World Elder Abuse Day Shines Light on Senior Abuse Problem
It’s no secret that the global population is aging. In fact, it is estimated that the number of people above age 60 will outnumber younger people by 2050 worldwide. Because older people often need more medical care, day-to-day assistance, and even help getting out of bed, many seniors have in-home care or live in assisted living or nursing home facilities.
Unfortunately, there is a problem of abuse facing elders. Physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse of elders is a reality and can occur at the hands of family, friends, caregivers, and other employees at assisted living and nursing home facilities. This problem isn’t just a concern right here in Florida; it is a worldwide problem that concerns not only the elderly but their loved ones who want to make sure they are getting the best care possible.
In an effort to bring attention to this worldwide problem, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was created in 2012 to shine a light on problems facing seniors. Although June 15, 2015, is the day global attention focuses on the problem of elder abuse, this problem needs constant attention, improved policies, and better reporting on incidents of abuse.
While there are many issues and challenges that are involved with aging, abuse shouldn’t be one of them. Sadly, many in the aging population have been victims of emotional, financial, sexual, or physical abuse. In fact, four to six percent of seniors suffer from a form of abuse, according to data from the World Health Organization. What’s even more disturbing is that many incidents of abuse go unreported.
Because there is no reason a vulnerable elderly person should be taken advantage of emotionally, financially, sexually or physically, everyone needs to do a better job of focusing on the problem in an effort to recognize when abuse is occurring. Additionally, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day encourages countries and communities to create friendlier policies that would teach respect for seniors and to exchange ideas on ways elder abuse can be reduced.
As a nursing home abuse lawyer in South Florida, I encourage loved ones whose elderly family members are living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities to visit their elderly mothers, fathers, grandmothers or grandfathers. By being on the grounds, you may witness something that isn’t right and can help put a stop to any type of abuse directed at an elderly person.
If you or your loved one has been a victim of elder abuse, you have rights. To learn about your legal rights to justice and a just financial recovery, contact the Law Offices of David Benenfeld at 866-9 HELP NOW or 866-943-5766 for a free consultation today.
