HARRISBURG, Pa., June 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack joined Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne, and Deputy Secretary of Banking and Securities Brian LaForme
in a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event in the Capitol calling on
all Pennsylvanians to stand united with communities around the globe to
raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
They were joined by Representative Hennessey, Majority Chair of the House Aging and Older Adults Services Committee; Karen Buck, Executive Director of the SeniorLAW Center; and Liana Walters, Executive Director of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee on behalf of Senator Art Haywood;
along with protective service investigators from counties throughout
the commonwealth who were recognized for the critical role they play in
protecting older Pennsylvanians in their local community from all types
of abuse.
"Elder abuse is a global societal issue
which impacts the health and human rights of millions of older adults
around the world," said Lieutenant Governor Stack. "Preventing elder
abuse must not only be a part of the national conversation about how we
care for older Americans, but it must also be a part of the
commonwealth's plan to support and protect older Pennsylvanians."
"Older Pennsylvanians have
worked hard to raise their families, build our communities and defend
our country in times of crisis," said Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne.
"For their many contributions, they deserve to have access to a
protective service system that is equipped with the tools needed to keep
them safe from harm and neglect."
Elder abuse can take many
forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse,
financial exploitation, neglect, abandonment, and self-neglect. Signs of
abuse can include unexplained bruises, burns or broken bones, lack of
basic hygiene, access to adequate food, clean or appropriate clothing,
unexplained weight loss, social isolation, changes in banking habits, or
giving away assets without an apparent reason.
Anyone can report elder abuse
by calling the 24-hour statewide elder abuse hotline at 1-800-490-8505,
or by contacting their local Area Agency on Aging. Pennsylvania
law protects those who report suspected abuse from retaliation and
civil or criminal liability; all calls are free and confidential.
Last year, over 22,000 cases
of suspected abuse and neglect were reported to the Department of
Aging's protective services program, which works with investigators from
the state's 52 Area Agencies on Aging to protect older Pennsylvanians.
Protective services are mandated by the Older Adults Protective Services
Act (OAPSA), which safeguards the rights of older adults.
Full Article & Source:
Pennsylvania Stands United Against Elder Abuse
2 comments:
I hope this is true beyond just the words!
Look into the Matter of Helen Harper. If you want to see a egregious and heinous case of Elder Abuse and violation of the statue by a government agency Delaware County County Office of Services for the Aging this is it. Instead of beating their chests there should be remedies for violations of the statue, no immunity. Elders lose there rights because they become old a condition they have no control over and everyone is going to go through it. Guardians, Judges and lawyers should be held accountable, no immunity.
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