Anne Arundel Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day On June 15

From the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities: The Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program will be raising awareness of elder abuse and exploitation within Anne Arundel County on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15th, 2017.

Throughout the communities in our county, our state and all around the world, organizations and individuals will be raising awareness of the largely under-recognized and often unspoken problem of abuse, neglect and exploitation of our elder citizens who live independently as well as in long-term care facilities. Five million older Americans are victims of abuse including neglect and exploitation. For every case of abuse reported, as many as twenty-three cases go unreported.

Director of the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities stated, "Every older adult has the right to live free from the fear of abuse. It is our duty as residents of our community to advocate for those who need it the most."

Citizens can help in their communities by visiting older and disabled neighbors to check in on them. Awareness can also be raised by speaking out in churches and community organizations. One of the best measures in a community is how they advocate for and treat their seniors.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program encourages all citizens of this county to do their part by reporting any offense witnessed to the police, Adult Protective Services and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the safety and well-being of residents of nursing and assisted living homes. They can be reached at 410-222-4257 or you can voice a concern at ombudsman@aacounty.org. This can be an anonymous complaint if desired.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program will be giving presentations in each of the seven senior activity centers throughout the county on June 15th, 2017. 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 elders.

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