In the ongoing effort to prevent the mistreatment of older adults in our community, the Weld County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed Saturday, June 15 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) at their meeting on Wednesday, June 12.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that somewhere between 4 to 6 percent of the elderly experience abuse in some form, and many more cases go unreported. WHO notes that abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation are all major issues for senior citizens around the world.
Weld County’s aging population is currently seeing a 15.9% growth increase in the 65- to 75-year-old population, and a 66% increase in adults over 85 years old. In 2023, Weld County’s Adult Protection Services (APS) unit investigated 791 allegations including caretaker neglect, abuse, exploitation, harmful acts, and self-neglect. APS works every day to help protect at-risk adults from mistreatment by investigating these allegations, advocating for adults, and when needed, arranging for services to stop or prevent harm by using the least restrictive intervention and respecting self-determination.
Deputy Director of Human Services Tami Grant took the time to recognize and thank several APS staff members and community partners who were able to attend Wednesday’s board meeting. “These are the faces of the people who are out in the community doing this hard work day in and day out,” said Grant.
Commissioner Scott James also spoke about his gratitude for APS and their community partners. “Thank you so much for the very important work that you do,” said James. “I think it is vital for us to care for the most fragile within our society, and our elders are our most precious source of wisdom and knowledge.”
Weld County urges residents to recognize older adults as vital, contributing members of our community, and to do whatever possible to eliminate their maltreatment. If you suspect the abuse of an at-risk adult, please contact the APS hotline at (970) 400-6700 or fill out a protection referral form athttps://www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Human-Services/Area-Agency-on-Aging-AAA/Adult-Protection.
