Southern California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and on June 15th, organizations across the globe will recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, according to a press release from the United Nations. While we might not initially think about the ways in which California seniors who have been victims of elder abuse are connected to other older adults in other parts of the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that we need to think both locally and globally when it comes to preventing violence against the elderly.
During Elder Abuse Awareness Month, what can we do in California to help prevent nursing home abuse and neglect in a way that will reflect upon prevention initiatives in other parts of the world?
United Nations Resolution to End Violence Against the Elderly
How did World Elder Abuse Awareness Day come about? Back in December of 2011, the General Assembly adopted U.N. Resolution 66/127, which designates June 15 as a date on which all Member States of the U.N. should “take concrete measures to further protect and assist older persons in emergency situations.” The U.N. Resolution came about as a result of the rising elderly population and concerns about the safety and security of elderly adults in various parts of the world. Specifically, the resolution explains that, “by 2050, more than 20 percent of the world’s population will be 60 years and older,” and that “the increase in the number of older people will be greatest and most rapid in the developing world.” As such, the U.N. sought to put into place greater protections for older adults following the Second World Assembly on Aging.
What else does the U.N. Resolution call for? The following represent just some of the items included in the resolution, which are aimed at addressing and preventing elder abuse in local communities in order to put an end to abuse and neglect in the wider world:
- Encouraging state and local governments to take steps to end poverty among older adults;
- Recommending that states increase efforts to raise awareness about elder abuse;
- Recommending that states do more to collect data on elder abuse rates;
- Calling upon state and local governments to “provide care and protection to persons as they age”;
- Encouraging states to develop policies that “promote the development of community services for older persons” that can provide both physical and psychological care as citizens age; and
- Calling upon states to better “develop their national capacity for monitoring and enforcing the rights of older persons.”
In the U.S., and in California specifically, elder abuse awareness groups and other members of the community can look to the recommendations to think through ways of helping seniors in San Diego.
Discuss Your Concerns with a San Diego Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
It is important to be involved in your community and to think about raising awareness of nursing home abuse and neglect. By helping to prevent elder abuse in California, we can demonstrate that local initiatives aimed at helping seniors can have long-term and far-reaching impacts. In the meantime, if you have concerns about the safety of an elderly loved one who currently resides at a nursing home or assisted-living facility in Southern California, you should discuss your concerns with an experienced San Diego nursing home abuse attorney. An advocate at our firm can speak with you today. Contact the Walton Law Firm for more information about how we can help.
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