Elder Abuse Awareness Month (Week 1)
Join us in this series by learning how to spot elder abuse, take action, and protect your loved ones.
Understanding Elder Abuse: Why It Matters to All of Us
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and at Commonwealth Credit Union, we’re dedicating the next four weeks to raising awareness about this critical issue, and helping our members take action to protect the older adults in their lives.
Elder abuse isn’t always visible. It can take many forms and often goes unnoticed, especially when it’s happening behind closed doors. This month, we’ll be highlighting what elder abuse is, how to recognize the warning signs, and what you can do to help keep your loved ones safe—especially when it comes to financial exploitation.
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse refers to any intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or other person that causes harm or risk of harm to an older adult. This can include:
- Physical Abuse
- Emotional or Verbal Abuse
- Neglect
- Sexual Abuse
- Financial Exploitation
While all forms of elder abuse are concerning, financial exploitation is one of the most common, and one of the most underreported. As financial institutions, credit unions are uniquely positioned to recognize and respond to this type of abuse, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Why It Matters
With America’s aging population growing, more seniors are at risk of being taken advantage of, often by someone they know and trust. From scams and fraud to misuse of funds or influence over financial decisions, the impact can be devastating both emotionally and financially.
But there is hope. Awareness is the first step toward prevention. That’s why this month we’ll be sharing tips, resources, and real-world examples to help you:
- Spot the signs of elder abuse
- Take action if you suspect something is wrong
- Protect your loved ones with tools and knowledge
Join Us on This Journey
Over the next few weeks, we’ll take a closer look at:
- Week 2: Spotting the Signs – What to Watch For
- Week 3: What to Do if You Suspect Abuse
- Week 4: Protecting Your Loved Ones – Tools & Tips
As your trusted financial partner, we’re committed to being part of the solution. Because elder abuse doesn't just affect individuals, it impacts families, communities, and all of us.
If you’re concerned about someone in your life or want to learn more about how we’re helping prevent elder financial abuse, reach out to us anytime. You can also find additional resources and ways to report elder abuse on the Adult Protection Branch website for the state of Kentucky.
Stay tuned for next week’s post as we dive into the signs you can watch for to help keep the older adults in your life safe and supported.