BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — According to the National Council on Aging, as many as five million older Americans will experience abuse every year. Yet, very few Americans know this is a reality that their family or even themselves might face. But today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day to shine light on a […]
BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — According to the National Council on Aging, as many as five million older Americans will experience abuse every year. Yet, very few Americans know this is a reality that their family or even themselves might face. But today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day to shine light on a dark issue.
Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trusted relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological.
According to Michelle Gayette, assistant director of Adults and Aging at North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, one in six adults sometime in their lifetime will experience some form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
She encourages us to look out for each other and the older adults in our lives for signs of elder abuse.
“So if they really know the older adult, they could see changes in their behavior,” says Gayette. “[It’s] really to just pay attention [to] the behaviors and change in emotions for the older adult, and if there’s a change, there could be something going on.”
Those who suspect elder abuse should report it to NDHHS here.