Aging Life Care Association Engages Members On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

TUCSON, Ariz., June 12, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On the heels of the global awareness and actions around the long-standing, systemic injustices faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, the Aging Life Care Association® (ACLA), along with other organizations, is intent to raise awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect for all older adults.

On June 15th the association will hold an online Member Forum offering suggestions for how each member can reach out to increase awareness in addition to a follow-up Member Forum on Elder Law where Aging Life Care Professionals® and attorneys will discuss elder abuse and how to empower members to seek help if they notice a problem.

Since the first WEAAD in 2006, the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations have worked to unite communities around the world in raising awareness about elder abuse.

ALCA members have focused on caring for those vulnerable members of society since its founding in 1985. "The Aging Life Care™ Profession emerged because a group of health and social service professionals were committed to providing the highest level of care coordination services for older adults and their families," says ALCA Board President Liz Barlowe, MA, CMC. "And now as the pandemic continues, when families may not be able to physically monitor or care for their loved one, Aging Life Care Professionals are the 'eyes and ears' and the 'boots on the ground' for vulnerable seniors."

"Aging Life Care Managers pay special attention to clients who are alone, whether at home or in a facility, and they are able to act quickly by coordinating care whether it be emotional or physical for their client," adds ALCA CEO Taney Hamill

Every year an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Unfortunately, elder abuse is significantly under-reported; in part, Barlowe says because many do not know how to recognize the signs unless there is visible, bodily damage. "Elder abuse takes on many forms: physical, sexual, emotional, financial, abandonment, and even neglect and self-neglect. Aging Life Care Professionals are trained to ask the right questions and recognize the subtle signs."

Aging Life Care Professionals understand the laws concerning elder abuse in the state where they practice and can help navigate complicated bureaucracies, act as an advocate for the older person and help develop a safe plan of care. They work hand in hand with adult protective service caseworkers, police departments and Elder Law attorneys to ensure the safety of the older person and to coordinate appropriate services.

For more information and to find an Aging Life Care Professional near you, visit ALCA's website aginglifecare.org.

SOURCE Aging Life Care Association