Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday declared June 15, 2022, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Alabama to raise awareness about the problem of the mistreatment of the elderly.
It is estimated that at least one in 10 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced elder abuse, and Alabama is not immune to the problem.
According to the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), last year alone, DHR’s Adult Protective Services Division received 11,122 reports of elder abuse across the state.
Alabama DHR commissioner Nancy Buckner said in a release, “I urge all Alabamians to watch for the warning signs and speak up at the first sign of harm. We value older adults in Alabama, and we all must do our part to keep them safe.”
Per DHR, several of the visible potential warning signs include:
• Increased fear or anxiety
• Isolation from friends or family
• Withdrawal from normal activities
• Unusual changes in behavior or sleep
• Unexplained injuries, bruises, cuts or sores
• Unsanitary living conditions and poor hygiene
• Unusual or sudden changes in financial spending patterns, will or other important documents
Alabama DHR encourages everyone to keep a sharp eye out for exploitation of the elderly in the state and if abuse is suspected to report it by one of the following avenues. You can call the Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-458-7214, email aps@dhr.alabama.gov or contact a local DHR county office.
All reports are confidential and may be made anonymously.
