June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month and June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. SeniorCare Inc. and several non-profit and civic organizations are holding special events throughout the North Shore to increase awareness of this growing issue in our society.
10,000 people turn 65 in the US every day. This trend will continue for the next 20 years. Our demographics are shifting, and we now have more elder people in the US than ever before. At the same time that the population is growing, we know that a startling number of elders face abusive situations. Every year an estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that’s only part of the picture: Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23.5 cases go unreported.
Elder abuse and neglect and take on various forms. It can be physical, emotional/verbal, sexual, financial, neglect by a caregiver, or self-neglect. Elder abuse can occur anywhere – in the home, in nursing homes, or other institutions. It affects seniors across all socioeconomic groups, cultures, and races.
If you suspect abuse or self-neglect, don’t assume that someone has already reported it. In cases of immediate danger call 911. Otherwise, you can the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.
SeniorCare is partnering with local Councils on Aging and Police Departments to hold seven rallies throughout the North Shore to increase awareness of Elder Abuse this year.
- Gloucester – Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 11am-1pm
Fitz Henry Lane House parking lot (corner of Rogers Street and Harbor Loop) - Essex – Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 10am-11am
Village Square - Beverly – Thursday, June 8, 2023, 10am-12pm
City Hall - Manchester – Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 10:30am-11:30am
Town Common - Rockport – Thursday, June 15, 2023, 12pm-1:30pm
Five Corners - Topsfield – Thursday, June 15, 2023, 5pm-7pm
The Commons (as part of the HomeGrown Market event) - Hamilton – Tuesday, June 20, 2023, 11am-12pm
Council on Aging
Concerned citizens are invited to participate in any or all of these events. Join SeniorCare and our local safety agencies in bringing light to the horrendous crime of elder abuse. Please stop by to show your support!
SeniorCare is committed to identifying and stopping Elder Abuse!