Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Elder abuse is pervasive but sometimes forgotten, and the Crenshaw County DHR has spent World Elder Abuse Awareness Month spreading information about the issue.

On Monday, June 17, several DHR employees gathered with law enforcement at the Luverne Senior Center to speak to seniors there about elder abuse.

DHR coordinator Amy Floyd spoke first, going over types of elder abuse including physical, mental and even scams that target seniors.

“Senior abuse is real here in Luverne and in Crenshaw County. It can occur at home or in nursing homes… Data shows that elders are usually abused by family or someone they trust… It can include physical, emotional or financial abuse,” Floyd said.

Crenshaw County Sheriff Terry Mears and LPD Chief Mike Johnson were also on hand to remark on the issue of elder abuse and particularly the issue of scammers that target seniors.

Johnson focused on the importance of letting law enforcement know what is going on in any abusive situation.

“[Elders] might be embarrassed by getting scammed and we find out after the fact… Don’t keep it quiet- let us know,” Johnson said.

Mears echoed these statements, telling those gathered to “be wary of people that want your money or your [medication].”

Crenshaw County Probate Judge Will Tate then read a proclamation decreed by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

Luverne Senior Center members then went outside and released the balloons.

Pepsi donated drinks for the event, while Ramey’s donated a cake and decorations and Super Foods donated the balloons.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was officially on Saturday, June 15.
For a press release that outlines elder abuse, please see last week’s Luverne Journal.