#weaad

Each year on June 15, people across the globe mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a moment to reflect on the rights, dignity and safety of older adults. Established in 2006 by the World Health Organization and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, the day is now recognized nationally in the United States and supported by the Administration for Community Living. At AHEPA Senior Living, we take this opportunity to educate, engage and empower our residents and staff to help prevent elder abuse in all its forms.

Elder abuse is a complex and often hidden problem that affects millions of older adults every year. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse. Too often, these abuses occur in silence, perpetrated by people the older adult knows or depends on, and go unnoticed or unreported due to fear, isolation or cognitive decline. Raising awareness is the first and most critical step in prevention. By recognizing the signs of abuse and understanding the resources available, communities can become stronger advocates for their most vulnerable members.

In addition to recognizing the warning signs, it’s vital to understand the emotional and social toll elder abuse takes on individuals. Victims may experience depression, anxiety or a diminished sense of self-worth. Chronic stress and mistreatment can worsen physical health outcomes, too. We work to serve our communities by fostering a culture of trust and openness with our residents and their loved ones. Awareness campaigns like this play a key role in reinforcing that safety, respect and dignity are non-negotiable for every resident.

One meaningful example of how we are observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day comes from AHEPA 29 Phase III Apartments in Houston, Texas. In observance of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, the community welcomed Adult Protective Services (APS) Specialist Daniel Bernal, who led an engaging and informative presentation. Mr. Bernal shared details about APS services and resources available to older adults who may be at risk. He also provided attendees with tote bags filled with helpful literature and promotional items to reinforce the message that help is available and that no one should suffer in silence.

This commitment to awareness and prevention on display at AHEPA 29 Phase III Apartments extended across AHEPA Senior Living communities nationwide in June, where residents and staff joined together for heartfelt events and important conversations From bulletin board displays and handouts in Florida, to coffee & doughnuts and educational sessions in Alabama, to community gatherings and resource sharing in Ohio and Texas — our mission was clear: empower, educate, and support. Residents wore purple, shared stories, learned how to identify and report abuse, and celebrated solidarity with food, raffles, and friendship. Thank you to everyone who participated. Special thanks to our community partners nationwide, including in Houston, the Houston Police Department Elder Abuse Investigations Office and the Better Business Bureau Elder Medicare Patrol, for helping us raise awareness and provide critical information.

Beyond educational presentations, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a time for reflection and action. Preventing elder abuse requires a community-wide effort, from frontline caregivers and family members to neighbors and local agencies. It’s essential to foster environments where older adults feel secure speaking up if something doesn’t feel right. By developing clear reporting methods, training staff to identify signs of abuse and cultivating resident trust, we are working to ensure that safety remains a top priority.

We at AHEPA Senior Living consider World Elder Abuse Awareness Day as a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to the well-being of older adults. By engaging in education, hosting meaningful events and fostering a strong sense of community, we aim to ensure that every senior feels safe, heard and valued. Together, we can continue to raise awareness, take action and stand up for older Americans.

Each year on June 15, people across the globe mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a moment to reflect on the rights, dignity and safety of older adults. Established in 2006 by the World Health Organization and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, the day is now recognized nationally in the United States and supported by the Administration for Community Living. At AHEPA Senior Living, we take this opportunity to educate, engage and empower our residents and staff to help prevent elder abuse in all its forms.

Elder abuse is a complex and often hidden problem that affects millions of older adults every year. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse. Too often, these abuses occur in silence, perpetrated by people the older adult knows or depends on, and go unnoticed or unreported due to fear, isolation or cognitive decline. Raising awareness is the first and most critical step in prevention. By recognizing the signs of abuse and understanding the resources available, communities can become stronger advocates for their most vulnerable members.

In addition to recognizing the warning signs, it’s vital to understand the emotional and social toll elder abuse takes on individuals. Victims may experience depression, anxiety or a diminished sense of self-worth. Chronic stress and mistreatment can worsen physical health outcomes, too. We work to serve our communities by fostering a culture of trust and openness with our residents and their loved ones. Awareness campaigns like this play a key role in reinforcing that safety, respect and dignity are non-negotiable for every resident.

One meaningful example of how we are observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day comes from AHEPA 29 Phase III Apartments in Houston, Texas. In observance of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, the community welcomed Adult Protective Services (APS) Specialist Daniel Bernal, who led an engaging and informative presentation. Mr. Bernal shared details about APS services and resources available to older adults who may be at risk. He also provided attendees with tote bags filled with helpful literature and promotional items to reinforce the message that help is available and that no one should suffer in silence.

This commitment to awareness and prevention on display at AHEPA 29 Phase III Apartments extended across AHEPA Senior Living communities nationwide in June, where residents and staff joined together for heartfelt events and important conversations From bulletin board displays and handouts in Florida, to coffee & doughnuts and educational sessions in Alabama, to community gatherings and resource sharing in Ohio and Texas — our mission was clear: empower, educate, and support. Residents wore purple, shared stories, learned how to identify and report abuse, and celebrated solidarity with food, raffles, and friendship. Thank you to everyone who participated. Special thanks to our community partners nationwide, including in Houston, the Houston Police Department Elder Abuse Investigations Office and the Better Business Bureau Elder Medicare Patrol, for helping us raise awareness and provide critical information.

Beyond educational presentations, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a time for reflection and action. Preventing elder abuse requires a community-wide effort, from frontline caregivers and family members to neighbors and local agencies. It’s essential to foster environments where older adults feel secure speaking up if something doesn’t feel right. By developing clear reporting methods, training staff to identify signs of abuse and cultivating resident trust, we are working to ensure that safety remains a top priority.

We at AHEPA Senior Living consider World Elder Abuse Awareness Day as a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to the well-being of older adults. By engaging in education, hosting meaningful events and fostering a strong sense of community, we aim to ensure that every senior feels safe, heard and valued. Together, we can continue to raise awareness, take action and stand up for older Americans.

On June 15th for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023, We will learn how we can help prevent elder abuse.

We all deserve to lead happy and healthy lives free from abuse as we age, yet older people are mistreated more often than we think. Take action to raise awareness toward the prevention of this important social justice issue!

This year, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day coincides with two important events. The first is the start of the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030). This marks the beginning of ten years of concerted, catalytic and sustained collaboration with diverse stakeholders on improving the lives of older people, their families and their communities. The second is the 20th milestone of the Second World Assembly on Ageing and the fourth review and appraisal of the implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA). These provide an opportunity to generate renewed momentum for international action to advance the ageing agenda.