LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized annually on or around June 15.

This year, the first-ever World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Global Summit will take place on June 15 in Washington, D.C., where elder abuse prevention leaders will gather to discuss strategies around preventing elder abuse.

Since its inception in 2006, the purpose of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the social, cultural, demographic and economic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

In addition, WEAAD is in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of older persons are abused, neglected, and exploited. In addition, elders throughout the United States lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation, funds that could have been used to pay for basic needs such as food, housing, and medical care.

Unfortunately, no one is immune to abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It occurs in every demographic, and can happen to anyone such as a family member, or neighbor. Yet it is estimated that only about one in five of those crimes are ever discovered.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an excellent opportunity to share information about abuse, neglect, and exploitation in later life.

However, raising awareness of mistreatment of older persons is an ongoing effort, not limited to one day.

Whether the effort is great or small, once a year or throughout, all of these efforts empower us to make long-lasting differences in the lives of vulnerable elders.

Lake County Adult Protective Services (APS) treats every day as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. 

APS links with the existing adult programs within the county provided by other public, private, and community-based organizations to assist those in need. 

APS Social Workers investigate allegations of abuse, exploitation and abandonment, and also help provide information and referrals for housing, food, clothing and case management.

As in past years, the Administration for Community Living encourages individuals and organizations to take a stand and to raise public awareness about elder abuse. 

Please visit their Web site at www.acl.gov to find information, tools and resources to support efforts to shed light on the importance of preventing, identifying and responding to this serious, often hidden public health problem.

Remember, it only takes one individual, one action, to make a difference.

Todd Metcalf is the Adult Services Program Manager at Lake County Department of Social Services.