Cobb County officials are drawing attention this month to concerns affecting senior citizens, including elder abuse and neglect, the opioid drug crisis among senior citizens and donations of electric fans.
The Cobb Board of Commissioners presented a proclamation on June 11, designating June 15 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day - also known as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Elder abuse is any intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person who causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult, according to Georgia law.
Among the warning signs of elder abuse are:
- Physical/Emotional: assaults, hitting, shoving; inappropriate use of drugs, restraints or confinement; yelling, abusive language; demean, belittle, shame; isolation, neglect, bed sores; sexual abuse.
- Financial: telephone soliciting and intimidation; overly aggressive financial planner or family member; door-to-door selling; mail/email scams and ponzi schemes; power-of-attorney abuse; "lottery" and big prize winner.
- Institutional: isolation/no visiting; missing valuables and memorabilia; poor living conditions; improper medication dispensing; afraid of their caregiver(s).
The Cobb Elder Abuse Task Force (CEATF), a multi-jurisdictional organization that addresses the abuse, neglect and exploitation of senior citizens, collaborates with various county agencies to bring the public the newest information on this growing issue and how residents can help bring awareness about elder abuse.
Cobb Elder Abuse Task Force Anonymous Tip Line: 770-794-6990
Information: CommunityOutreach@ceatf.org, ceatf.org
Video of Cobb Commissioner Bob Ott on The Safe Senior Hour about the opioid drug crisis among senior citizens: youtu.be/ua0ut0aCdSA
To beat the summer heat, Cobb Senior Services is seeking donations of electric fans to give to older adults in the county.
Also, financial donations for the purchase of fans may be delivered to the administrative offices of Cobb Senior Services at 1150 Powder Springs St., Marietta.
Information: Care Support at 770-528-5364
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