Latest news with #ElderAbuseAwarenessMonth
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Beaufort County DSS highlights elder abuse awareness month
WASHINGTON, N.C. (WNCT) — Beaufort County Department of Social Services observes Elder Abuse Awareness Month. June marks Elder Abuse Awareness Month and Beaufort County DSS is encouraging people to help raise awareness around elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. According to a press release, 'Beaufort County DSS receives and evaluates local reports of elder abuse to determine if protective services are needed. Social workers analyze the details of each case and work with the affected individual and their family to identify and prevent problems that contribute to elder abuse. A social worker can initiate court action as necessary to protect a vulnerable adult and mobilize essential services on behalf of the adult.' If you witness any form of elder abuse or suspect that such abuse has taken place, contact yourlocal DSS to file an Adult Protective Services report. Call 911 if there is an immediate need forprotection. APS reporting is kept confidential. Your name will not be disclosed if you report acase of elder abuse. To file an Adult Protective Services report in Beaufort County, call 252-975-5500 and request tospeak with Adult Services intake. Beaufort County DSS's physical address is 632 W. Fifth St.,Washington, NC 27889. Reporting cases of elder abuse is a critical step to help alleviate elder abuse and improve thelives of older adults. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ohio Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Month
Resources to Help Ohioans Age Safely COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) are reminding Ohioans to help seniors by being aware of the signs of elder abuse and how to report it. "Local agencies receive over 100 adult protective services referrals each day," said ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder. "We all play a role in ensuring that older Ohioans can age safely. During Elder Abuse Awareness Month, we remind all Ohioans that we can all be a part of the solution." The U.S. Administration for Community Living defines elder abuse as "any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult." This can include physical, sexual, or psychological abuse, as well as self-neglect, neglect by others, abandonment, or financial exploitation. National studies show as many as one in 10 seniors is a victim of elder abuse. In Ohio, nearly 3 million adults are 60 or older. By 2030, older Ohioans will make up more than a quarter of the state's population. "As a former Adult Protective Services case worker, I know firsthand the horrors of elder abuse, fraud, and exploitation" said ODA Director McElroy. "Often, many cases of abuse go unreported. To make Ohio the best place to age in the nation, we must continue to protect older Ohioans by educating them on ways to prevent elder abuse and empowering them to report it." Signs of elder abuse can include a lack of basic amenities, a worsening living environment, unexplained injuries, unusual behavior changes, unpaid bills, new credit cards, and increased cash withdrawals. To help Ohioans understand what elder abuse is, where it happens, and how to recognize it, ODJFS is continuing its Age Safely, Ohio campaign. ODA's elder abuse webpage, has detailed elder abuse warning signs and insights into how older Ohioans can avoid scams. Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel are recognizing the importance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 with this resolution. Anyone can report elder abuse by calling 1-855-OHIO-APS (1-855-644-6277) or visiting Callers can review a checklist to provide appropriate information. Callers can also choose to remain anonymous. To report suspected abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact ODA's Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman by calling 1-800-282-1206 or visiting The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services manages vital programs that strengthen Ohio families. These include job training and employment services, unemployment insurance, cash and food assistance, adult protective services, and child support services. MEDIA CONTACTS:Tom Betti: Bill Teets: View original content: SOURCE Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month
Jun. 8—Helping Ohio's seniors navigate the growing threat of financial exploitation COLUMBUS — This year, older Ohioans are at risk of losing more than $60 million to scammers and fraudsters. In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Month during June, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities and the Ohio Department of Aging are partnering to shine a spotlight on a growing issue involving the financial exploitation of older adults. In 2024, the Division of Securities received 302 scam- and fraud-related complaints from older Ohioans, which was up 22% from the previous year's 247 complaints. In addition, according to the FBI's Elder Fraud Report, Ohio had the sixth largest volume of complaints in the country in 2023, with losses exceeding $64 million. Meanwhile AARP found that, nationwide, more than $28 billion is stolen from individuals over the age of 60 annually, with three-fourths of those losses involving individuals the victim knows. In response to this alarming trend and the increased risk posed to older Ohioans, the Division is highlighting the warning signs of elder financial abuse to protect loved ones from becoming a statistic. These warning signs include: Unexplained financial changes, such as large withdrawals or unexpected fund transfers. Changes in banking practices, such as adding new names to accounts, or uncharacteristic attempts to wire money to unknown acquaintances. Unpaid bills, sudden non-sufficient fund activity, and unexplained purchases or debts. "Financial exploitation of the elderly is one of the most pervasive and heartbreaking issues we encounter at the Ohio Division of Securities," Securities Commissioner Andrea Seidt said. "The victims are often targeted by perpetrators who exploit their loneliness, trust, or lack of familiarity with modern technology. Recognizing the signs of this abuse is critical so we can protect our friends and loved ones from these crimes that carry devastating financial consequences." Older adults are particularly vulnerable to a wide variety of schemes, including romance scams, tech support impersonations, and grandparent scams. Perpetrators often use mail, phone calls, and online communication to trick seniors into handing over money, personal information, or access to their financial accounts. Once a victim is targeted, the financial losses and emotional toll can be severe. If you suspect either yourself or someone in your life has been the target of a financial scam, you should immediately contact the Ohio Division of Securities at 614-644-7381 or local law enforcement. In addition, the Division is highlighting the below resources for reporting fraud and securing assistance. Additional Resources to Protect and Address Elder Financial Exploitation —To report securities fraud, call the Division of Securities' Investor Protection Hotline at 877-683-7841. —Ohio's Adult Protective Services Referral Line is available at 855-OHIO-APS (855-644-6277). —The Ohio Attorney General's Elder Justice Unit can be reached at 800-282-0515. —For concerns about abuse in nursing homes, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 800-282-1206. You Might Like News Man in cape, underwear breaks into West Portsmouth Dollar General News Proctorville woman killed in WV crash News Nearly $200K awarded in Healthy Communities grants to Lawrence groups by Pallottine Foundation News 95-year-old woman killed in Pike County crash
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Spreading awareness about elder abuse
(WGHP) — Successful Aging expert Linda Pritchett came to the FOX8 Studios to discuss the subject of elder abuse. June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. You can contact Linda Pritchett at (336) 292-3875 or visit her website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Protecting the Vulnerable: Raising Awareness of Elder Abuse and Exploitation
Waco, TX (FOX 44) — June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, dedicated to shining a light on the mistreatment of older adults. Elder Abuse Awareness Month encourages communities to take action against caregivers who may subject seniors to neglect, exploitation, and abuse. It looks different in every case – abuse can mean any neglect, physical, financial, or emotional mistreatment. One of the most common forms of elder abuse appears in telephone scams. Due to cognitive decline, the senior population is more susceptible to believing misinformation. 'They're talked into, maybe, giving away some money, giving access to their accounts,' Visiting Angels Care Coordinator Manager Sarah Hargrave said. 'And that puts them in a tight spot. They don't realize that they're talking to someone who's insincere.' Hargrave said many elders who have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease are because they are most vulnerable. It's important that seniors are assisted in protecting their sensitive information, because they are often targeted in cybercrimes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
