BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – The Raleigh County Commission on Aging held its 16th Annual Elder Abuse Conference.
It provides awareness, education, resources, and statistics on this vulnerable population.
“Every year there’s some type of new scam or new fraud that the seniors and their caretakers need to be aware of,” said social worker Kim Ratliff. “So it’s important to bring that out there, let everybody know the signs, they know the symptoms and they know where to report it and how.
According to Ratliff, the elderly may not always be able to do as many things for themselves, so they rely on others.
“It’s important that those others coming into your home, into your life, are trustworthy people who are gonna help you and not take advantage,” she said.
This conference addresses elder abuse in long-term care settings, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse later in life.
“We want to take care of this population. They’ve taken care of us for so long,” said the social worker. “So to see somebody vulnerable and elderly being taken advantage of, it’s just so disheartening. So it is just our job to get awareness out there so we can protect our seniors.”
Ratliff recommends checking on the seniors in your life because she says sometimes they keep things to themselves.
“They don’t want people to know what’s going on because they’re too afraid to tell somebody,” she said establish that relationship that it’s okay. “You know, ‘talk to me, tell me what’s going on’ so I can help you and protect you.”
Visit your local DHHR website to report elder abuse to adult protective services. When in doubt call the sheriff, and the Raleigh County Commission on Aging is always there for you.
