Lamont McClure and the Area Agency on Aging department announce that June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). WEAAD was established to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons.

Elder Abuse is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following acts:
· The infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment with resulting physical harm, pain or mental anguish
· The willful deprivation by a caretaker of goods or services which are necessary to maintain physical or mental health
· Sexual harassment, rape or abuse
· Exploitation, involving an act against an older adult or their resources, without their informed consent

The National Council on Aging estimates one in ten Americans over the age of sixty have experienced some form of Elder Abuse and this abuse is associated with increased rates of hospitalization and financial exploitation which cost older Americans an estimated $2.9 billion in 2009.

If you suspect abuse of a person age sixty or older, please call Northampton County Area Agency on Aging at 610-829-4540 or the Department of Aging’s Elder Abuse Hotline 1-800-490-8505.

Employees at Area Agency on Aging will hang purple ribbons on the trees around the DHS Building at 2801 Emrick Blvd in Bethlehem to remind everyone to be vigilant and report Elder Abuse.

Information provided to TVL by:
Becky Bartlett
Deputy Director of Administration
Northampton County Government Center
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
https://www.northamptoncounty.org/

 

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