News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Elderly abuse cases are often not reported as the issue continues to grow in severity.
A state report released last week said there’s an urgent need to address the issue because it’s affecting a larger percentage of people.
Upper Cumberland Aging Services Executive Director Marie Ferran said state law mandates individuals with reasonable cause of abuse to report the case.
“About one in 10 elders or vulnerable adults do fall victim to elder abuse,” Ferran said. “The other sad thing is that only one in 14 of suspected elder abuse and exploitation cases are actually reported.”
Ferran said elder abuse is a real issue in the region. Farren said often times, victims not only lack the voice to stand up but are unsure who to even talk to.
Farren said there are several types of abuse: physical, emotional, sexual, neglect and exploitation. Ferren said community members can look for signs such as changes in beneficiaries or bank accounts, bruising, differences in behavior and more.
