Morrison County residents encouraged to help reduce abuse of seniors, vulnerable adults

Morrison County residents are being encouraged to work together to help reduce the abuse and neglect of adults who are elderly or have disabilities.

The Morrison County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution declaring June as Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in Morrison County.

Vulnerable adults have contributed to the community’s welfare but are at risk of abuse.

Aaron Stein, Health and Human Services Supervisor, read the proclamation that highlighted the fact that abuse of the elderly and those with disabilities is a widespread problem across the country that affects hundreds of thousands of residents each year.

“Suspected abuse was reported 316 times involving Morrison County citizens in 2023,” Stein said.

Abuse is underreported because vulnerable adults find it difficult to tell anyone and are often ashamed or afraid, Stein added.

“Abuse can happen to people of any income, culture, ethnicity, health status, and in any neighborhood or rural area,” he said.

Many cases investigated by Adult Protective Services involve self-neglect and financial exploitation, Stein said.

“It is the duty of citizens to reach out and help vulnerable adults in need of protection,” he said.

After the reading and approval of the proclamation, District 5 Commissioner Greg Blaine said his feelings on those who engage in abuse of vulnerable adults are the same as those who abuse children or those with disabilities. His only desire is that individuals who engage in that kind of abusive activity are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Mike LeMieur, thanked Stein and his team for the work They’ve done.

“It’s a difficult job and there are probably more unreported cases of abuse.

District 4 Commissioner Robert Kasper told Stein that as the number of vulnerable adults grows with the aging baby boomer population, the job of protecting them from abuse becomes more strenuous.

“Thank you for having your “guard up” to protect vulnerable adults from abuse,” Kasper said to Stein and those in his department.