Abuse of Older Adults

WHEREAS, 1.5 to 2 million older adults are maltreated annually in the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, only one in every eight of these cases is reported; and

WHEREAS, the older adult population will double by the year 2030; and

WHEREAS, elder abuse and neglect take many forms, such as beatings, sexual abuse, improper use of restraints, improper use of medications, verbal abuse, isolation abuse, stealing possessions, misuse or waste of assets, and a failure to provide food/fluids, medication, medical care, shelter and clothing.

Therefore, be it resolved, that we call on The United Methodist Church to break the silence and to address this social ill through education and awareness, information, counseling and referral services, support systems, and reports to the proper authorities when abuse is suspected.

Therefore, be it further resolved, that the Older Adult Committee and the appropriate general agencies provide resources and materials to address the issue.

ADOPTED 2000

See Social Principles, ¶ 162E.

From The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church — 2004. Copyright © 2004 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.