Celebrating 8 years this year, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is just around the corner. The International Network first acknowledged this important date on June 15, 2006 for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse website, "The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect." On June 15, 2014 the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living encourages everyone to take action. Even just one action on your behalf to engage seniors, empower communities, and involve young people in the efforts can make a big difference. Here are a few tips suggested by the ACL: Engage Seniors • Make a commitment to volunteer this year! Get some ideas about where you can help older adults. • Print out the Scam Checklist and hand out to older adults in your community! Encourage them to keep it by their phone to remind them of what to look out for! Empower Communities • Ask your church or organization to add informational blurbs about elder abuse to their newsletters! Get some ideas for faith communities or read our Faith Community Guide. • Share with your friends and family via social media about WEAAD and spread awareness! Find sample Facebook posts and Tweets as well as Facebook graphics to use. • Create an event in your area! Get ideas about where to start here, but also find flyers, PSAs, and other resources in our World Day Tool Kit! Speak Out! • Send a press release Involve Youth • Ask your teacher to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 by educating students on the signs of elder abuse! • Have your sorority or fraternity do a service project to help elders. Visit a nursing home or senior center and pass out education materials from the World Day Tool Kit. Visit isolated seniors in your neighborhoods. • Encourage your teen to start a campaign to promote dignity and support for older adults. At Walton Law, APC, we encourage anyone who suspects an elder is being abused while in a nursing home or private residence to report suspicions. You may also wish to consult an experienced elder abuse and neglect attorney. Christopher C. Walton is an award winning Southern California based elder abuse attorney whose practice is dedicated to issues involving elder abuse & neglect. If you believe you or somebody you know has been subjected to abuse while as a resident of a nursing home, or in their own home, contact (866) 338-7079 for a free and confidential consultation.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: June 15