World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Each year, an estimated 5 million older adults are abused, neglected, or exploited. Older Americans lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation, funds that could be used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food, and medical care. Unfortunately, it occurs in every demographic and can happen to anyone a family member, a neighbor, even you. It is estimated that only one in five of these crimes are discovered. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations (UN). WEAAD aims to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. How can you help? You can report suspected elder abuse or neglect. If you are unsure of whether or not a situation is reportable, you are welcome to call for a consult with the Protective Services Supervisor. The report may be made anonymously.

Weekdays 9:00AM- 5:00PM call the North Shore Elder Services at 978-750-4540.
Nights, Weekends & Holidays, call the Elder Abuse 24-hour hotline at 1-855-500-3537.

Please wear purple on June 15th and join us for coffee with office Robert Phelan and a conversation with Candace Waldron, MDIV, Protective Services Manager at North Shore Elders Services.