World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2020

Led by Derbyshire Safeguarding Adults Board, partners across Derbyshire support World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which happens each year on 15 June to raise awareness and help people spot the signs of abuse.

Despite not being able to hold the normal community events in Derbyshire this year, our message remains the same - There’s no excuse for elder abuse.

Derbyshire Safeguarding Adults Board have produced a video and posters with help from staff and residents at two Derbyshire care homes, Ada Belfield in Belper and Rowthorne in Swanwick. The residents and care home staff help to bring to life the messages about recognising and reporting abuse and neglect.

They do not always mean that a person is suffering from abuse, but here are some examples of what to look out for:-

• Unexplained injuries
• Appearing to be in low mood
• Appearing to be afraid and worried
• Unwilling or reluctant to see a GP or other medical or social care professional
• Money or belongings going missing or struggling to pay for things they need
• Lack of personal hygiene or poor self-care, which is out of character
• Sudden or unusual change in personality
• Weight loss or a loss of appetite
• New ‘friends’ who do not seem to have their best interests at heart
• Deteriorating home conditions

If you are worried about yourself or someone else being abused or neglected, contact Call Derbyshire, tel: 01629 533190.