North Central Health Care Acknowledges World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
North Central Health Care Adult Protective Services is observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on Saturday, June 15, 2019 and asks that all area organizations, including media outlets, government offices and general public to wear purple. Wearing purple will raise awareness to the fact that an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation each year. Everyone can protect seniors – no act is too small, and it starts with one person and one action.https://www.norcen.org/StopElderAbuse There are also several free events and educational trainings hosted in June that will help people avoid common schemes and scams that prey on elder adults.
In 2018, North Central Health Care Adult Protective Services (APS) received and investigated 380 reports of suspected elder abuse cases, along with an additional 152 more reports for non-elder adults. APS has been recognizing and promoting WEAAD initiatives since 2011. The past several years, NCHC has been partnering with The Women’s Community, Avail, Haven, The ADRC-CW, and Marathon County DSS to promote WEAAD and provide opportunities through-out our communities to increase awareness.
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse refers to intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or “trusted” individual that lead to, or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable elder or disabled adult. Physical abuse, neglect or self-neglect, emotional or psychological abuse, financial abuse and exploitation, sexual abuse and abandonment are considered forms of adult or elder abuse.
Who is at risk?
Adult or elder abuse can occur anywhere – in the home, in nursing homes, or other care facilities. It affects people across all socio-economic groups, cultures and races. Women and “older” elders are more likely to be victimized. Dementia is a significant risk factor. Mental health and substance abuse issues – of both abusers and victims – are risk factors. Isolation can also contribute to risk.
What should I do if I suspect abuse?
REPORT YOUR CONCERNS. Most cases of elder abuse go undetected. Don’t assume that someone has already reported a suspicious situation. Adult Protective Services will ask what you observed, who was involved and who they can contact to learn more. YOU DO NOT NEED TO PROVE THAT ABUSE IS OCCURRING – IT IS UP TO THE PROFESSIONALS TO INVESTIGATE THE SUSPICIONS.
If you know of someone who may be at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation by another or is at risk due to self-neglect, call North Central Health Care Adult Protective Services at 715-841-5160 or 1-855-487-3338. For more information go online to http://www.norcen.org/adult-protective-services/elder-risk-program
North Central Health Care provides compassionate and specialized care for people with complex behavioral and skilled nursing needs in Langlade, Lincoln and Marathon counties. Person-centered services are provided for mental health, substance abuse, crisis, developmental disabilities, adult protection, aquatic physical therapy and skilled nursing care that fulfill and enrich lives throughout our communities.