World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2018

​Friday, June 15, 2018 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. On that day, communities in the USA and all over the world will sponsor events to highlight solutions to this systemic social challenge. The Pennyrile Elder Abuse Council is proud to host two events to participate in this national conversation.

Madisonville, KY – 11:00 AM – Old Hopkins County Courthouse - The Hopkins / Muhlenberg Council will celebrate with a cookout.  After conducting a food drive in May we will be packing 200 bags of Senior friendly food that will be distributed to seniors in need in and around Hopkins county.  WE ARE STILL IN NEED OF SINGLE SERVING POUCHES OF TUNA, CHICKEN OR SALMON which can be dropped off at the PADD office.

Hopkinsville, KY – 7:00 PM – Pardue Lane Dog Park – The Tri Counties Council along with Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation will celebrate with “Movies in the Park”.  Join us for free snacks, goodies and information on how to keep our senior population safe.  We will be releasing 9 purple balloons representing each of the counties in the Pennyrile District at 7:45 PM.  Despicable Me 3 movie will begin at 8PM.  Bring your chairs, family and your furry friends for a delightful evening.

​As Americans, we believe in justice for all. Yet we fail to live up to this promise when we allow older members of our society to be abused or neglected. Older people are vital, contributing members of American society and their maltreatment diminishes all of us. Just as we have confronted and addressed the social issues of child abuse and domestic violence, so too can we find solutions to address issues like elder abuse, which also threatens the well-being of our community.

Our policies and practices make it hard for older people to stay involved with and connected to our communities as they age. As a result, older people are more likely to experience social isolation, which increases the likelihood of abuse and neglect. We can design stronger societal supports to keep our older people connected and protect them from abuse, whether financial, emotional, physical or sexual. When we address a root cause, like social isolation, we also make it less likely that people will neglect themselves (self-neglect). Older adults who are socially connected and protected from harm are less likely to be hospitalized, less likely to go into nursing homes and less likely to die.

We can and must create healthier and safer living environments for older adults, including their homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.

Get more information about how to make a difference by visiting the National Center on Elder Abuse https://ncea.acl.gov or by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to explore local community services and supports.  You may also contact the Pennyrile Elder Abuse Council by calling Cindy Tabor at 270-886-9484.