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CABARRUS COUNTY <br />BOARD OF • • <br />* <br />REGULAR <br />JUNE 2 0 2016 <br />1 <br />AGENDA CATEGORY: <br />Recognitions and Presentations <br />SUBJECT: <br />DHS - Vulnerable Adult and Elder Abuse Awareness Month Proclamation <br />BRIEF SUMMARY: <br />Each year, hundreds of thousands of adults over the age of 60 are <br />abused, neglected or financially exploited. Elder abuse, including neglect <br />and exploitation, is experienced by 1 out of every 10 people ages 60 and <br />older who live at home. Elders who experience abuse, neglect or self - <br />neglect face a higher risk of premature death than elders who have not <br />been mistreated. <br />Of growing concern is financial elder abuse, which is often unreported. It <br />is estimated that elders throughout the United States currently lose a <br />minimum of $2.9 billion annually owing to elder financial abuse and <br />exploitation. Elder abuse remains an "invisible" problem because it often <br />goes unreported. Research suggests that only 1 in 14 cases of elder <br />abuse ever comes to the attention of authorities. <br />Anyone who suspects that a vulnerable or older adult is in need of <br />protection is required by North Carolina General Statue (GS 108A -102) to <br />report this information to the Department of Human Services. We all have <br />a responsibility to support the safety, welfare, and dignity of Cabarrus <br />County's vulnerable and older adults. We want to recognize May 8 - June <br />19, 2016 as Vulnerable Adult and Elder Abuse Awareness Month and <br />urge citizens to work together to help protect adults from abuse, neglect, <br />and exploitation. <br />REQUESTED ACTION: <br />Motion to adopt proclamation. <br />C -7 Page 65 <br />