RALEIGH, N.C.– To mark the 10th anniversary of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which was established to help promote a better understanding of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of older adults, State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) noted it has been working aggressively to combat these issues through staff and member education, as well as partnerships with groups and agencies dedicated to the protection of older adults.
Eight years ago, SECU formalized its efforts by partnering with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the N.C. Attorney General’s Office: Consumer Financial Protection Division. The Credit Union created a variety of educational materials to train employees on recognizing and reporting senior financial abuse. In the years following, SECU has implemented a member Emergency Contact option, added more member educational documents to its resource library, expanded training efforts and centralized reporting of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of adults. SECU has also participated heavily in nationwide and state level conferences and meetings held on issues plaguing older adults. In 2013, SECU staff assisted in the call for legislation of Senate Bill 140 to address safe harbor for financial institutions to report suspected exploitation of older adults and began serving on the N.C. Legislative Committee for the Prevention of Senior Abuse.
“It’s heartbreaking to see the extensive abuse and exploitation that is happening to older adults,” says SECU Senior Vice President Debbie LaBarbera. “It is imperative that we educate and advocate for this group who are vulnerable and heavily targeted, often by family, friends and caregivers.”
North Carolina law requires anyone who suspects that a vulnerable or older adult is being abused, neglected or financially exploited to report this information to Adult Protective Services in the county where the adult resides. Financial institutions are also mandatory reporters of suspected financial exploitation of older and disabled adults. As reported by NCDHHS, Division of Aging and Adult Services, 24,545 reports were received in 2014-15 by county departments of social services alleging the abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of adults.
LaBarbera added, “State Employees’ Credit Union has a motto to ‘Do the Right Thing’ and we are steadfast in our commitment to combat the ‘wrongs’ inflicted on these victims. We all have a responsibility to support and protect our aging population – reporting your suspicions is critical, and prevention is key as well. We encourage everyone to have a plan in place for their future, including a sound estate plan with a will, power of attorney and other documents to be used when you are unable to speak for yourself.”