The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments is sponsoring the 12th annual Region K Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention event and walk on Friday, June 12 in Warrenton.
It’s a time for senior adults and those who may be caring for senior family members or others to learn more about elder abuse, how to spot it and how to get help if you suspect abuse or neglect.
The ultimate goal is prevention, and Kim Hawkins, KTCOG long-term care ombudsman, said participants will leave with a greater awareness of the resources available to them in their communities.
The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes a catered lunch, takes place at the Warren County Armory Civic Center.
Hawkins wants to make sure that people know about the opportunities and resources available to them, whether they are receiving care or providing care, so they become neither a victim nor a perpetrator of elder abuse or neglect.
This year’s theme for the event is “Self-Care Matters,” Hawkins said, which highlights the importance of taking steps to make sure caregivers and their loved ones alike to keep themselves healthy.
Participants can expect to learn more about tasks that go into self-care.
“Sometimes it’s not always someone abusing us,” she said, “sometimes we do it to ourselves.”
There will be presentations on topics of self-neglect, mental health wellness and civility, among others.
Representatives from area long-term care facilities, home health and hospice agencies, nursing facilities and assisted living locations are planning to be on site for the event.
“We want to be a resource to those in need,” Hawkins said.
But she’s planning on attendees enjoying themselves, too. T-shirts, goodie bags and more will be available, while supplies last. And there will be ice cream, she added.
“We’re going to have a good time – come prepared to enjoy yourself!”
Knowing who to call when a need arises goes a long way to relieve stress an ease your mind, Hawkins said.
The importance of preventing abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable populations like the elderly cannot be overstated.
Knowing what constitutes abuse, neglect or exploitation is key.
Hawkins said that 90 percent of abuse is committed by someone the victim trusts, whether that’s a care provider or a family member.
But only 1 in 24 cases is reported – that means 23 cases are not reported.
State law mandates that anyone who suspects elder abuse contact their local Department of Social Services. The caller can remain anonymous and only needs to provide the name of the purported victim.
“It’s not our job to investigate or evaluate a need,” Hawkins said – only to make the phone call. Visit www.kerrtarcog.org to learn more. Contact Hawkins at 252.436.2040 for more information.
Departments of Social Services for Kerr-Tar Region K:
Vance County: 252.492.5001
Granville County: 919.693.1511
Warren County: 252.257.5000
Franklin County: 919.496.5721
Person County: 336.599.8361
CLICK PLAY!
