Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 15th is Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It seems fitting that this would be celebrated on Father's Day, as we honor our Dads, we should remember that it is  estimated that 33,000 elderly Mainers are being abused annually, most often by a family member.

Elder Abuse Red Flags

•  Sudden changes in the elder’s appearance: poor hygiene, improper clothing for the weather, sunken eyes, bedsores, loss of weight.

• Sudden changes in the elder’s personality; increased levels of anxiety, fearfulness and/or depression. Social isolation or the elder not allowed visitors.

• Visible injury that has not been cared for or cannot be explained with a realistic explanation.

• Sudden loss of ability to meet financial obligations.

Like other forms of abuse, elder abuse occurs behind closed doors. Victims may feel ashamed or afraid to talk about the abuse, which is often at the hands of a family member.

Luckily there are resources. If you have been taken advantage of or abused, or suspect that someone is being taken advantage of, or abused call Legal Services for the Elderly at 1-800-432-7812