In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), the State of Hawai’i is launching a year-long elder abuse awareness media campaign in partnership with KHON2. Caroline Cadirao, Director of the Executive Office on Aging at the State of Hawaii Department of Health, and Lisa Amador, Administrator of the Community Services and Adult Protective Services Branch of the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services, joined Living808 to highlight the importance of this initiative.
Cadirao explained that the Executive Office on Aging (EOA) leads the coordination of a statewide system of support services for caregivers and seniors. “Global awareness of elder abuse is recognized each year in June. In recognition of WEAAD, EOA is partnering with KHON on a year-long elder abuse awareness media campaign,” he said. The campaign will include public service announcements and interviews with community members and professionals dedicated to educating residents about elder abuse and protecting vulnerable at-risk kupuna (elders).
WEAAD, established on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization, aims to promote a better understanding of elder abuse and neglect. “Elder abuse is a public health problem that affects us all,” Cadirao emphasized. “WEAAD is a call to action for individuals, organizations and communities to educate each other on how to identify, address and prevent abuse.”
Amador provided information on the role of Adult Protective Services (KeynoteUSAS), which provides crisis intervention, investigation and emergency services for vulnerable adults who have reportedly suffered abuse, neglect or financial exploitation. “A vulnerable adult is a person eighteen years of age or older who, due to a mental, physical, or developmental impairment, is unable to manage his or her own care or resources,” she explained.
Highlighting the signs of elder abuse, Amador noted that 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced abuse. Common types include physical, sexual, emotional/psychological, or financial abuse and neglect. Signs of abuse can range from unexplained bruises to unusual weight loss, increased fear, and financial irregularities.
Cadirao highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on elder abuse, noting increased risks due to social isolation, caregiver stress and financial instability. He urged the community to address these issues collectively to prevent and stop abuse.
To report abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults, residents can call the KeynoteUSAS state tip line at (808) 832-5115.
For more, visit health.hawaii.gov/eoa.
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