June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month 

Area Agency on Aging District 7

Each year, one out of every 10 Americans age 60 or older experiences elder abuse. That abuse could be physical, emotional, sexual, exploitation, neglect, or even abandonment. National studies show as many as one in 10 seniors is a victim of elder abuse. In Ohio, nearly 3 million adults are 60 or older. By 2030, older Ohioans will make up more than a quarter of the state’s population.  

The Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) joins the nation in observing June as World Elder Abuse Awareness Month. In addition, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is recognized each June 15th. WEADD was launched in 2006 to provide an opportunity for communities around the United States to promote an understanding of the abuse and neglect that an older person may experience. 

According to information on the National Council on Aging’s website, elder abusers are both women and men, and people of all ages. An analysis of calls to the National Center on Elder Abuse resource line found that family members were the perpetrators in nearly 47% of incidents. Medical (non-family) caregivers were perpetrators in almost 13% of cases, while only 6.7% of callers did not know their abuser. The law varies from state to state but broadly defined, abuse can be: 

• Physical Abuse: inflicting, or threatening to inflict, physical pain or injury on a vulnerable elder, or depriving them of basic needs.

• Emotional Abuse: inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts. 

• Sexual Abuse: non-consensual sexual contact of any kind. 

• Exploitation: illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder. 

• Neglect: refusal or failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care or protection for a vulnerable elder. 

• Abandonment: the desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person. 

Unfortunately, elder abuse is often not reported.  If you witness or suspect any form of mistreatment mentioned earlier in a home setting, take action. Reports can be filed anonymously. Adult Protective Services, which supports Ohio residents age 60 and older, is managed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. To report a concern, contact the statewide toll-free number at 1-855-OHIO-APS (1-855-644-6277) or visit aps.jfs.ohio.gov. 

For issues involving individuals receiving in-home care, or those residing in assisted living or nursing facilities, the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, part of the Ohio Department of Aging, provides advocacy and assistance. To report suspected abuse in these settings, call the State Ombudsman’s toll-free line at 1-800-282-1206 or reach out to the AAA7 at 1-800-582-7277 in the following counties (Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto or Vinton). If someone you know is in immediate, life-threatening danger, call your local police department or sheriff’s office, or 9-1-1 immediately.  

“Awareness of elder abuse is not only important this month, but all-year round,” shared Jamie Neely, RN, Director of the Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at the Area Agency on Aging District 7.  “Because it is significantly underreported, education and awareness of elder abuse is essential to empower communities so that we can best serve as advocates for those who need a voice.” 

For more general information about elder abuse, log on to: aging.ohio.gov/elderabuse

Your local Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) provides services on a non-discriminatory basis.  These services are available to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their residence of choice through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, other federal and state resources, as well as private pay.  The AAA7’s Resource Center is also available to anyone in the community looking for information or assistance with long-term care options.  Available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm, the Resource Center is a valuable contact for learning more about options and what programs and services are available for assistance.

Those interested in learning more can call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 (TTY: 711).  Here, individuals can speak directly with a Resource Specialist who will assist them with information surrounding the programs and services that are available to best serve their needs.  The Agency also offers an assessment at no cost for those who are interested in learning more.  Information is also available at www.aaa7.org, or the Agency can be contacted through e-mail at info@aaa7.org.  The Agency also has a Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/AreaAgencyOnAgingDistrict7.