Learning More about Elder Abuse Prevention Resources on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
WEAAD is a great opportunity to bring communities together and build awareness of elder abuse; however, it’s certainly not the only day we can bring attention to this hidden issue. Please use the following resources and guides to educate our community about the role EVERYONE can play in ending elder abuse.
The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.
In addition, WEAAD is in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
The Howard County Office on Aging and Independence has a wealth of resources for families. Topics range from how to identify different types of elder abuse to preventing financial scams and frauds. There is also an Elder Abuse Awareness Guide and various organizations to contact if you, or someone you love, are a victim of elder abuse.
FAQ on Elder Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation:
http://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/WEAAD-Factsheet-FAQs.pdf
Additional resources can be found on the National Center for Elder Abuse (NCEA) website:
https://ncea.acl.gov/WEAAD.aspx
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) serves as a national resource center dedicated to the prevention of elder mistreatment. First established by the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) in 1988 as a national elder abuse resource center, the NCEA was granted a permanent home at AoA in the 1992 amendments made to Title II of the Older Americans Act.
To carry out its mission, the NCEA disseminates elder abuse information to professionals and the public, also provides technical assistance and training to states and community-based organizations. The NCEA:
- makes news and resources available on-line and an easy-to-use format
- collaborates on research
- provides training
- identifies and provides information about promising practices and interventions
- operates a listserve forum for professionals
- provides subject matter expertise on program development