Camden, NJ – Wednesday, June 15, 2022 will be commemorated as WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY. Elder abuse is defined as any knowing, intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or other person Person who harms, or seriously risks harming, a vulnerable adult, according to the Aging Services Division of the New Jersey Department of Human Services. Every year hundreds of thousands of older people are victims of elder abuse. Many of them are frail, vulnerable, and dependent on others for their most basic needs. Perpetrators can be children, family members, trusted friends, or even professionals assigned to provide care. Elder abuse can include physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.
Here are some signs of how to spot elder abuse from the New Jersey Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor:
The signs of elder abuse can be subtle.
Any of the following may be a cause for concern:
◼ Physical signs including unexplained bruising, bed sores, or sexually transmitted diseases.
◼ Poor hygiene or nutrition and unsafe or unclean living conditions.
◼ Lack of medical aids such as glasses, dentures, hearing aids, walking aids, etc.
◼ Increased anxiety, fear, or sadness.
◼ Isolation or withdrawal from normal activities.
◼ Unusual changes to financial arrangements: bank accounts, money management services, wills or trusts.
◼ Unpaid bills or fraudulent signatures on financial documents.
To commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the New Jersey Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor is hosting a live performance of Breaking the Silence: Voices of Hope by Kelsey McCabe Shibilia. This performance will be streamed live on the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office YouTube channel, click here to watch: World Elder Abuse Day: Breaking the Silence. voices of hope. – Youtube.
What should you do if you see or suspect elder abuse? reports it.
Helpline for tips on abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of older people
1-609-292-1272
www.nj.gov/oag/medicaidfraud/report.html
Elder Abuse Hotline
1-800-792-8820
If you or someone you know is being abused, report it to the Elder Abuse Hotline immediately. Your name will not be disclosed without your consent.
Services available in Camden County:
Adult Protection Services in Camden County
856-225-8178
856-225-8138
Service units for adults
600 Market Street, 2nd Floor, Camden, NJ 08102
Services rendered:
Social workers assess complaints of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older people living in their own homes, apartments, or with others in private housing in the community. Staff provide or organize services necessary to protect vulnerable adults. These services may include: emergency medical care, meals, placement in a boarding school or residential health facility, homemaker/home help support counseling arrangements, and other legal action. Social workers make follow-up visits to review the situation and see if services are in place.
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