Weld County made a proclamation this past week, aimed at reaffirming its commitment to protecting elders in the community and encouraging residents to help ensure that older adults are treated with dignity.
During their weekly Wednesday meeting June 11, Weld County commissioners proclaimed June 15 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The proclamation strives to bring awareness to what the National Center of Elder Abuse estimates that between one and two million Americans ages 65 or older have been injured, exploited or otherwise mistreated by someone whom they depended for care or protection.
“Ageism and elder abuse are prevalent issues,” Commissioner Coordinator for the Weld County Department of Health Services Lynette Peppler said. “Older adults are subject to exploitation due to unfair stereotypes and assumptions. It is our duty to work together to combat those misconceptions and ensure that they are treated with respect. And in scenarios where they have been exploited, I am thankful to know we have a great team at Weld County that is advocating for those individuals.”
The county also took time to celebrate the accomplishments of the Weld County Adult Protective Services team, which plays a vital role in safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable adults through advocacy, investigations of mistreatment and the arrangement of services to prevent or stop abuse, exploitation and neglect. Weld County Department of Human Services deputy director Tami Grant shared that the APS team investigated 1,028 allegations in 2024, including caretaker neglect, abuse, exploitation, harmful act and self-neglect.
The number of allegations indicates a 29% increase in elder abuse cases since 2023.
“This statistic underscores the critical importance of raising awareness, promoting prevention and supporting the dedicated professionals working to protect older and at-risk adults each and every day,” Grant said. “Our APS team remains committed to advocating for these vulnerable adults within the community.”
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day shines a light on the issue, reminding residents to be vigilant in recognizing and calling out abuse and mistreatment while also recognizing the work of county staff’s ongoing contributions to the success and vitality of the county.
Residents who wish to learn more about the Adult Protective Services Team or learn how to report suspected abuse can go to bit.ly/WCAPS.
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