Anne Arundel County issued the following announcement on June 1.
On June 15, 2018, the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LLTCOP), along with older adults across the county and those who care for them, will participate in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) to highlight the often under-reported and under-identified problem of elder abuse. The theme of WEAAD this year is "Building Strong Support for Elders".
WEAAD is an opportunity for communities around the world to raise awareness of elder abuse and neglect, and to renew our commitment to preserving the rights of older adults. This includes the basic human right to live with dignity, free from abuse and neglect. Elder abuse is a public health and human rights issue that has a lasting effect on our society as a whole.
Each year, for every case of elder abuse that is reported, 24 go unreported. Elder abuse is an injustice with many consequences for our society and its' elders. Elder abuse may come in the form of physical abuse, psychological or verbal abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect. Abuse can be perpetrated by anyone including caregivers who often don't have the support and respite that they need to properly care for their loved ones.
Anne Arundel County citizens can help throughout the year in their communities by visiting older and disabled neighbors to check in on them and help make sure they are being treated with dignity. If you see signs of potential abuse in the community, report it to police and/or to Adult Protective Services by calling 410-421-8400. If you see maltreatment in a nursing or assisted living home, report it to the LLTCOP at 410-222-4257. You can remain anonymous if you feel uncomfortable identifying yourself. If you feel a situation is life-threatening, call 911 and get help immediately.
The LLTCOP will be giving presentations in each of the seven senior centers throughout the county on June 15 to raise awareness. Information will be distributed to better understand what defines abuse. All are encouraged to attend and wear purple throughout the county on that day to show support for the safety and well-being of our elder citizens.
Arnold Senior Activity Center, June 14th @ 10am
Brooklyn Park Senior Activity Center, June 15th @ 10am
Pascal Senior Activity Center, June 15th @ 11 am
Pasadena Senior Activity Center, June 15th @ 10am
O'Malley Senior Activity Center, June 15th @ 12pm
South County Senior Activity Center, June 15th @ 11am
Annapolis Senior Activity Center, June 15th @ 11am
One of the best measures in a community is how they advocate for and treat their seniors. We can all show support throughout our county by asking questions, listening to seniors and maintaining communication, which is a great defense against abuse and isolation.
Anyone needing accommodations, or for more information about the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities Local Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, call 410-222-4257, or visit online at http://www.aacounty.org/aging. TTY using Maryland Relay 7-1-1. All materials available in other formats upon request.
Original source can be found here.
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