A Message from Wright County Health & Human Services
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. This includes those considered Vulnerable Adults. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is Wednesday, June 15, and was launched 2006. Elder abuse is a largely hidden and growing problem in the United States.
The National Center on Elder Abuse distinguishes between seven different types of elder abuse. These include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial/material exploitation, neglect, abandonment, and self-neglect.
A vulnerable adult can be anyone over age 18 who:
- Has a physical, mental or emotional disorder that makes it difficult for the person to care for themselves without help and to protect themselves from maltreatment
- Is in a hospital, nursing home, transitional care unit, assisted living, housing with services, board and care, foster care or other licensed care facility
- Receives services such as home care, day services, personal care assistance or other licensed services.
The Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) provides a toll-free number, 1-844-880-1574, for the general public to report suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults and elders.
Mandated reporters – including law enforcement, educators, doctors, nurses, social workers and other licensed professionals – can use a web-based reporting system.
Call 911 first if you are reporting an emergency that requires immediate assistance from law enforcement, fire department or an ambulance.