World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is tomorrow. Recognized annually on June 15, this day is intended to unite communities around the world in raising awareness about elder abuse and neglect, and to renew our commitment to preserving the rights of older adults, including the basic human right to live with dignity, free from abuse and neglect.
Protecting the rights and preventing abuse of older adults and persons with disabilities is a priority for the Wolf Administration, so as the state unit on aging, the Department of Aging is in a position to empower older adults by raising awareness about the complex issue of abuse and encouraging collective action.
The work entrusted to us to serve and protect older Pennsylvanians is shared with our network of 52 local area agencies on aging that cover the 67 counties of our commonwealth, a network that serves as advocates for 3 million older Pennsylvanians daily.
They also provide direct service to older adults in their local community and 3 respond to reports of need for protective services. Through that work, Pennsylvania’s aging network has developed a wealth of experience that is drawn upon to protect seniors from all types of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
On June 15, 2018, at 12 p.m., we invite you to gather with us on the steps of the Capitol Rotunda for a media event that will focus on raising awareness of elder abuse and highlighting the work of the AAA protective services network throughout Pennsylvania.
The Administration on Aging, an agency of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), is encouraging national, state, and local organizations to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and to empower communities to get involved and take action.
Teresa Osborne, Secretary – PA Department of Aging
