June 15 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, an annual opportunity to raise awareness and understanding about elder abuse.

Elder abuse is when a caregiver or trusted individual intentionally acts or fails to act in a way that causes harm to an older adult. It can come in various forms including financial, emotional, physical or sexual abuse, neglect or exploitation. People of all ages, identities and backgrounds are impacted.

An estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are abused annually, and individuals with cognitive impairments face a greater risk of abuse. Signs of elder abuse may be physical (weight loss, dehydration, unexplained injuries, unattended medical needs), emotional and behavioral (increased fear, isolation, unusual changes in behavior) and financial (unpaid bills, changes in spending patterns, fraudulent signatures on documents).

There are a variety of ways to prevent and address elder abuse such as spreading awareness, increasing services to reduce isolation, and reporting suspected mistreatment to authorities.

If you suspect an older adult might be at risk of abuse or neglect, you can call the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1-800-922-5330. In the case of a life-threatening situation, call 911 or local police.

For more information visit the website of the National Center on Elder Abuse: ncea.acl.gov.

Mature Workers Program helps older adults with job searching

Starting a new career or re-entering the workforce can present unique challenges to workers aged 55 and older. Whether you are going back to work to help make ends meet or you never stopped working but need a career change there is help in Johnson County.

Workforce Partnership is a workforce development system serving job seekers and their Mature Workers program supports job seekers through a variety of services.

Molly Turney, site director for Workforce Partnership and lead staff for the program, says the Mature Workers Roundtable is a great place for older adults to start. The roundtable meets on the third Wednesday of each month.

This program gives older adults who are seeking work the opportunity to understand the modern job search process and learn new skills. Every month a representative from a mature worker friendly employer comes to share information about their organization.

Here is a list of the specific services offered to mature job seekers:

Job Readiness

• Resume development
• Mock interviews
• Job search strategies
• Access to employers
• Monthly Mature Worker Roundtables
• Interest and ability assessments
• Labor market information

Education and Training

• Digital skills training
• On-the-job training opportunities
• Registered apprenticeships
• Financial assistance for classroom training for low/moderate income

Turney wants job seekers to know that the Mature Workers program is not a staffing agency. She does not have lists of jobs. Her role is to help older job seekers search for jobs and prepare for employment. She would love to speak to anyone who is interested in the program or who would like to get more information.

Call her at 913-279-2628 or email mollyt@workforcepartnership.com.