THE UN-SILENT CHURCH

Remember your elders ft. Greg Esser

Episode Summary

An often neglected segment of our population has been and remains to be the eldest among us. The data is staggering regarding the mistreatment of our elders, and there's not much evidence to support that its getting better. Elders are the most targeted for fraud, and even worse, often fall victim to harm from those in their own family. Today we're joined by attorney, Greg Esser, to learn more about the problem and how the church can be present with those eldest among us as an ever growing population of the least among us. Enjoy!

Episode Notes

The following is some statistical data as it pertains to Maricopa County:

• One in ten Americans aged 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. 
• Women and those over the age of 80 are more likely to experience abuse as well as those with physical and health conditions. Two out of every three victims are women. 
• 90% of abusers are known to the victim and in almost 60% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member.
• According to Adult Protective Services data, there were 25,468 individual reports of vulnerable adult maltreatment in fiscal year 2022 – the highest number in the past five fiscal years. 
• In 2022, there were 14,805 reports in Maricopa County. So far this year, there have been 15,987 reports Maricopa County and 30,690 in the state. You can find more data here: https://des.az.gov/APSData.
• If you think your elderly friend or relative has been victimized, please report it to law enforcement immediately. You can call 9-1-1, or report through one of these agencies:
• AAA Region One Senior Helpline, call or text 24/7: 602-264-2255.
• Adult Protective Services Hotline, 7 am to 7 pm, M-F: 1-877-SOS-ADULT 1-877-767-2385
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116.
• File a report with the State of Arizona online
• at https://hssazapsprod.wellsky.com/assessments/?WebIntake=1F74FCDA-C6AB-4192-9CEE-F8D20DE98850
   

To report abuse please email:  
seniorabuse@aag.gov.

Visit https://www.azag.gov/issues/elder-affairs to learn more information.

In an emergency: 9-1-1 or the police

Non-emergency physical abuse: (877) SOS-ADULT or (877) 767-2385 - Adult Protective Services (APS)

(602) 264-HELP or (602) 264-4357 - Area Agency on Aging 24hr Helpline

(844) 894-4735 or (602) 542-2124 Attorney General's TASA Helpline

For financial exploitation: (844) 894-4735 or (602) 542-2124 Attorney General's TASA Helpline