Westminster, MD, Monday, June 7, 2021 – The Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities (BOAD), in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), will hold three events to reconnect the community after the COVID-19 pandemic.

A virtual program, aimed at educating the public on ways to protect older adults from exploitation and abuse, will take place on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 9:00am to 11:30am. Speakers at the event represent the Carroll County State's Attorney's Office, O'Byrne Law, Maryland Department of Aging, Rosner Healthcare Navigation and the Carroll County BOAD. Topics include:

  • Why elder abuse is an important and growing problem
  • Fraud and scams targeting older adults in our community
  • How to protect yourself from financial exploitation
  • The health impact of social isolation and abuse
  • How the Carroll County BOAD connects the public to programs and supports
  • Where and how to report suspected elder abuse

Registration is required for this free program and can be made at https://carrollcountymd.gov/WEAAD. Once registered, registrants will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to access the presentation and the participation link. A call-in number will also be available for those who wish to participate by listening only. Call the BOAD at 410-386-3800 for more information. Recording of the event will also be available on the bureau’s website at a future date. If the lack of technology holds you back from participating in this virtual WEAAD program, please contact BOAD at 410-386-3800 to determine your eligibility for a new data-enabled tablet loan program.

To correspond with this event, special WEAAD giveaways will be available at no cost with Grab and Go Lunches offered at local senior and community centers. Registration is required and can be noted on the online virtual program event registration or by calling your center. The information for each center is:

Tuesday, June 15:

12:00pm – South Carroll – 5928 Mineral Hill Road, Sykesville – 410-386-3700

12:00pm – Taneytown – 220 Roberts Mill Road – 410-386-2700

11:30am – Westminster – 125 Stoner Avenue – 410-386-3850

Wednesday, June 16:

12:00pm – Mt. Airy – 703 Ridge Avenue – 410-386-3960

12:00pm – North Carroll – 2328 Hanover Pike, Hampstead – 410-386-3900

In addition, a free shredding event, to help stop Medicare fraud and prevent identity theft and other forms of financial abuse, will take place on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the Westminster Senior & Community Center (125 Stoner Avenue). Registration for the shredding event is not required.

More information on the virtual program, special giveaways with Grab and Go Lunches, and the shredding event is available at https://carrollcountymd.gov/WEAAD or by calling the Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities at 410-386-3800.

According to the National Center for Elder Abuse website: “The World Health Organization launched the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, 2006 in an effort to unite communities around the world in raising awareness about elder abuse. WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for our communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elders, and reaffirms our country’s commitment to the principle of justice for all. When we come together, we can prevent elder abuse from happening. We can put support services in place, and direct community resources toward addressing elder abuse.  Elder abuse is widespread. Every year an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation.  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. Research suggests that as few as 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities.”