June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month and June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. SeniorCare Inc. and several non-profit and civic organizations are holding special events throughout the North Shore to increase awareness of this growing issue in our society.

10,000 people turn 65 in the US every day. This trend is going to continue for the next 20 years. Our demographics are shifting, and we now have more elder people in the US than ever before. At the same time that the population is growing, we know that a startling number of elders face abusive situations. Every year an estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that’s only part of the picture: Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23.5 cases go unreported.

Elder abuse and neglect and take on various forms. It can be physical, emotional/verbal, sexual, financial, neglect by a caregiver, or self-neglect. Elder abuse can occur anywhere – in the home, in nursing homes, or other institutions. It affects seniors across all socioeconomic groups, cultures, and races.

If you suspect abuse or self-neglect, don’t assume that someone has already reported it. In cases of immediate danger call 911. Otherwise, you can the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

SeniorCare is participating in five rallies to increase awareness of Elder Abuse this year. The first rally will take place in Gloucester on Monday, June 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to meet at the flagpole in front of the Gloucester Police Station on Main Street at 11:00 a.m. The rally will march down Main Street, continuing along Rogers Street to the Fitz Henry Lane parking lot (across from Walgreens on the corner of Rogers Street and Harbor Loop). Following the march, there will be a cookout in the Fitz Henry Lane lot. Gloucester’s event is supported by the Gloucester Police Department, HAWC, the Gloucester Council on Aging, and SeniorCare.

Ipswich will hold a rally on Thursday, June 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Five Corners (the intersection of Central and Market Streets). This event is supported by the Ipswich Police Department, the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, the Ipswich Council on Aging and SeniorCare.

Rockport’s “Show You Care” rally will be held on Thursday, June 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Five Corners (the intersection of Broadway, Railroad Avenue, and Main Street). This event is supported by the Rockport Police Department, the Rockport Council on Aging and SeniorCare.

There will be a rally in Manchester-By-The-Sea on the Village Green in front of Town Hall on Thursday, June 13, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Manchester’s event is supported by the Manchester’s Police Department, SeniorCare and the Manchester Council on Aging.

Beverly will hold a rally in front of Beverly City Hall on Friday, June 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Beverly’s event is supported by the Beverly Police Department, HAWC, SeniorCare and the Beverly Council on Aging.

Concerned citizens are invited to participate in any or all of these events. Join SeniorCare and our local safety agencies in bringing light to the horrendous crime of elder abuse. Please stop by to show your support!

SeniorCare is committed to identifying and stopping Elder Abuse!

About SeniorCare

SeniorCare Inc. serves an area that represents more than 27,000 residents aged 60 and over.  We provide services to adults with disabilities and elders in nine communities. Established in 1972, SeniorCare has approximately 100 employees and nearly 400 volunteers. The volunteers and staff work to fulfill its mission as a consumer-centered organization which provides and coordinates services to elders and others. This allows them to live independently at home or in a setting of their choice, while remaining part of their community. http://www.SeniorCareInc.org