Today is Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Nebraska. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen recognized the event by signing a proclamation, with today also aligning with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
“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.”
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services 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.
In Nebraska, the intentional abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult or senior adult is a Class IIIA felony, which can carry a jail sentence of up to 3 years, a monetary fine as large as $10,000, or both.