Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Tioga Opportunities, Inc. is proud to join communities in the USA and all over the world to highlight solutions to this systemic social challenge.
As a Community Action Agency, Tioga Opportunities Inc. believes in justice for all. Older people are vital, contributing members of American society and their maltreatment diminishes all of us. Just as we have confronted and addressed the social issues of child abuse and domestic violence, so too can we find solutions to address issues like elder abuse, which also threatens the well-being of our community.
Our policies and practices make it hard for older people to stay involved with and connected to our communities as they age. As a result, older people are more likely to experience social isolation, which increases the likelihood of abuse and neglect. We can design stronger societal supports to keep our older people connected and protect them from abuse, whether financial, emotional, physical, or sexual. When we address a root cause, like social isolation, we also make it less likely that people will become neglected. Older adults who are socially connected and protected from harm are less likely to be hospitalized, less likely to go into nursing homes, and less likely to die.
We can and must create healthier and safer living environments for older adults, including their homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
Learning more about how to prevent abuse means we are all doing our part to support everyone as we age. You can take a stand against and learn more about the dangers of elder abuse by visiting the National Center on Elder Abuse https://ncea.acl.gov.
Five Facts about Elder Abuse
- It happens mostly at home. Elder abuse instances happen mostly in the home where the senior lives.
- 1 in every 10. The number of elder adults that experience some form of abuse in their lifetime.
- Finances are at the highest risk. The most common form of abuse is financial exploitation and extortion.
- 9 out of 10 elder abusers are relatives. In around 90% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member.
- Many go unreported. Only one of every six instances of elder abuse is reported.
Source: https://nationaltoday.com/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day/#how-to
Are you or someone you know an older adult in need of supports? Our NY Connects Specialist can help connect you with resources and programs that will help keep you safe and independent. Call us at 607-687-4120 or click here https://tiogaopp.org/our-services/ for more information.
