June 2022
Dear Friends,

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This year’s theme is Building Strong Support for Elders. Many older adults require care and are vulnerable to abuse by a caregiver or someone they trust. Abuse, including neglect and financial exploitation, are experienced by approximately one in 10 people aged 60 or older who live at home. Many cases go unreported because victims are afraid or unable to tell police, friends or family about the abuse. It is up to all of us to provide a structure of support and to prevent, notice and report abuse. 

While any older person is potentially at risk of elder abuse or to experience neglect, some are more susceptible than others. Based on available information, women and people 80 and older are more likely to experience abuse. Factors such as dementia or poor physical health can increase older people’s isolation, which in turn puts people at greater risk of experiencing abuse or neglect. 

Here are five 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 our 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 and talk to 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, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For support after hours, on federal holidays and weekends, call 866-898-9848. You can also check out the following websites:
Watch our video on elder abuse on the Calvert County Office on Aging website:
 

CONTACT INFORMATION
Calvert County Office on Aging
Lisa Caudle, Long Term Care Manager
450 West Dares Beach Road
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-4606, ext. 129
www.calvertcountymd.gov