Lake County observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

News-Herald - 6/15/2022

Jun. 15—Solemnly marching from the Lake County Department of Job and Family Services building to Veterans Park in Painesville Square, a group of two dozen-plus county officials, employees and community members carrying symbolic purple flowers commemorated World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.

The event — observed nationally — follows a recently adopted resolution by Lake County Commissioners John Hamercheck and John Plecnik.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.

"This is the time of year when cities and states can take a moment to shed light on this significant issue," Hamercheck said, addressing the crowd. "It's an opportunity for Lake County to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons, and to raise awareness of elder abuse, ensuring security and dignity for all seniors."

According to JFS, elder abuse is a widespread issue affecting every community across the country, with an estimated one in 10 older Americans being the victim of physical and emotional abuse, neglect or financial exploitation.

Additionally, research shows that as few as one in 14 cases of elder abuse ever come to the attention of authorities.

"Of course, Lake County is not immune to the issue of elder abuse, and we sometimes forget that our seniors can be vulnerable, too," Plecnik said, "but when we come together, we can protect a neighbor or even save a life. We can prevent elder abuse from happening. We can put support services in place and direct the necessary community resources."

Annually, according to data, Ohio JFS Adult Protective Services receives over 15,000 reports regarding seniors and their care.

In 2021, Lake County JFS Adult Protective Services investigated over 430 cases concerning abuse, neglect or exploitation of a senior.

Although calls varied in nature, the one common theme was the mistreatment of a vulnerable member of our community, noted Director Suzanne Casar, adding the department remains committed to probing elder abuse and maltreatment.

"Our social workers continue to meet with elderly individuals in our community to assess them for safety and advocate on their behalf," she said. "We are also extremely fortunate to partner with other agencies in our community to best serve this population, including the Association of Specialists in Aging, Lake County Senior Services and (Lake County) Council on Aging.

"If anyone suspects that an elderly individual in Lake County is being abused, neglected or exploited, they should contact our agency to report their concerns."

For more information, call 440-350-4000, press 1, or visit www.lakecountyohio.gov/.

___

Visit The News-Herald (Willoughby, Ohio) at www.news-herald.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.