Powerless? Hardly. Here's what you can do to help prevent elder abuse in Ashland County

At least one in 10 older adults are victims of elder abuse, with the prevalence rate reported to have been higher during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Types of elder mistreatment include psychological/emotional abuse, financial abuse or exploitation, neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) being June 15.

More: New data show hundreds of thousands of elder abuse cases

During this month, attention is devoted to promoting awareness of this serious public health problem, providing education and training, and discussing prevention/intervention approaches. Community engagement and commitment, social support networks, strong intergenerational bonds, respect, and anti-ageism are cornerstones to elder abuse prevention.

Trauma-informed communities are part of the solution to elder abuse

Having communities become trauma-informed and trauma-responsive lays the groundwork for a community solution to elder mistreatment. Resources about elder abuse must be made readily available, using formats that will reach individuals with a range of disabilities.

Local agencies must work collaboratively not as silos, have well-trained staff ready to provide assistance, ensure safety, and help older adults transition from victim-to-survivor status.

Older people must be at the table when discussions about elder mistreatment prevention take place, when strategies are developed and implemented.

Older adults shouldn’t be viewed as being dependent, weak, and powerless. They can be self-empowered, and decrease the risks of being victimized.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) provides tips on how older adults can remain “safe.” As examples, it’s important to: (1) engage in self-care; (2) reach out for mental health services if needed and encourage family members with mental health and/or substance use problems to secure help; (3) learn about domestic violence services; (4) remain active and engaged; and (5) know your rights and where to go if they are violated.

NCOA touches on advanced planning; specifically, reviewing your will periodically, creating a living will and health care power of attorney. Also, it’s important to develop psychiatric advance directives and financial power of attorney documents.

Older people as well as younger adults must select proxies that can be trusted and counted on to follow their wishes, if they are unable to speak for themselves. This needs to be done before there are any questions about decision-making ability or competence.

Elders can be empowered by learning how to be strong advocates for themselves and others, how to set boundaries and increase self-efficacy, the value of strong support networks, and health-promoting and help-seeking behaviors.

Elder abuse help is available through multiple agencies in Ashland County

Ashland County has agencies and organizations that can provide assistance to those who are victimized, speak with and listen to older adults directly, and help ensure that victims remain safe. Those who believe that elder abuse may be taking place can learn about the reporting process, even when not mandated to report.

Organizations that can provide information, support, and assistance in Ashland County include: Catholic Charities Services, Area Agency on Aging District 5, Appleseed Community Mental Health Center and Safe Haven, Mental Health and Recovery Board of Ashland County, Adult Protective Services at JFS, and the Council on Aging.

Each June, the Older Adult Behavioral Health Coalition of Ashland County coordinates and offers events related to Elder empowerment, with some events focusing on elder mistreatment. Visit ashlandmhrb.org/ to learn more.

Here's what we – as community members and voters – can do to prevent elder mistreatment.

• Be educated and well-informed.

• Be aware of risk factors and signs that elder abuse is taking place.

• Be one set of eyes – you can make a difference.

• Know how to report potential abusive behaviors.

• Engage in advocacy efforts.

• Develop supportive relationships with older adults who are isolated.

• Be active in helping to develop a trauma-informed community.

• Be knowledgeable about what agencies in Ashland County are doing in terms of education, prevention, and intervention. Identify their strengths/weaknesses, and advocate for changes, if needed.

As a trauma-informed community, we can all work together to prevent elder mistreatment.

Older people can be empowered. We can insist that available services are well-designed and implemented. We can advocate for those who are victimized to receive justice, even by recommending changes to legislation.

Accept the challenge, find and share your voice. Wear purple on June 15.

Diana Spore is an advocate for those living with dementia, facing mental health challenges, and living with disabilities, focusing on those in these three groups who are victims of crime. She lives in Ashland, is a member of the Ashland County Older Adult Behavioral Health Coalition, and is a consultant with the Adult Advocacy Centers.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15. Tips on how to help