AARP Florida Statement Honoring World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
June 15, 2021 

 CONTACT:  
Jamie Champion Mongiovi, AARP Florida 
(850) 559-0883, jchampion@aarp.org   

Tallahassee, Fla. – AARP Florida today released a statement recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

AARP Florida Interim State Director Dionne Polite said, “Today and year-round, AARP Florida is committed to raising awareness of elder abuse and fighting to protect our members and all Floridians. Every year an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. 

“Additionally, experts believe that elder abuse is significantly under-reported, in part because so many of our communities do not have the social support systems in place that would make it easier for victims to report elder abuse. Research suggests that as few as 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse are brought to the attention of authorities.

“No one should ever be in a position where they feel victimized and silenced. Today, AARP Florida is sharing the information below to ensure that older Floridians and their loved ones have the resources and support they need to learn about elder abuse, how to prevent it, and how to report it.”

Florida Elder Abuse Resources
What is elder abuse? “Abuse” is any willful act or threatened act by a relative, caregiver, or household member which causes or is likely to cause significant impairment to a vulnerable adult's physical, mental, or emotional health. Physical abuse leaves clues. Unexplained bruises, welts, burns or lacerations, difficulty walking or sitting, bloody undergarments, emaciation, or unexplained pain should be reported. Learn more.  

How do I report elder abuse? Any time you witness a life-threatening situation, you should immediately call 911. If elder abuse—of any kind—is suspected in Florida, it should be reported to the Department of Children and Families Florida Abuse Hotline by calling 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873), or online. Similar to the provisions of Florida's "Good Samaritan law," anyone reporting abuse in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability. Your actions could literally save a life.

How can I prevent elder abuse? Here are a few key takeaways in preventing elder abuse. Learn more.

• Listen to older adults and their caregivers to understand their challenges and provide support.
• Report abuse or suspected abuse to local adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman, or law enforcement.
• Become educated about how to recognize and report elder abuse.
• Learn how the signs of elder abuse differ from the normal aging process.
• Check-in often on older adults who may have few friends and family members.
• Provide over-burdened caregivers with support such as help from friends, family, or local relief care groups; adult day care programs; counseling; outlets intended to promote emotional well-being.
  

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AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.