Dear Caregivers,

Did you know that every day 10,000 people turn 65 in the United States? Our demographics are shifting and we will soon have more older adults in the U.S. than ever before. Every year, an estimated five million older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation and that's only part of the picture. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, an estimated 93% of elder abuse cases go unreported each year. 

Elder abuse is an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult. It can also be a deliberate action, or failure to take necessary action, that results in real or potential harm to an elder. The seven types of elder or vulnerable adult abuse are neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment, emotional or psychological abuse, financial abuse or exploitation and self-neglect. All types of elder abuse can lead to devastating consequences, including physical and/or emotional harm and even death.

5 Things Everyone Can Do to Prevent Elder Abuse

Here are 5 things everyone can do to build community support and prevent elder abuse:

1. Learn the signs of elder abuse and how we can solve the issue together. 
2. Prevent isolation. Call or visit older loved ones and ask how they are doing on a regular basis. 
3. Listen to older adults and their caregivers to understand their challenges and provide support.
4. Prevent caregiver burnout by asking for help from a friend, family member or pastor. You can also call the Calvert County Office on Aging at 410-535-4606 to learn more about caregiver support.
5. Report abuse or suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services by calling 443-550-6969 or 1-800-91-PREVENT.