• By Todd Luck
• Posted Thursday, May 27, 2021

Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15

Abuse Awareness Day is June 15, The day raises awareness to the issues of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. Due to COVID-19, the Piedmont Triad Elder Abuse Awareness Walk, Stroll and Roll will not be held this year.

But there’s many other ways to get involved this month:

• Attend the virtual Elder Abuse Awareness Event by the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services on Tuesday, June 15, at 10 a.m. By clicking here.
• Attend the virtual Elder Abuse Awareness Event by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging On Thursday, June 25, featuring Paul Greenwood, renowned in the field of Elder Abuse! You can register by clicking here
• Wear a purple ribbon or purple clothing throughout the month of June to show your support, especially on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Tuesday June 15.

Every year, an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. For every case of elder abuse or neglect that is reported, it’s estimated as many as five cases are not.

The adult Protective Service Unit at Forsyth County Department of Social Services provides local protection services for disabled adults over 18 who are alleged to be abused, neglected or exploited.

For someone to meet the criteria for needing protective services, they need to have an incapacitating disability, current maltreatment and a current need for protective services. Anyone who sees or suspects abuse shouldn’t hesitate to contact Adult Protective Services. Even if it doesn’t meet the Adult Protective Services criteria, they can refer them to the services they need.

The Adult Protective Services intake line is (336) 703-3503.

For more information on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, visit ncea.acl.gov/WEAAD.aspx

Here are some ways you can get involved!