Elder activities help prevent or stop abuse

Approximately one in 10 Americans age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. Some estimates range as high as 5 million elders who are abused each year.

Saturday was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. First launched in 2006, it raises awareness on elder abuse and neglect across the globe. 

Estimates of elder financial abuse and fraud costs to older Americans range from $2.9 billion to $36.5 billion annually. It is also estimated that only one in 14 cases of abuse are reported to authorities, according to the National Council on Aging.

Abuse and maltreatment can happen in many places like an older person’s home, family member’s house or assisted living facility, and can happen to anyone, no matter the person’s race, sex, religion or cultural background. There are many types of abuse, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and abandonment. 

If you need to report a suspicion of elder abuse, call Florida Abuse Hotline at 800-96-ABUSE (800-962-2873). Press option one to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of the elderly or a vulnerable adult. This toll-free number is available day or night every day of the week. It is important to report suspected abuse as soon as possible. 

There are ways to prevent and address the issue of elder abuse through policies, services and programs that keep individuals integrated in their communities as they age.

Community centers work as intergenerational spaces that allow older people to build relationships and participate in the work, play and life of neighborhoods. The Nassau County Council on Aging provides a variety of activities, classes, workshops and presentations at the Fernandina Beach and Hilliard life centers. Visit www.nassaucountycouncilonaging.org for more information. 

Also, NassauTRANSIT aids seniors by transporting them to reduce social isolation. Information about the service is available on the COA website.

ElderSource serves a seven-county area across Northeast Florida by identifying the needs of elders and caregivers, developing plans to meet those growing needs, contracting with local agencies to deliver services to clients and providing oversight of the contracts to ensure good stewardship of funds and quality services. 

ElderSource provides many services, like their recent “Empower Yourself” workshop, which addressed strategies to avoid being scammed. More information on programming and services for both consumers and partner organizations can be found at www.myeldersource.org.

Education is important and programs can educate families and professionals who work with older adults to understand the importance of preventing isolation, how to spot the warning signs of abuse and what to do to address abuse or neglect. 

Locally, the Florida Department of Health in Nassau is beginning an Aging Friendly initiative to promote active, engaged and healthy living for people of all ages. If you are interested in becoming involved, email Mary von Mohr at Mary.vonMohr@FLHealth.gov or call at 904-557-9133. More information is available at http://nassau.floridahealth.gov.