Denver City Wire

Denver Human Services’ multidisciplinary approach has provided comprehensive support and solutions to address elder mistreatment

DENVER – According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, an estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. As part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, Denver Human Services division of Adult Protective Services is among the many local, state, regional and national organizations raising awareness about the available resources and services to support older adults who have experienced abuse as well as spread information to help prevent abuse.

Last year, Denver Human Services Adult Protective Services received 2,624 reports of suspected mistreatment of at-risk adults and completed 840 safety and risk assessments to identify areas of vulnerability and need.

“While data indicates that 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, experts believe that elder abuse is significantly under-reported, in part because so many of our communities lack the social supports that would make it easier for those who experience abuse to report it,” said Whitney Nettleton, Administrator, Denver Human Services Adult Protective Services. “In Denver, we have created a highly effective collaborative network of departments and agencies working together to ensure the necessary resources are in place to address reported cases of elder abuse and neglect.”

The Denver Forensic Collaborative for At-Risk Adults (DFC) was created in 2012 by the Denver City and District Attorney’s Office and Denver Human Services Adult Protective Services to better respond to the growing number of elder abuse cases through the establishment of a multi-disciplinary review and action-oriented team. In Colorado, mandatory reporting of suspected mistreatment of adults over the age of 70 or adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are made directly to law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement agencies connect with DFC to enlist Denver Human Services Adult Protective Services, city agencies and other community service providers to directly support the needs of vulnerable adults in the metro area.

“Since the first meeting 10 years ago, the Denver Forensic Collaborative for At-Risk Adults has staffed nearly 500 cases of at-risk adult victims of mistreatment and self-neglect in order to identify available interventions, services and supports in the Denver area,” said Nettleton. “Our goal with each case is to establish an action plan to increase safety and help prevent future mistreatment or re-victimization.”

Denver Human Services encourages community members to get involved by learning how to spot the signs of elder abuse and neglect, checking on loved ones regularly to prevent isolation and volunteering with programs that work with older adults. Through individual action combined with the continued work of agencies and organizations, communities and families can build the social supports necessary to prevent elder abuse and neglect.

To report concerns of suspected mistreatment of at-risk adults in Denver, please call 720-944-2994.

For more information about elder abuse prevention, please visit the Denver District Attorney's website on the topic.

For more information about how to report abuse and neglect of older at-risk adults, visit the Denver Human Services website.

For more information about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, please visit the National Center on Elder Abuse website.

Original source can be found here