WAUSAU — North Central Health Care Adult Protective Services is observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 and asks that all area organizations, including media outlets, government offices and general public, to wear purple.

Wearing purple will raise awareness to the fact that an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation each year, North Central Health Care said in a news release. Everyone can protect seniors – no act is too small, and it starts with one person and one action. There are also several free events in June that will help people avoid common schemes and scams that prey on elder adults.

In 2018, North Central Health Care Adult Protective Services received and investigated 380 reports of suspected elder abuse cases, along with an additional 152 more reports for non-elder adults, according to NCHC.

Schemes and Scams – Free educational events for any age

1. Marathon County Public Library – Wausau Branch
Thursday, June 13, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

2. Goodwill Store – Antigo
Tuesday, June 18, 6-7 p.m.

Dementia-friendly training course

Free for Banking and Financial Services Personnel
Wednesday, June 12, 1-3 p.m.
North Central Health Care – Wausau Campus Theater
Register pnline: bit.ly/DFTC2019

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – June 15

For a full list of events, visit North Central Health Care’s website at norcen.org/StopElderAbuse and learn more about the warning signs of elder abuse.

More information

If you know of someone who may be at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation by another or is at risk due to self-neglect, call North Central Health Care Adult Protective Services at 715-841-5160 or 1-855-487-3338. For more information go online to norcen.org/adult-protective-services/elder-risk-program