Camden County Prosecutor: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: What Is Elder Abuse?

Collingswood NJ

16 June, 2022

4:58 PM

Description

Press release from the Camden County Prosecutor: June 14, 2022 Camden, N.J.-Wednesday, June 15, 2022, is observed as WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY. Elder abuse is defined as any knowing, intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any person that causes harm or serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult, according to the Division of Aging Services New Jersey Department of Human Services. Each year, hundreds of thousands of older people are subject to elder abuse. Many of them are frail, vulnerable, and rely on others to meet their most basic needs. Abusers can be children, family members, trusted friends, or even professionals hired to provide care. Elder abuse can include Physical Abuse, Emotional or Psychological Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation. Here are Some Signs of How to Spot Elder Abuse from the New Jersey Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor: The signs of elder abuse can be subtle. Any of the following can be a cause for concern: Physical signs including unexplained bruises, bedsores, or sexually transmitted diseases. Poor hygiene or nutrition and unsafe or unclean living conditions. Missing medical aids like glasses, dentures, hearing aids, a walker, etc. Increased fear, anxiety, or sadness. Isolation or withdrawal from normal activities. Unusual changes to financial arrangements: bank accounts, money management services, wills or trusts. Unpaid bills or fraudulent signatures on financial documents. In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the New Jersey Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor is hosting a live performance of Breaking the Silence: Voices of Hope by Kelsey McCabe Shibilia. This performance is being live-streamed on the New Jersey Office of Attorney General YouTube channel, click here to view: World Elder Abuse Day: Breaking the Silence. Voices of Hope. – YouTube. What should you do when you see or suspect Elder Abuse? Report It. Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation Tip Hotline 1-609-292-1272 www.nj.gov/oag/medicaidfraud/report.html Elder Abuse Helpline 1-800-792-8820 If you or someone you know is being mistreated, report it immediately to the Elder Abuse helpline. Your name will not be revealed without your permission. Available Camden County Services: Camden County Adult Protective Services 856-225-8178 856-225-8138 Adult Service Units 600 Market Street, 2nd Floor, Camden, NJ 08102 Services provided: Social workers assess complaints for abuse, neglect and exploitation for older persons residing in their own homes, apartments or with others in private residences in the community. Staff provides or arranges for services necessary to protect vulnerable adults. These services may include the following: emergency medical care, food, placement in a boarding or residential health care facility, supportive counseling arrangements for homemaker/home health care, and other legal actions. Social workers make follow-up visits to review the situation and see that services are in place. This press release was produced by the Camden County Prosecutor. The views expressed here are the author's own.