Every
year an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of elder abuse,
neglect or exploitation.1 Combating this requires efforts on state,
local, and national levels. Abuse affects all seniors and spans every
socio-economic class, culture, and ethnic background.
On
May 28, 2013, the Administration on Aging (AoA) paired with the Administration
for Community Living (ACL) to sponsor the Year of Elder Abuse Prevention (YEAP).
YEAP encourages national, state, and local organizations to protect seniors and
raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
To
act on this mission, the AoA has provided a tool kit for residents, families,
and members of the community, that progress YEAP’s mission and stop elder abuse
from happening. Among these factsheets includes a list of warning signs of elder abuse, measures anyone can take to raise awareness about neglect and
abuse, and how to protect yourself or a loved one from abuse.
If
you or a family member notices unexplained bruises, fractures, or other sores,
a lack of basic hygiene, dehydration, unexplained withdrawal from daily
activities, nursing homes will find any number of reasons to dismiss your
concerns. YEAP's goal is to encourage national participation in the movement to prevent the harm from happening altogether. To achieve this goal, it is in the best interest of this national movement to report abuse if you suspect it.
To learn more about how to participate in YEAP's mission, visit http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/Elder_Rights/YEAP/index.aspx
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