Staff work to connect at-risk individuals with services and supports designed to help ensure their safety and well-being.
“Protecting older adults is central to PCA’s mission,” said Shani Gilmore, PCA’s executive administrator of long-term care. “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day reminds us that safety, dignity and independence are not just individual concerns. They are community responsibilities. Through programs, like Older Adult Protective Services, PCA works every day to ensure that older Philadelphians have someone to turn to when they may be experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation.”
Financial exploitation is among the most common forms of elder abuse. It may involve the following activities:
• Misuse of an older adult’s money, property or benefits
• Pressure to change legal documents
• Unauthorized use of bank cards
• Fraud or scams
• Theft by someone the older adult knows and trusts
Emotional abuse, such as threats, humiliation, intimidation or isolation, can also have a serious impact on an older adult’s health and well-being.
Recognizing the warning signs is an important step in prevention. While one sign alone does not always indicate abuse, changes that raise concern should not be ignored. Signs of possible abuse may include: • Unexplained injuries
• Sudden changes in mood or behavior
• Fearfulness around certain individuals
• Poor hygiene
• Untreated medical needs
• Missing belongings
• Unusual bank activity
• Unpaid bills
• Sudden isolation from friends and family
Older adults may be reluctant to report mistreatment for many reasons. They may fear retaliation, worry about losing support, feel ashamed or want to protect a family member. Others may not recognize that what they are experiencing is abuse.
“Elder abuse often remains hidden because the person experiencing it may be afraid, isolated or unsure where to turn,” said Tamikia Morris, PCA OAPS director. “When someone makes a report to Older Adult Protective Services, they are helping open the door to support. A report can be the first step toward safety, stability and connection.”
Preventing elder abuse starts with awareness. Community members can help by staying connected with older relatives, friends and neighbors. Listen without judgment. Encourage older adults to remain involved in social activities. Be alert to sudden changes in health, finances or living conditions. Caregivers can also reduce risk by seeking support, taking breaks when needed and asking for help before stress becomes overwhelming.
PCA also encourages older adults and caregivers to learn about available programs before a crisis occurs. In addition to OAPS, PCA connects older adults with care management, caregiver support, home-delivered meals, senior centers, health and wellness programs, and other home- and community-based services to reduce isolation and support independence. These programs help strengthen the network of protection around older adults. Strong support networks make it easier to identify concerns early.
“Awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have,” said Gilmore. “When communities know the signs of elder abuse and understand how to report concerns, we are better able to protect older adults and preserve their dignity.”
Anyone who suspects that an older adult is being abused, neglected, exploited or abandoned should speak up. In Philadelphia, reports of suspected elder abuse involving adults age 60 and older can be made to the PCA Helpline, 24/7, at 215-765-9040. Reports can be made confidentially.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is a call to action. Learn the signs. Check in on older adults. Report suspected elder abuse. By doing this each of us can help create a safer, more caring Philadelphia for people of all ages.
