Vulnerable Adult Awareness Month
Effective Date: Saturday, September 1st, 2012
WHEREAS, Alaska’s senior population is the fastest growing in the nation, including elders and pioneers, newly relocated Alaskans, veterans, and all longtime Alaskans; and
WHEREAS, thousands of Alaskan adults of all ages and backgrounds are vulnerable to physical, emotional, or financial harm because of advanced age or a disability; and
WHEREAS, in Alaska, vulnerable adults are often susceptible to abuse by isolating factors such as physical, cultural, or geographical distance between themselves and those who could help; and
WHEREAS, in the past three years, reports of harm to Alaska’s Adult Protective Services office have more than doubled, although it is estimated that, tragically, only one in five cases of abuse nationwide is reported; and
WHEREAS, in the past three years, the number of financial abuse cases in Alaska has increased by 130 percent, and elderly Alaskans lost approximately half a million dollars to fraud and exploitation in the last fiscal year alone; and
WHEREAS, in addition to being susceptible to abuse from others, some vulnerable adults may be unwilling or unable to adequately care for themselves, and may need the assistance of friends, family members, and neighbors to seek or receive proper care; and
WHEREAS, the best guarantee of protection for vulnerable Alaskan adults is the care and vigilance of family, friends, and neighbors. By watching for signs of abuse and isolation and knowing how to obtain help, everyone can play an important role in protecting the life and dignity of a loved one; and
WHEREAS, all Alaskans play a role in protecting vulnerable adults and should learn the indicators of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and report abuse and neglect to the proper authorities; and
WHEREAS, protective agencies and services are available to shield vulnerable adults from harm and neglect, including self-neglect. The State of Alaska’s Adult Protective Services unit in the Department of Health and Social Services is an invaluable resource for those seeking ways to assist and protect the elderly.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the state of Alaska, do hereby proclaim September 2012 as:
Vulnerable Adult Awareness Month
in Alaska, and encourage all citizens to learn how they and others can guard and support the vulnerable adults in their lives.
Dated: August 24, 2012
