DPSS Adult Services recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2016
Born with cerebral palsy, the 65-year-old woman depended on her elderly aunt and uncle for daily care. As the couple also aged, a cousin became the primary caregiver and the 65-year-old was completely dependent on the cousin to meet her most basic daily needs.
But in September 2014, the cousin abandoned the woman in a motel room. The woman was found more than 24 hours later by the motel manager, unable to communicate or even move because of her cerebral palsy and a fractured right shoulder. Adult Protective Services, the Curtailing Abuse Related to the Elderly (C.A.R.E.) Team, Inland Regional Center and law enforcement worked together to ensure the 65-year-old could remain in a skilled nursing facility, free from further abuse or neglect from her cousin.
Ultimately, the cousin was arrested and prosecuted for elder abuse and prohibited from working in a position of trust with any elder or dependent adult in the future.
That story, and the need for the entire community to be on guard against elder abuse, will be among the topics discussed at the Third Annual Elder Abuse Awareness Symposium, hosted by Riverside County Adult Protective Services on June 29 in Indian Wells. “Our message is to bring awareness and share information on the very complex issues affecting seniors,” said Lisa Shiner, Public Social Services Assistant Director.
Media representatives are invited to attend the symposium on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. at the Miramonte Resort & Spa, 45000 Indian Wells Lane, in Indian Wells. More than 400 professionals, community leaders, and faith-based organizations will meet to brainstorm and learn from leading regional experts on elder and dependent abuse prevention. The keynote speaker will be San Diego County Deputy District Attorney Paul Greenwood, a leading prosecutor in the field of elder abuse. Greenwood is also a board member of the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.
Once a year, communities around the world plan programs to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), held every June 15.
“June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Riverside County, this symposium is a coordinated effort with our many partners who share responsibility for addressing this community concern,” said Shiner. Symposium sponsors include the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, Riverside University Health System-Behavioral Health, The Department of Public Social Services, District Attorney, Office on Aging, Sheriff’s Department; Superior Court-Probate; Riverside University Health System-Medical Center; University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Eisenhower Medical Center, City of Riverside Police Department, Molina Healthcare, Inland Empire Health Plan, HERO Program, Innovate-P.A.C.E., Inland Regional Center, and Faith in Motion.
“Recognize It! Report It! Prevent It!” is part of the nationwide campaign to create awareness of elder abuse. Riverside County DPSS Adult Services Division regularly provides prevention education to seniors, and training to those interested on how to recognize and report elder abuse.
24 Hour Adult Protective Services Hotline: 800.491.7123
Additional resources:
http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/Resources/Publication/docs/NCEA_12things_508.pdf
http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/Resources/Publication/docs/NCEA_RedFlags_web508.pdf
http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/Resources/Publication/docs/NCEA_ProtectYourself_508.pdf
