In recognition of June as National Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and June 14 as Flag Day, the Wood County Department of Job and Family Services, the Wood County Committee on Aging, and the City of Bowling Green are partnering to hold an event for the community.
This joint event will take place on Friday, June 14, at 10 a.m. at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 S. Grove St., Bowling Green. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple for elder abuse awareness.
The event will kick off with Flag Day recognition beginning at 10 a.m. with a Pause for the Pledge, and a Flag Day proclamation from the office of the Bowling Green Mayor. The presentation in recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness will begin following the Flag Day festivities and will include featured speaker Nancy Orel, retired associate dean of the BGSU College of Health and Human Services, and founder of the Optimal Aging Institute at BGSU, and proclamations from several local elected officials.
Following the presentation, attendees are invited to visit with representatives from several local community resources who will be in attendance and partake in light refreshments.
In Wood County there were 315 reports of elder abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and/or exploitation in 2023: which is consistent with 310 reports from 2022, and the 318 reports from 2021.
Reports of elder abuse are expected to continue to rise as the population of those 60 years of age and over continues to grow. Some indicators of elder abuse may include an older adult appearing fearful, anxious, or isolated. There may be physical injuries, or it may appear that the person is neglecting his or her personal care. Other indicators might include missing possessions, financial transactions that are out of the ordinary or sudden changes to a will or property title. Risk of abuse can be mitigated by making certain financial, medical, and legal affairs are in order, also by checking in with those at-risk elders.
If you suspect abuse of an older adult, you can call Wood County’s Adult Protective Services hotline at 419-354-9669 to make a report. The line is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
The mission of the Wood County Committee on Aging is to provide older adults with services and programs which empower them to remain independent and improve the quality of their lives. For information on programs and services, contact the Wood County Committee on Aging at 419.353.5661, 800.367.4935 or www.wccoa.net
