LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Allen County Job and Family Services encouraged Allen County residents to wear purple on Monday to promote awareness for elder abuse.
Allen County Commissioners declared Monday as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, promoting efforts to ensure the safety of adults 60 and older.
Officials at Allen County Job and Family Services wore purple today to honor survivors of elder abuse and to show appreciation for those in the community dedicated to the health and safety of area seniors.
Officials with the Adult Protective Services program stressed the importance of recognizing the signs that a senior might be being exploited, neglected, or abused.
"Sometimes, it's like them having a relationship with someone that's kind of strange to the family. A lot of these are especially for when people get lonely, that's one of the bigger things. Then somebody starts preying on that and coming over and then asking for help or getting money from them, things like that," said Joe Patton, director of Allen County Job and Family Services.
Those wanting to report suspected elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation can call the agency's confidential 24-hour hotline at 419-999-0251.
