Every year an estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10 older Americans experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Working together, we can build the social supports that can prevent this abuse and keep everyone safe as we age.
Here are 5 things everyone can do to build community supports and prevent elder abuse.
1) Learn the signs of elder abuse and how we can solve the issue together.
2) Prevent isolation. Call or visit our older loved ones and ask how they are doing on a regular basis.
3) Talk to friends and family members about how we can all age well and reduce abuse with programs and services like law enforcement, community centers, and public transportation.
4) Sign up to be a friendly visitor to an older person in our communities.
5) Send a letter to a local paper, radio or TV station suggesting that they cover World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) or Grandparents Day in September.
It is up to all of us to prevent and address elder abuse!
For more information on elder abuse prevention, please visit us online or call:
ncea.acl.gov | 855-500-3537
Original source can be found here.
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