World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is this month, so it’s the perfect time to get involved in this important cause. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living (ACL), “Each year, an estimated 5 million older persons are abused, neglected, and exploited. In addition, elders throughout the United States lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation, funds that could have been used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food, and medical care.” Unfortunately, only about 1 in 5 elder abuse crimes is ever discovered.1
WEAAD was launched in 2006 in an effort to better understand abuse and neglect of older persons and to raise awareness. WEAAD encourages people in their local communities to educate others about this crime and the impact it has on the elder population.1 Below are a few ideas from ACL on how you can take action and help increase awareness.2
Engage Seniors
- Volunteer this year!
- Hand out a Scam Checklist to older adults in your community and urge them to keep it by their phone to remind them of what to look out for.
- Caregiving is hard work. Provide relief by giving even just a couple hours of your time. You’d be amazed at how much this can re-energize a caregiver who’s struggling.
Empower Communities
- Ask your church or other organization you’re involved with to include information about elder abuse in their newsletters.
- Give a presentation or create an event in your area that spreads awareness and gets people involved.
Speak Out
- Get the word out to friends and family via social media.
- Become a member of a local group that focuses on advocacy for the senior population.
Involve Youth
- Ask a teacher to promote awareness by educating their students about the signs of elder abuse.
- Teach kids about respecting elders by creating an art, essay or poem contest.
- Ask your sorority or fraternity to do a service project to help seniors, such as visiting a nursing home.
- Encourage your teen to start a campaign that fosters support for older adults.
It’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you find that you’re coming up short on funds, and are looking for a way to supplement your retirement income, a reverse mortgage may be able to help. A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), commonly known as a reverse mortgage, is a Federal Housing Administration insured loan. A HECM enables seniors to access a portion of their home’s equity to obtain tax free3 funds without having to make monthly mortgage payments.4
If you’d like to learn more about reverse mortgages or want to find out if you’re eligible, call 800-218-1415.
1 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living – About World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15, acl.gov, http://www.acl.gov/NewsRoom/Observances/WEAAD/About.aspx.
2 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living – Take Action, acl.gov, http://www.acl.gov/NewsRoom/Observances/WEAAD/Get-Involved/Take-Action.aspx.
3 Consult your financial advisor and appropriate government agencies for any effect on taxes or government benefits.
4 You must live in the home as your primary residence, continue to pay required property taxes, homeowners insurance and maintain the home according to Federal Housing Administration requirements.
Author: Meredith Manz