Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)

When we come together, we can prevent elder abuse from happening. We can put support services in place, and direct community resources toward addressing elder abuse. Our country must reaffirm our commitment to justice and create a sturdy structure of support that will benefit us all as we get older.

History of World Elder Abuse Day (WEAAD)

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older people by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic 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. In a society that values the just treatment of all people, WEAAD reminds us that elder abuse has implications for all of us, and so it’s important to find the right solutions to it. WEAAD is a call-to-action for society’s individuals, organizations, and communities to educate each other on how to identify, address and prevent abuse so we can all do our part to support everyone as we age.

 

Spread the Word using Social Media to Empower Our Communities! 

Want to help spread the word about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)? Using social media is an excellent way to engage our community around this important and timely subject. Here in Connecticut we are working from a strengths perspective and want your help in raising awareness with our social media campaign!

Print out this CT Elder Justice Flyer print and share with your agency, partners and the individuals you serve. Leading up to WEAAD we want everyone to take their picture with along with a brief summary of how they are building strong support for older residents in CT. Then we want you to upload them on June 15th with the hashtags #CTWEAAD #WEAAD. Alternatively you can email them to us prior and we'll upload them on your behalf!

  

Partnerships and Resources From the Coalition for Elder Justice in CT

 

Coalition for Elder Justice in Connecticut Annual Virtual Symposium

Advocating Through Adversity: Celebrating Success in these Challenging Times

June 22, 2021 9:15AM ET - 11:30 AM ET

Registration:  https://aarp.cvent.com/CEJC22June

Join the Coalition for Elder Justice in Connecticut as we offer a virtual symposium designed to educate and engage on recent and emerging elder justice issues. This year’s event will focus on aging as a time for exploration and opportunity that comes with the challenges that may happen at any age and at any stage of life. Our keynote will be Erwin J. Tan MD who is the Director of Thought Leadership- Health at AARP where he works on healthy longevity and health equity. He is a physician with fellowship training in geriatric medicine and integrative medicine. Dr. Erwin previously served as the Director of Senior Corps at the Corporation for National and Community Service and as faculty at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Erwin was a White House Fellow serving as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves.

The program will also feature case scenarios, with an opportunity to offer both challenges and solutions. Our goal is to provide a better understanding and awareness supporting all professions and advocates working on elder justice issues. Let’s support each other in these challenging times!

Certificates of Attendance and professional credits are available for consideration to those who attend this event. 2.0 CEU's approved by NASW CT and related fields. 2 Law Enforcement training hours have been approved.  This is a live event not recorded.

 

Change Your Facebook Profile Picture With a Few Easy Steps

Go to https://www.facebook.com/profilepicframes?query=WEAAD

Choose a WEAAD Frame

Set to apply frame until June 15,2020

Click “use as Profile Picture” to save    

 

Continuing to Raise Awareness Through Social Media

Click Here to access the Social Media Guide| Spanish developed by the USC Center on Elder Mistreatment to help in supporting your social media campaign.

Additionally The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) and the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL) invite you to join us in Lifting Up Voices for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2020. This theme serves as a platform for unifying Elder Justice and Violence Against Women by sharing the lived experiences of older people.

Click Here to access the Tools and Tips Page created by the University of Southern California's Center on Elder Mistreatment. There you can find tools and documents you can use to get started on raising awareness on Elder Abuse. Visit their Take Action page to find more ideas. You can also download the World Elder Abuse Day Action Guide Here.

 

Spread the Word to Empower Our Communities Through Education

Join us in empowering older people and our communities this WEAAD! Below are some fact sheets about elder abuse to get you started.

 

NEW Materials in Spanish, Chinese and Korean

 

WEAAD Recreational Activities

 

How To Report Elder Abuse

There is help and support in Connecticut for older persons who may be experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation.  Anyone – a friend, a neighbor, a family member, or even an acquaintance --can and should make a call to Protective Services at 1-888-385-4225 if you think an elder you know has been or is being abused, neglected or exploited.” In instances where harm or threat of harm is imminent, call 911 as a first response.

To join in Connecticut’s efforts to help stamp out elder abuse you can call CHOICES at your regional Area Agency on Aging, 1-800-994-9422, or the Aging Services Division at 1-866-218-6631.  Not only can you receive assistance and materials that you or your organization can use to conduct awareness events but also information on how to become involved in a community network.

If your loved one resides in a long term care setting such as a skilled nursing facility, residential care home, or assisted living community you can also report any issues or concerns to the office of the long term care ombudsman at 1-866-388-1888 or Contact Us Here