Raising awareness of elder abuse: Event provides support, expert advice
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15 each year. WEAAD shines a spotlight on the mistreatment of older adults. It is also an opportunity to promote the rights and dignity of aging individuals.
Elder abuse can take many forms. These include physical, emotional, financial and sexual abuse, and neglect or self-neglect. One in 10 older adults will experience some form of abuse. But the vast majority of elder abuse cases go unreported.
Addressing self-neglect
PCA will host a free seminar on Tuesday, June 11, starting at 9:30 a.m., at 642 N. Broad St. The event is for professionals who work with older adults. Social workers, care managers, nurses and direct service staff are invited. The topic is “Working with Clients who Self-Neglect.” This is a growing and complex issue in aging services.
Self-neglect is among the most challenging forms of elder abuse to identify and address. It occurs when older adults are no longer able or willing to care for themselves. Self-neglect can include neglecting one’s own health, hygiene, nutrition or safety. Unlike other forms of abuse, self-neglect does not involve a perpetrator. But it can still result in serious harm or even death.
Individuals who self-neglect may do the following:
- Live in unsanitary or unsafe conditions.
- Refuse help.
- Fail to take prescribed medications.
- Isolate themselves from family, friends and service providers.
The June 11 event will feature expert presentations and interactive discussions. The following are discussion topics:
- Identifying the signs of self-neglect.
- Understanding the psychological and medical factors that contribute to this behavior.
- Navigating the ethical and legal responsibilities of intervention.
- Building trust with people who are reluctant to accept help.
- Developing approaches to make the person’s autonomy and safety a priority.
- Collaborating with community resources.
- Documenting concerns and interventions.
- Protecting older adults.
The focus of PCA’s Older Adult Protective Services (OAPS) unit is to prevent and mitigate elder abuse. The unit investigates reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonment of older Philadelphians. PCA’s OAPS receives thousands of elder abuse reports each year. Staff work tirelessly to address each case with compassion, diligence and respect. The rights of older adults are paramount.
Trained protective services staff conduct a thorough investigation of each report. The older adult’s needs and risks are assessed. Supportive services are coordinated, if warranted.
In cases of self-neglect, OAPS staff often engage in outreach and work to build relationships. This encourages older adults to accept help. While every situation is unique, the goal is the same. PCA helps older adults live safely and with dignity in the setting of their choice.
“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect older adults from harm,” said Tamikia Morris, PCA’s director of Older Adult Protective Services. “Self-neglect is especially difficult because it doesn’t always look like abuse. But the impact can be as devastating. Our June 11 event will offer tools and insights to help professionals better support those who may be struggling in silence.”
PCA encourages professionals who work with older adults to attend this informative event. To register, Click Here>> or call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.
