Wear Your Purple for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 15, 2011, is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Launched by the International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, WEAAD is a day set aside to focus on and bring awareness to the physical and financial abuse of the elderly around the world. These organizations are asking everyone to wear purple and to take time today to reflect on the treatment of our elderly.

An overlooked epidemic, elder abuse is is a very real problem that plagues our loved ones as they age into their twilight. As nursing home abuse attorneys, we see the heartbreaking effects of abuse regularly and often talk with family members who are shocked appalled at the treatment of their loved ones. We hear stories of incompetence, neglect and sometimes even outright physical and mental abuse every day and while this treatment comes as a surprise to families, we know all too well how prevelant this type of treatment is.

The fact of the matter is elder abuse can and does happen daily and it is up to us to ensure it no longer goes unnoticed. Take this year's WEAAD to check on your loved ones. Make certain they are getting the proper care they deserve. Talk with them about how they are being cared for and treated. Remember, many times our elderly are ashamed to speak out about abuse. Look for hints and signs that something may be wrong.

Remember, visiting and checking on the elderly men and women in our lives should be something we do regularly, not just once a year. It won't be until every day is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day that our loved ones are allowed to age gracefully, safely and with the dignity that they deserve.