As older adults navigate the threats posed by COVID-19, the County’s experts on aging are reminding the public that now, more than ever, is a time to reach out to older loved ones. That was the message Thursday, June 4, as the Board of County Commissioners declared June 2020 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Multnomah County.
This year’s proclamation highlights the need for connect with older adults in our community as Multnomah County navigates day-to-day life and the related impacts of COVID-19. At a time when many community members remain isolated at home under Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s “Stay Home, Save Lives” order, older adults may now be at greater risk of abuse, neglect or self-neglect.
“We are highlighting the need for outreach to older adults in our community as we navigate the related acts of COVID-19,” said Brian Hughes, the manager for the County’s Adult Protective Services Program. “Staying at home and maintaining physical distancing has been critical for older adults to avoid exposure to this virus. However, there is a need for us to stay socially connected to ensure the health and wellbeing of our seniors.”
Elder abuse affects millions of older adults each year. It takes many forms, including physical abuse, verbal abuse, neglect, exploitation, as well as self-neglect. Providing education on how to recognize the signs of abuse or self-neglect — and encouraging the public to engage in intentional and creative outreach to older adults — are important ways to support their wellbeing and safety, Hughes said.
During this time, staying home has been critical to maintaining the health of older adults and avoiding exposure to the virus. But Thursday’s testimony underscored how isolation can create additional risks to seniors who were previously connected to their community. Older adults may have less contact with familiar supports in their lives or may not be accessing needed medical care.
“Some of the most tragic patients that I have seen that will remain forever seared in my memory are victims of elder abuse,” said Commissioner Sharon Meieran, who sponsored the proclamation. “Financial exploitation of our elderly population is also extremely common and costs our seniors $2.9 billion every year nationally.”
In an effort to remind the public about the risk of elder abuse, especially during COVID-19, the County is working with local media outlets to deliver public service announcements reminding viewers to check in with their older loved ones. The 10- and 30-second announcements began airing the first week of June and will continue throughout the month on local television and radio stations.
View an example of the public service announcement
“This is an issue that’s important every day, but especially in light of COVID and the increased isolation. The additional risk that puts our seniors and our elderly at is something that we need to be aware of,” said Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson. “We need to be thinking about how we can step into this situation to reach out to make connections and to check on our neighbors and our family members.”