June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month

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.  Elder abuse also happens in nursing homes and other long term care environments.  It is estimated that only one in five of these crimes are discovered.

• About 1 in 10 Americans age 60+ have experienced abuse.

• Elder abuse is underreported.                                                                                         

The national elder abuse incidence study estimated that only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse ever comes to the attention of authorities.

• The impact of elder abuse is felt by people of all ages.                                                          

Elder abuse reduces older people’s participation in the life of our communities. It also creates health care and legal costs, which are often shouldered by public programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and reduces older people’s participation in the life of the community.

• Elder abuse costs victims billions of dollars each year.                                                          

The annual financial loss by victims of elder financial exploitation was estimated to be $2.9 billion in 2009, a 12% increase from 2008.

• Elder abuse is associated with increased rates of hospitalization in the community population.                                                                                                                                Older adults who experienced abuse or neglect were twice as likely to be hospitalized than other older people.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) takes place each year on June 15. 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. 

If you would like more information about preventing, recognizing, and reporting Elder Abuse, contact your local Ombudsman: 

Amanda Hamilton

District Long Term Care Ombudsman

1616 Greenup Ave. 

Ashland, Ky 41101

606-780-2258

ahamilton@lablaw.org