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COULD YOUR FRIENDS OR LOVED ONES BE VICTIMS OF ELDER ABUSE? LEARN WARNING SIGNS AT “COFFEE WITH AKILA” JUNE 15

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is Wednesday, June 15. At 10 a.m. that day, live via Zoom and onsite at the Pasadena Senior Center, “Coffee with Akila” hosted Akila Gibbs, executive director of the Pasadena Senior Center, will feature an in-depth discussion about elder abuse, how to recognize it, report it and more, followed by Q&A. Her special guest will be Miles McNeeley, director of elder abuse prevention for Wise and Healthy Aging, a nonprofit social services organization.

People of all ages are welcome to participate, and membership in the Pasadena Senior Center is not required. To register for this free event, visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org and click on Activities & Events, then Special Events or call 626-795-4331. Everyone who registers for the Zoom event will receive an email link to join the discussion online.

Alice P. is a 79-year-old woman with mild dementia whose caregiver son threatened to beat her up if she did not stop occasionally repeating herself, and then carried out that promise. The abuse was reported by a neighbor who saw the battered woman’s bruises and reported the incident to an adult protective services agency.

Wayne Z., 86, a kind-hearted, lonely widower, was approached by a woman at a laundromat who persuaded him to let her move into his home so she could take care of him. She later accompanied him to his bank several times over a three-week period during which he withdrew enormous amounts of cash for her under extreme duress. This case was reported to law enforcement by an official at the bank who noticed the man’s visible distress.

In both cases, which are factual, the perpetrators were arrested. The two victims were among a small minority of older adults whose mistreatment has been reported by people who saw the signs of undeniably severe abuse.

“It makes me heartsick to know hundreds of thousands of adults 60 and older in the U.S. are victims of elder abuse, which can include neglect, abandonment, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse and self-neglect,” said Gibbs. “It can happen to any older adult, regardless of age, gender, income, race, ethnicity or religion.”

Perpetrators can include family members, friends, health care providers, caregivers, phone/online/in-person scammers and more, and it can lead to serious physical injuries, long-term psychological consequences and financial ruin. Elder abuse can happen anywhere, including an older adult’s personal home, a family member's house, an assisted living complex, a nursing home and more.

In 2006 the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization of the United Nations launched the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to unite communities around the world over this issue. It is estimated that only one in 14 cases of elder abuse is brought to the attention of law enforcement or social services agencies.

“Given this unfortunate and frightening reality, it is of utmost importance for people in every community and who visit older friends, family members, neighbors, assisted living facilities and nursing homes to reach out and pay special attention to what may be happening to their friends and loved ones,” Gibbs added. “If you suspect elder abuse, talk to them to find out more details and report things that don’t seem right to the nearest police or sheriff’s department or county department of adult protective services immediately. Some agencies allow for anonymous reporting.”

Signs of elder abuse include an older adult seeming unusually depressed or withdrawn; isolated from family and friends; having unexplained bruises, burns or scars; looking dirty, underfed, dehydrated, overmedicated or undermedicated; having bed sores or other preventable conditions; exhibiting changes in banking or spending patterns.

“The effects of elder abuse on communities range from public health to economic issues. The good news is that we can prevent and address the issue of elder abuse, said Gibbs. “I join colleagues throughout the country who are advocating for a number of policies and legislative actions that can help reduce and, perhaps someday, put an end to elder abuse.”

In addition to online classes, onsite events and other activities, members and nonmembers of the Pasadena Senior Center are encouraged to visit the website regularly for a monthly magazine, free food delivery for older adults in need, COVID updates specifically for older adults and more. 

The center, at 85 E. Holly St., is an independent, donor-supported nonprofit organization that has served older adults for more than 60 years. During the pandemic, doors are open Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for social services as well as the library, Sy Graff Fitness Center, computer lab and limited occupancy for events. Rooms are sanitized after each use.

In accordance with Pasadena Public Health Department guidelines, proof of COVID vaccination is required for everyone who uses the fitness center or attends onsite activities indoors. Masks are optional.