Prevent Elder Abuse During National Crime Prevention Month!

As some of you may know the month of October is dedicated to National Crime Prevention.  That’s right; founded in 1984, the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) designated October Crime Prevention Month and each year since then, government agencies, civic groups, schools, youth organizations and businesses reach out to educate the public. During this official month we recognize and celebrate the practice of crime prevention, all the while promoting awareness of important issues such as elder abuse, victimization, volunteerism, and creating safer, more caring communities. This month-long celebration spotlights successful crime prevention efforts on the local, state, and national levels. 

Near and dear to my heart is the issue of elder abuse.  Elder abuse is on the rise in many communities. Sadly, it is estimated that millions of elders in the United States, from all walks of life, face abuse and neglect every year. It is not exclusive to any one race or ethnic background; anyone can be victimized. In local communities across the country, Federal government agencies are teaming up with law enforcement and nonprofits to combat all types of elder abuse. In the last year, the Federal government passed the Elder Justice Act that coordinates federal elder abuse detection and prevention programs within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services.  

An astounding piece of information is that according to the National Center of Elder Abuse, family members are typically the abusers and are often the adult children or spouse of the victim. There are many things that one can consider to assist in the prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It takes knowledge and a really good heart to help prevent crimes of this nature.  So, here are some signs of elder abuse to look for during national crime prevention month ensure  senior safety: 

Lack of basic hygiene, adequate food, or clean and appropriate clothing  

Lack of medical aids (glasses, walker, teeth, hearing aid, and medications)  

A person with dementia left unsupervised  

A person confined to bed left without care 

Behavioral changes that seem unexplained or atypical, such as withdrawal from normal activities, or changes in alertness 

A home without adequate facilities (stove, refrigerator, heat, cooling, working plumbing, electricity) 

Some of you may know that there are organizations, programs, and agencies practicing elder abuse prevention strategies throughout the United States.  Medical alert systems can be used to prevent elder abuse and here are a few organizations that provide important information: 

The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA); a national resource center for anything related to elder abuse.  Additional prevention tips can be found via the NCEA.  

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities and similar adult care facilities. The Ombudsman Program, established in all states under the Older Americans Act, is administered by the Administration on Aging (AAA), and is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

Local chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association; a great community resource. 

The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA); supports family caregivers and speaks out publicly for many caregivers' needs.  

The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) encourages agencies, organizations, and individuals across the world to recognize this underreported issue and raise awareness about the mistreatment of seniors. It is our responsibility as human beings to commit ourselves to ending elder abuse in the United States.  

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