UC Adult Abuse Coalition Hosts 12th Vulnerable Adult Summit

The Upper Cumberland Adult Abuse Coalition will return with its 12th Vulnerable Adult Summit on April 26th.

Co-Chair Sara Martin said that the summit brings together healthcare providers from across the region to cover topics like mental and physical abuse or financial exploitation.

“Education is so important, bridging those gaps to healthcare professionals,” Martin said. “Especially the ones that are going out into the homes where those situations may be going on whether that be in the physical home, an apartment setting or a skilled nursing facility.”

Martin said that a “vulnerable adult” is anyone over the age of 18 who might experience mental disabilities or be otherwise unable to care for themselves. She said that situations like these are common in the Upper Cumberland and that the pandemic has only exacerbated the issue.

“That population has really become more isolated so it gives a chance for those abuses to go unnoticed,” Martin said. “So that’s why education is so important to the Upper Cumberland.”

Martin said that the summit will be at Cookeville Life Church’s campus. She said that anyone who would like to attend can contact her at 931-476-4144 to get registered.