This week we observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th. Elder abuse is a very disturbing topic and one that must be addressed as our senior population continues to grow. Each year, one to two million elderly people are injured, exploited or mistreated by someone they depend upon for care or protection. Elder abuse can include physical, psychological, financial, emotional abuse or simply neglect. The sad irony is that those chosen to protect the elderly are usually the ones who cause the abuse.
Here are some important statistics:
One county that is taking a proactive approach is Napa County. Recently, they adopted an ordinance that requires caregivers to pass a criminal background check and pay for an annual permit in order to care for seniors or disabled persons. Other counties are sure to follow their lead in developing new methods to help prevent elder abuse and ensure the safety of our senior citizens.
There are reporting agencies in each state to receive and investigate allegations of elder abuse or neglect. If you suspect an elderly person is being abused, please call the National Center on Elder Abuse at 1-202-898-2586, or call your county Adult Protective Services agency. And if someone you know has been a victim of elder abuse and they cannot pay for crime-related expenses, please call the CalVCP Victim Helpline at 1.800.777.9229.
Here are some important statistics:
- In 2010, California led the country with 632,693 cases of reported elder abuse, accounting for nearly 11% of all elder abuse cases.
- Two-thirds of offenders are family members or caregivers.
- The elderly (65+) population will more than double, from 3.6 million in 2000 to 8.3 million by 2030 in California.
- By 2030, one in every five persons in the country will be a senior citizen.
One county that is taking a proactive approach is Napa County. Recently, they adopted an ordinance that requires caregivers to pass a criminal background check and pay for an annual permit in order to care for seniors or disabled persons. Other counties are sure to follow their lead in developing new methods to help prevent elder abuse and ensure the safety of our senior citizens.
There are reporting agencies in each state to receive and investigate allegations of elder abuse or neglect. If you suspect an elderly person is being abused, please call the National Center on Elder Abuse at 1-202-898-2586, or call your county Adult Protective Services agency. And if someone you know has been a victim of elder abuse and they cannot pay for crime-related expenses, please call the CalVCP Victim Helpline at 1.800.777.9229.
