County Commissioners to proclaim June 13 Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The public encouraged to show support by wearing purple on June 13

Athens County Commissioners will proclaim June 13, 2014, Elder Abuse Awareness Day. They will make the official proclamation on Tuesday, June 10.

The day serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations and communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect and exploitation of elders.

Athens County is home for nearly 7,000 individuals 65 years of age and older. In 2013, Adult Protective Services (APS), with frequent assistance from the Athens County Sheriff’s office and the Athens City Police Department, investigated 110 reports of elder abuse, neglect, self-neglect or exploitation.

APS, which is administered by Athens County Job and Family Services, is required to investigate and evaluate all reports of suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults age 60 and older in Athens County. These adults may be handicapped due to aging, or they may have physical or mental impairments that prevent them from providing for their own care and protection.

Elder abuse is an under-reported problem that can have devastating or life-threatening consequences. It is estimated that for every reported case of elder abuse or neglect, as many as 23 cases go unreported.

What can you do to help prevent elder abuse?

· Know how to report suspected abuse or neglect. Call (740) 677-4208. All referrals are confidential. There is no cost for the investigation to the client or family.

· Sign up to be a volunteer guardian. Family members aren’t always available or the most appropriate people to help when a senior citizen is deemed incapable of making his or her own decisions. For more information, call (740) 677-4208.

· Join us in recognizing this day on June 13 by wearing purple, the official color of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.