Friday Designated as Elder Abuse Awareness Day

By State

Friday, June 15, 2012 has been designated Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Pennsylvania.

According to the Department of Aging, approximately 18,000 reports of elder abuse were made to the department in 2011, although it is believed the number of occurrences is underestimated. Many cases go unreported.  

Elder abuse shows itself in many ways, including physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, neglect of care, abandonment, and becoming more common, financial exploitation.

We live in a state that prides itself on taking care of our older citizens. We must work to protect their health, safety and well-being.

I have posted tips to recognize and prevent abuse on my website. Just look under "Constituent Services."
    
If you suspect some form of abuse may be occurring to a neighbor or loved one, please contact the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-490-8505.

If you have questions about this or any state-related issue, please contact me.

Don't forget, you can follow me on Facebook.