Today is Elder Abuse Awareness Day around the world.
Each year, more than two million vulnerable adults, age 18 and over, and older adults are victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation in the United States. Research has shown that older adults who are abused, neglected and exploited are three times more likely to die within 10 years than those who are not.
According to national statistics, elder abuse is grossly underreported because vulnerable and older adults who are being abused find it difficult to tell anyone due to shame and fear. Elder abuse affects men and women of all ethnic backgrounds and social status; it occurs in private residences and in facilities.
In 2008 there were more than 15,300 reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable and older adults made to North Carolina's 100 county departments of social services. Reports are made not only by doctors and other professionals but by family members and concerned citizens in our communities.
A snapshot of elder abuse in North Carolina shows that most often elder abuse happens to adults over the age of 59 who live alone or with family members (85%), while 15% happens in facilities or shelters. The most common form of mistreatment is neglect, with 69% of the cases involving self-neglect, where the person is not able to care for him or herself adequately.
Anyone who suspects that a vulnerable or older adult needs protection is required by North Carolina General Statute (GS 108A-102) to report this information to the adult protective services intake unit at the department of social services in the county where the adult resides.
What can you do to help raise awareness about elder abuse?
- Don’t ignore this problem. It’s not going away.
- Report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation to the adult protective services intake unit in the North Carolina county where the adult lives. Contact information for county departments of social services is available at: www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/local.
- Volunteer in local programs that provide assistance and support for vulnerable and older adults in your community and at long-term care facilities.
- Educate yourself, family and community about elder abuse by visiting our website at www.ncdhhs.gov/aging.
We all have a responsibility to support the safety, welfare and dignity of North Carolina’s vulnerable and older adults. We urge all citizens to work together to help protect our fellow citizens from abuse, neglect and exploitation.