What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is defined as any act or omission that harms a senior or jeopardizes his or her personal health or welfare. It can often include harm that is done through violent or abusive acts, but it can also include mental abuse, financial abuse, and neglect.

Aging with Respect & Care Publication

This publication is for and about seniors and their caregivers in Huron County. Inside are articles about local men and women from Huron County, information relating to nutrition and local service providers, as well as important information about preventing elder abuse. This newspaper insert has been produced by R.E. A. C. H. – a group of people from across the area who are committed to Responding to Elder Abuse in the County of Huron. While that may sound like a serious issue, we hope that you find reading this small newspaper informative as well as fun and entertaining.

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"Elder abuse is not a new occurrence. It has been largely unrecognized in our community. The very nature of elder mistreatment means that it is largely hidden and it is rarely acknowledged. Research tells us that abuse of older and vulnerable adults is under-reported. It occurs primarily in relationships where one person is dependent upon another. Dependency may be a result of an illness, frailty, or perhaps having a disability. Elder abuse can occur for a number of reasons and in various ways." P. W. Doyle

In August 2004 the Dementia Network for Huron County met locally to discuss the issues of elder abuse and neglect of older adults in Huron County. As a result it was recognized that the issue of the mistreatment of elders needed to be addressed in the community.

A Committee was established called R.E.A.C.H. - Responding to Elder abuse in the County of Huron. The Purpose of the R.E.A.C.H. committee is to prevent, educate and respond to elder abuse in Huron County.