ENTERPRISE, Ala. (WDNews) – On June 17th, Enterprise Mayor, William E. Cooper, declared June as ‘Elder Abuse Awareness Month’ to raise awareness and educate citizens on the threat of elder abuse.
According to the National Institute on Aging, each year, hundreds of thousands of adults over the age of 60 are abused, neglected, or financially exploited. This mistreatment is called elder abuse.
“Enterprise seniors are valued members of society, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they live safely and with dignity,” Mayor Cooper said as he signed the proclamation at the Enterprise Civic Center as part of Coffee County DHR’s Elder Abuse Awareness Forum.
“Many older adults require care and are vulnerable to not only physical violence, but also emotional and financial abuse. Violence against the elderly is preventable. It is our duty to not only prevent it, but to educate others and offer our support,” said Mayor Cooper.
The NIH gives these warning signs of elder abuse:
- Seems confused, depressed, or withdrawn
- Isolated from friends and family
- Has unexplained bruises, burns, or scars
- Appears dirty, underfed, dehydrated, under- or over-medicated, or not receiving needed care for medical problems
- Has bed sores or other preventable conditions
- Recent changes in banking or spending patterns
The NIH says if you recognize any of these warning signs to talk with the older adult and then contact the local adult protective services or the police.
Visit www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics/elder-abuse to learn more about elder abuse and how to get help.
