Solano County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution declaring June 15, 2007 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Solano County.

Elder Abuse Awareness Day Solano County - California

Solano County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution declaring June 15, 2007 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Solano County.

"This resolution contributes to the overall public education campaign of making people aware that we have, unfortunately, people in our community who will prey on our seniors," said Supervisor Mike Reagan, chairman of the Board of Supervisors. "As our County goes from a quarter to a third of our population age 50 and older, we need to ensure more seniors are educated about the potential of abuse so they can protect themselves, and to increase the awareness in the rest of society to identify the signs of elder abuse."

According to the California Department of Finance, there were 94,555 people age 50 and older in Solano in 2000, or 23.8% of the county's total population. That number is expected to nearly double by 2020 – 180,784 or 32.6% of the county's total population.

"Awareness efforts like this resolution help spread the word that abuse of any kind is not acceptable. Everyone should be able to live safe, secure lives without fear, neglect, pain or exploitation," said Supervisor Barbara Kondylis.

In 2006, Solano County Adult Protective Services staff investigated 805 allegations of abuse of elders or dependent adults living in their own homes. Of those, 307 allegations were found to be true.

The California Department of Social Services Adult Protective Services and County Services Block Grant Monthly Report show a 24 percent increase in reports of abuse and neglect from fiscal years 2000-01 to 2005-06. Similarly, APS opened cases increased 21 percent during the same time.

According to a 2004 study from the National Center on Elder Abuse, reports of elder and vulnerable adult abuse and neglect have increased 19 percent and reports of substantiated cases have increased 15 percent since 2000. This represents 8 reports of abuse for every 1,000 older Americans.

"The Board of Supervisors' recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day brings much-needed attention to this serious issue," said Donna Fields, interim deputy director of Older and Disabled Adult Services.

The Senior Coalition of Solano County is in the process of compiling a status report on seniors in Solano County. This report, due in early 2008, will address the myriad of issues impacting seniors.