MEDIA CONTACT
Gillian Daniel, (402) 471-6585,
gillian.daniel@nebraska.gov
Lincoln, NE – Governor Jim Pillen, with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), recognized June 15 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Nebraska during a proclamation signing ceremony. The event aligns with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a global observance aimed at promoting a better understanding of abuse and neglect of aging individuals.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day brings attention to the impacts of abuse millions of older adults face each year. Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse, as well as neglect and exploitation. Many cases go unreported, elevating the importance of community awareness and education critical to prevention and intervention.
“Every aging Nebraskan deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported," said Tony Green, DHHS Director of Developmental Disabilities. “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to raise awareness, recognize the signs of abuse and exploitation, and remind aging individuals and their loved ones that help and resources are available."
Nebraska organizations, advocates, caregivers, and community partners work year-round to connect older adults with services that keep individuals as independent as possible, engaged in the community, and increase overall well-being. Resources are available for older adults, caregivers, and families who need assistance navigating aging services, reporting concerns, or accessing support.
DHHS encourages Nebraskans to learn the warning signs of elder abuse, check in on older friends and family members, and speak up if any sign of risk is suspected.
Signs of elder abuse include:
- Lack of basic amenities;
- Bruises, broken bones, or other wounds;
- Unexplained or uncharacteristic changes in behavior;
- Untreated bedsores or other untreated medical issues;
- Unpaid bills, new credit cards, and/or increased cash withdrawals;
- Harassment, coercion, intimidation, and/or humiliation of an older adult; or
- Isolation by caregiver.
If Nebraskans have reason to believe a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited, visit neabusehotline-dhhs.ne.gov/ or call the Nebraska Child and Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline toll-free at 1-800-652-1999. The Hotline is operated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and language lines are available for non-English speakers. If you suspect immediate danger, call law enforcement.
For more information about aging services and available resources in Nebraska, visit dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Aging.aspx. Consider taking a class about identifying risk, fraud, or abuse with Get Set Up: getsetup.io/en-US/partner/getsetup-free.
For more resources, please visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/weaad.