Join the Conversation During Elder Abuse Awareness Month
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 5, 2019) — The prevalence of elder abuse is on the rise. Each year, an estimated 5 million Americans aged 60 years and older experience some form of neglect or abuse. In 2018, over 17,000 reports of abuse warranted an investigation by adult protective services — that’s an increase of over 6,000 reports from the previous year.
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and the UK HealthCare Office of Patient Experience is partnering with campus and community members to raise awareness and continue the conversation on senior safety.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15. In observance, these University of Kentucky campus buildings will be illuminated purple from June 13 through 16 leading up to and shortly following World Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 15:
- Johnson Hall
- Donovan Hall
- William T. Young Library
- Jacobs Academic Science Building
- Haggin Hall
- Jewell Hall
- The 90
- Lewis Hall
- Memorial Hall
- Woodland Glen IV
- Chellgren Hall
- Main Building
- Holmes Hall
- Gatton College of Business and Economics
- Blazer Hall
- University Flats
- Gatton Student Center
UK HealthCare will also host two Senior Safety and Wellness Exhibitions featuring information, giveaways and elder care experts on site to answer questions. The first of these events will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, June 7, in the Don and Cathy Jacobs Health Education Center in UK Chandler Hospital. The second event is slated from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at UK HealthCare at Turfland.
Additionally, Sedona Taphouse is featuring the Bluegrass Elder Abuse Prevention Council as its designated charity of the month. Every Monday in June the restaurant will donate proceeds from its Charity Steak and Charity Salmon dinners to the nonprofit group.
For more information on Elder Abuse Awareness Month, contact UKHC Eldercare Navigator Candy Pettry at c.pettry@uky.edu or 859-323-1890.