Elder Abuse focus of a Lethbridge-based seniors group, case worker

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and the Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network, or LEARN, says it can come in many different forms.

While physical abuse is often seen first, Amy Cook with the community’s senior citizens’ organization, says others can be well hidden.

Among them: financial, medical, mental, and verbal and, in some cases, neglect, something Cook terms as ‘caregiver burnout.’

“So, someone who’s supposed to be providing care just isn’t equipped with the resources to do it effectively and appropriately,” Cook adds.