By Curtis D. Tucker, Enid Buzz | Wednesday, June 15, 2016
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ENID, Okla. - 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.
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Each year an estimated 5 million older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Many experts think that is only scratching the surface because a majority of cases are never reported.
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Each one of us has a responsibility to keep vulnerable elders safe from harm. The laws in most states require helping professions in the front lines—such as doctors and home health providers—to report suspected abuse or neglect.
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Everyone is asked to wear purple to bring awareness to this problem. Visit the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA website for more information.
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People can educate themselves to this most heinous of crimes by reading Caregiver/Caretaker: A Book about Exploitation of the Elderly. Make it required reading for potential caregivers of your elderly.
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
