Elder Abuse Awareness: Human Services Builds Strong Support for Elders

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the abuse, neglect and exploitation that millions of elderly and vulnerable adults face. Elder Abuse Awareness Month and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15, provide an opportunity to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older adults and to stand together against the mistreatment.  

The Virginia Beach Department of Human Services (DHS) continues its commitment to serving the older adults in our communities by highlighting its resources and services for our senior population and hosting a walk on June 14 to shed light on this issue. Engaging and educating our community on how to recognize, address and prevent elder abuse can help build strong support for our older residents. 

Adult and Aging Services 

DHS provides community-based services and assistance for individuals requiring facility placements and conducts investigations into suspected elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. The Adult and Aging Division also offers a myriad of programs for our older community, including Adult Protective Services, Adult Foster Care and ongoing support such as guardianship and long-term support. 

Adult Protective Services 
Establishes and strengthens appropriate family and social support systems in order to protect adults at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation and to prevent the occurrence of abuse, neglect or exploitation. 

Adult Foster Care 
A program designed for individuals who require supportive services to live in the community. Individuals placed in adult foster care homes have needs ranging from geriatric, mental health, intellectual disabilities, as well as young adults with lifelong disabilities who were former foster care children. All desire a comfortable home environment, and extra support is provided for caring providers.   

As the population ages, the demand for personalized home-like care settings increases, and the need for more adult foster care providers are among the challenges faced by elderly and vulnerable adults. The Adult and Aging Division is actively seeking providers who will supervise up to three adults in their residence to provide supportive services in a comfortable home environment.  

Staff is available to offer assistance to all adult foster care providers and the adults placed in each home. To inquire about becoming an adult foster care provider, call 757-385-3550. 

Elder Abuse Awareness Walk 

DHS Adult and Aging Division will host its first Elder Abuse Awareness Walk, 10 a.m. to noon, June 14, at Mount Trashmore Park in observance of Elder Abuse Awareness Month and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Information and resources on this topic also will be provided to help build strong support for elderly and vulnerable individuals. 

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is preferred but not required to participate. Register online. Participants will meet at Shelter 2 before the start of the walk. 

Additional Resources 

On the heels of recognizing May as Older Americans Month, Adult and Aging Division staff will be present at Virginia Beach libraries with resources and information on available services for older residents during these remaining dates and times: 

• June 11, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Kempsville Area Library   
• June 12, 10 a.m. to noon, Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library   
• June 27, 9 a.m. to noon, Joint-Use Library 
• July 9, 10 a.m. to noon, Windsor Woods Library 

For more information on programs and resources available from the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services, visit hs.virginiabeach.gov or call 757-385-3550.