Carson City, NV June 13, 2023
This week the Aging and Disability Services Division invites Nevadans to learn the signs of elder abuse and join the agency in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) by wearing purple on Thursday, June 15.
WEAAD is observed annually on June 15 and the awareness day was started in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. This designated day allows for global recognition of the physical, emotional, and financial abuses that many elderly people are living through on a day-to-day basis.
“We are committed to raising awareness about elder abuse and working towards preventing it,” said Tammy Sever, Social Services Chief of Adult Protective Services. “We believe everyone has a responsibility in protecting our most vulnerable Nevadans and we are proud to be a part of this important effort.”
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse refers to intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted individual that causes harm to an elder. Elder abuse takes many forms, including:
• Neglect
• Financial abuse and exploitation
• Physical abuse
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Self-neglect
Who Is at Risk for Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation?
Elder abuse can happen to anyone. Elder abuse affects seniors across all socio-economic groups, cultures, and races. Elder abuse can occur anywhere:
• In a person’s home
• In nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other institutional settings
• In hospitals
Some common risk factors:
• Dementia
• Mental health or substance abuse issues (victim, perpetrator, or both)
• Social isolation
• Poor physical health, which increases vulnerability and therefore may increase risk
What Are the Signs of Elder Abuse?
Learn the warning signs and act to protect seniors. Some common warning signs:
• Inadequately explained fractures, bruises, welts, cuts, sores, or burns
• Lack of basic hygiene, food or appropriate clothing
• Person with dementia left unsupervised
• Person is confined in bed is left without care
• Home is cluttered, dirty, or in disrepair
• Home lacks adequate facilities (stove, refrigerator, heating and cooling, plumbing, or electricity)
• Untreated bed sores or pressure ulcers
• Unexplained or uncharacteristic changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from normal activities, or unexplained changes in alertness
• Caregiver isolates the elder (doesn’t let anyone in the home or speak to the elder)
• Caregiver is verbally aggressive or demeaning, controlling or uncaring
What Can People Do to Prevent Elder Abuse?
Report suspected abuse to the Aging and Disability Services Division or a local law enforcement agency. Abuse can be reported by calling 888-729-0571, or in the Las Vegas area call 702-486-6930. For online reporting go to APS Online Intake Report. For a life-threatening situation, or in an emergency, call 911 or local law enforcement.