World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is celebrated every June 15 to raise awareness about the abuse and neglect of older adults. This day unites communities worldwide to fight against elder abuse and advocate for the rights and dignity of older individuals.
Elder abuse poses a significant public health and human rights issue. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 6 people aged 60 years and older suffer some form of abuse in community settings each year. The consequences of elder abuse can devastate lives and cause physical injuries, psychological trauma, and even death.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day aims to:
- Encourages communities to recognize the signs of abuse and understand its various forms.
- Educating the public, caregivers, and professionals about better prevention and intervention strategies.
- Provide support and resources for victims.
- Advocate to improve policies and laws that protect the elderly and hold abusers accountable.
What are the most common types of elder abuse?
Elder abuse manifests in various forms, and the most common types include:
- Physical Abuse: This involves inflicting physical pain or injury on an older adult, such as hitting, pushing, or restraining them against their will.
- Emotional Abuse: Causing emotional pain or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts, including humiliation, intimidation, or isolation.
- Financial Abuse: Illegally or improperly using an elder’s funds, property, or assets, such as stealing money, forging signatures, or coercing them into financial decisions.
- Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an older adult.
- Neglect: Failing to provide necessary care, assistance, or attention to an elder, which leads to harm or distress.
How can I help prevent elder abuse in nursing homes?
You can participate in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and contribute to the fight against elder abuse in several ways:
- Educate yourself and others: Learn about the signs of elder abuse and share this knowledge with family, friends, and colleagues. Educational resources from organizations like the National Center on Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization can help.
- Support victims: Offer support to elderly individuals who may experience abuse. Listen to their concerns, help them access resources, and report suspected abuse to authorities.
- Advocate for change: Join advocacy efforts to improve policies and legislation that protect older adults. Support organizations working towards ending elder abuse.
- Participate in events: On June 15, attend events and activities to raise awareness about elder abuse. These can include webinars, community gatherings, and social media campaigns.
- Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to organizations that support older adults and work to prevent elder abuse. Volunteering can make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable elders.
What should I do if I suspect my loved one is a victim of elder abuse?
If you suspect your loved one is a victim of elder abuse in Illinois, act quickly to report the suspected abuse to the proper Illinois authorities. They can investigate and intervene to protect your loved one’s well-being. Start by talking to your loved one, if possible. Express your concerns in a caring, non-threatening manner. However, be aware that they may be afraid to speak up.
Document any signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Take notes and/or photographs of any visible injuries, poor living conditions, or concerning incidents.
If you see any signs of elder abuse, report the suspected abuse to the Illinois Department on Aging’s 24-hour Adult Protective Services Hotline at 1-866-800-1409. This hotline handles reports of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of adults aged 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities aged 18-59.
You can also report to local law enforcement by calling the police/sheriff’s department if you believe your loved one is in immediate danger. If your loved one needs medical attention, take them to a hospital or call 911 for emergency services.
Our Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys fight for justice
When placing our loved ones in the care of someone else, we expect them to provide the best possible environment and service. But when nursing home staff and administrators don’t live up to this standard, they should be held accountable when an elderly resident suffers harm.
The Illinois nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Ferrell Young, LLC are committed to helping nursing home residents and their families get justice if they were harmed by the actions or inactions of nursing home staff. We take a compassionate and personalized approach to each case we handle and fight to maximize compensation for our clients.
To find out how we can help you, contact us online or call our Chicago law office for a free consultation.