PITTSBORO — Having celebrated Older Americans Month in May, the Chatham County Council on Aging is joining the Chatham County Department of Social Services and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office in raising awareness about abuse and exploitation of vulnerable and older adults.
Monday, June 15th, is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It is a date originally recognized in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.
The Chatham County Board of Commissioners has issued a proclamation in support of this awareness campaign. The commissioners have joined the State of North Carolina in recognizing the period between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day as Vulnerable Adult and Elder Abuse and Exploitation Awareness Month.
As noted in the proclamation, “Research suggests that 4 to 6% of older adults suffer from some kind of abuse, most of which goes unreported.” The research also finds that abuse, exploitation, and neglect (self and caregiver) of vulnerable and older adults affect persons of every social, economic, racial and ethnic background.
“This is a serious issue that too often lacks the attention and the commitment of resources to address,” said Dennis W. Streets, director of the Council on Aging.
Various organizations within Chatham County have a role in raising awareness and addressing specific instances of abuse, neglect and exploitation when they become known.
The Chatham County Department of Social Services has legal authority to evaluate reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation. According to state law, “any person having reasonable cause to believe that a disabled adult is in need of protective services shall report such information.”
Yet, researchers report that only one of every six instances of elder abuse get reported.
“We can only do our job of evaluating the need for adult protective services if we learn of cases that may require such assistance,” said Renae Minor, Adult Services Supervisor at the Chatham County Department of Social Services.
Another form of exploitation affecting many seniors is fraud and scams.
“These acts to defraud and scam our residents usually cause loss of income and dignity,” said Mike Copeland, Certified Financial Crimes Investigator at the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.
As Mike Dasher, chairperson of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, encouraged in signing the proclamation, “we call upon all in Chatham County to honor and respect vulnerable and older adults by helping prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation and take steps otherwise to promote their well-being.”
To report possible abuse, neglect or exploitation, contact the Chatham County Department of Social Services by phone during regular office hours at 919-642-6988. To report a concern after hours or on weekends and holidays, contact the 911 Emergency Communications Center at 919-542-2911.
To report a suspected case of fraud or a scam, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 919-542-2911.