Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

June is Elder Abuse

Awareness Month

According to the 2020 census, seventeen percent of our nation’s population, or one in six Americans are over the age of 65. As we age, we have a whole new way of life to get in touch with, including health issues, housing, finances, personal care, etc. Not everything about our aging falls in the “Golden Years” category.

As implied by the title of this letter, I’m going to talk about the non-golden events that are a possibility in our elder years. Abuse towards elders is not unlike that of other age groups. It can be physical, sexual, financial, caregiver neglect, isolation, mental abuse, self-neglect, and, or abandonment or a combination of these items. These things happening to someone that cannot defend themselves, makes them seem more malicious.

You can look for signs of abuse in your elderly acquaintances, such as changes in behavior, cluttered unhealthy living, lack of basic amenities, unexplained sexually transmitted diseases, unpaid bills, cash missing, unusual withdrawals from banking accounts, and physical bruising or marks.

We can all watch over our elderly family and friends with a simple visit, compassion and caring and be available for them when needed. Make a list of important call numbers for them, such as police, medical, fire, minister, and close family, or friends. Also on that list, include the number for Hands of Hope Resource Center, 800-682-4547, as we have a 24-hour hotline that can provide information and support to that individual, as well as a day phone, 320-732-2319, answered by trained advocates who can provide multiple resources and referrals that may be useful.

All services through Hands of Hope are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.

In peace,

Connie Nelson, Advocate at Hands of Hope Resource Center