Gary Barg, Editor-in-Chief
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1 out of 10 older adults living at home has been a victim of elder abuse. Chances are that this statistic has only gotten worse due to the isolation and stress brought upon us during Covid-19. As seniors are not able to remain engaged with the systems that traditionally shine a light on their abuse, such as adult day care, physician visits and visits to senior centers, the abuses they face tragically become harder to spot.
These abuses can take on many forms: physical, financial, or even emotional and many of the typical signs of abuse are now hidden from view from people who might be able to help while we shelter in place.
This is one of the most challenging things seniors and caregivers face during Covid-19. Yet, on the flip side, one of the things that we are able to do these days is to join events which traditionally are held live but are now accessible online, such as the exceptional TEARS - Annual Elder Abuse Conference hosted by our friends at the South Central Connecticut Area Agency on Aging where we can learn what to do when faced with elder abuse. Usually you would have to travel to New Haven to join this event but this year it is available online and is complimentary.
If you are a professional or family member who cares about senior loved ones or clients, this is one event you certainly cannot miss. And if this year is like any previous year in at least one way, the event fills up fast. So, register now.
See you there-virtually