Resource Library

ELDER ABUSE

Data suggests that one in 10 older adults in the United States experience physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Elder abuse violates older adults’ fundamental rights to be safe and free from violence. In low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of violence is the greatest, the prevalence of elder abuse is likely higher. With the global population of adults older than 60 expected to double to 1.2 billion by 2025, the number of older adults will exceed the number of children for the first time in history. Despite the growing magnitude of elder abuse, it has been an underappreciated public health problem.

How To Report Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation
Phone: Call Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873). This toll free number is available 24/7. TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf): 1-800-955-8771

Fax: To make a report via fax, please send a detailed written report with your name and contact telephone to 1-800-914-0004. Download the Florida Abuse Hotline’s fax reporting form.

Online: Go to https://reportabuse.myflfamilies.com/s/

LONG-DISTANCE CAREGIVER SAFETY TIPS

• Meet your parents’ neighbors and friends. Exchange contact information and ask them to check on your parent when/if appropriate. Ask neighbors to call you if they see mail or newspapers piling up or any unusual activity.
• Gather a list of emergency services, eldercare and related contacts in the community. A list of professionals you can call upon to check on a family member should you not be able to connect with neighbors or friends.
• Do a safety evaluation of the home. Are the locks on doors and windows in good working order? Know who has access to a spare key. Make sure there is adequate lighting on the outside of the house. Motion detector lights for ‘dark corners’ of the property are often a good idea.
• Consider a personal emergency response system. These types of devices can help in a variety of different situations, including home invasion or fire.
• Set up a ‘check-in’ time. You can set up a time for your parent to call, text, email or utilize any number of caregiver apps to connect daily.
• Families may want to install cameras or motion detectors in the home so family members can check on parents or loved ones any time of the day. There are a number of smart devices on the market to choose from.

Whether you take care of a child or adult with special needs, a sick loved one, an aging parent, or anyone in your life who needs extra help, we're here to support you with resources and tools to make your life a little easier. Visit Caregiver Resources | Florida Blue Medicare for more information.

FOOD INSECURITY AND SENIORS

• AARP Hunger Resources
• The Health Consequences of Senior Hunger in the United States: Evidence from the 1999-2010 NHANES
• National Foundation to End Senior Hunger
• Food Assistance for Older Adults from the National Council on Aging