State leaders and advocates for Kentucky’s seniors were at the Capitol Thursday morning to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Mary Crowley-Schmidt, assistant director of the Bluegrass Agency on Aging and Independent Living, said this tragedy has been happening for years, and it is finally getting some recognition.
Crowley-Schmidt has devoted the past 38 years to caring for seniors in the bluegrass region. She says people often think of child abuse but not elders, who can be just as vulnerable with some being abused physical, financial and sexual exploitation.
Crowley-Schmidt notes that exploitation often comes from within their own family, but the most common referral is neglect of their own doing.
Officials say elders aren’t likely to speak up, so every Kentuckian has a role in helping.
Kentucky law requires you to report instances of elder abuse and neglect. So, Crowley-Schmidt urges people to say something if they see something and know that Good Samaritan laws will protect you if your claim can’t be substantiated.
Officials say you can call the state’s abuse hotline at (877) 597-2331 or reach out to your local law enforcement agencies to report elder abuse or neglect.
Source: WBKO
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