Hundreds of thousands of our elderly are exploited each year.
Seniors lose about $2.6 billion annually, money that could be used for their basic needs.
Only one in five elder abuse cases are discovered.
It can happen to anyone!
This is why the
Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys (AFELA) lobbies hard for legislation that benefits our senior citizens. One example is
a groundbreaking law that took effect on October 1st, 2014, the first in the United States to truly hold predators accountable. The law presumes that exploitation has taken place if:
1) more than $10,000 is taken
2) exploited individual is 65 or over or disabled
3) predator is a non-relative who has known the victim less than two years before the first transfer.
But even with better laws, we all must be proactive in preventing elder abuse.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: June 15, 2016
That's why World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched ten years ago by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. It is a call-to-action for individuals, organizations and communities to raise awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. In addition, WEAAD is in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.
How Can You Be Involved?
Each year communities and municipalities around the world plan activities. We encourage you to join others by carrying out activities such as:
Developing an educational program or press conference about the impact of elder abuse in your community
Volunteering to call or visit an isolated senior
Submitting an editorial or press release to your local newspaper to create awareness of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation
The Eldercare Locator can assist you in volunteering to call or visit an isolated senior.
Remember: We must all report elder abuse in Florida! Call (800) 96 ABUSE.
Source of some of the above material: US Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living.
Get Practical Answers
Need to find an Elder Law attorney? Want some tips on hiring the best one for you? Are you searching for clarification about veterans benefits, probate, guardianship or advance directives? Check out our
consumer section.
You are receiving this because you previously signed up for our Elder$mart$ newsletter or have been involved in the campaign. We have completed that campaign but would like to continue offering you useful consumer tips that benefit our seniors. If you wish to stop receiving this, please see the unsubscribe information below.
