Officials look to raise elder abuse awareness

Elder abuse is on the rise in Shawano County, and human services officials are hoping to increase awareness of the issue next week.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15, but local officials have several events planned leading up to a presentation at the Shawano City-County Library that day.

In 2014, the county investigated 109 referrals of elder abuse and neglect, an uptick from 66 in 2013, according to Lynnae Zahringer, director of the Shawano County Aging Unit.

Zahringer said that “abuse crosses all economic, social and ethnic groups.”

According to the Wisconsin Department of Human Services, abuse is defined as an act of intentional harm that causes pain or injury, substantial disregard for an individual’s rights and emotional damage. In an abuse case, harm is intended; neglect is often not intentional.

Zahringer noted most of the referrals concern issues such as financial exploitation, hoarding, unsafe living conditions, self-neglect and physical abuse.

Complaints can come from a variety of agencies, including law enforcement, family, financial institutions and medical personnel.

“Our department has noticed an increase in financial exploitation referrals,” Zahringer said. “This may be attributed to the economy or unemployment.”

Investigations, she said, can range from just checking on a person to a detailed investigation. Most cases are resolved through informal services; others, on rare occasions, become court matters.

Events, such as ice cream socials and cookouts, will be held at Pine Manor, Evergreen Care Center, Birch Hill Care Center, Maple Lane, Kindred Hearts and The Cottages throughout the week to raise awareness of the issue.

“Besides the daily events, each location has a tree drawing that is placed on a wall,” Zahringer said. “When people come in and promise to keep an elderly person safe, they can sign their name on a colored leaf and place it on the tree.”

Participants who donate $1 can write their name on a apple cutout to place on the tree. Proceeds will go to the Shawano Memory Cafe, a program for those with dementia and their caregivers.

The presentation at the library by Marla Etten, Safe Haven domestic violence victim advocate, and county social worker Tracy Porath will discuss elder abuse in more detail.