ALBANY – Monday was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, but that doesn’t mean awareness should be just one day a year. People in the Hudson Valley and everywhere should be aware every day.
According to the New York State Office for the Aging, nearly 80 percent of Social Security beneficiaries are 65 and older and the Social Security Administration wants to do what it can to protect them.
Their public service announcement says to look for warning signs.
“Be on the lookout for physical abuse like unexplained injuries or bruises. Neglect, such as poor hygiene or nutrition,” they say. “Financial abuse, including changes to wills, unusual requests to appoint a representative payee, large new purchases or unpaid bills despite sufficient finances, and emotional changes such as unusual fear, depression, or isolation.”
There are steps you can take to help address this growing problem.
“Take time this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (or any day) to make a phone call or visit with an older adult. You care about.”
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