Standing up for seniors: AHEPA Senior Living observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
                     Standing up for seniors: AHEPA Senior 
Living observes World Elder Abuse 
Awareness Day
 Each year on June 15, people across the globe mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 
(WEAAD), a moment to reflect on the rights, dignity and safety of older adults. Established in 
2006 by the World Health Organization and the International Network for the Prevention of 
Elder Abuse, the day is now recognized nationally in the United States and supported by the 
Administration for Community Living. At AHEPA Senior Living, we take this opportunity to 
educate, engage and empower our residents and staff to help prevent elder abuse in all its 
forms.
 Elder abuse is a complex and often hidden problem that affects millions of older adults every 
year. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse. Too 
often, these abuses occur in silence, perpetrated by people the older adult knows or depends 
on, and go unnoticed or unreported due to fear, isolation or cognitive decline. Raising 
awareness is the first and most critical step in prevention. By recognizing the signs of abuse 
and understanding the resources available, communities can become stronger advocates for 
their most vulnerable members.
 In addition to recognizing the warning signs, it’s vital to understand the emotional and social 
toll elder abuse takes on individuals. Victims may experience depression, anxiety or a 
diminished sense of self-worth. Chronic stress and mistreatment can worsen physical health 
outcomes, too. We work to serve our communities by fostering a culture of trust and 
openness with our residents and their loved ones. Awareness campaigns like this play a key 
role in reinforcing that safety, respect and dignity are non-negotiable for every resident.
 One meaningful example of how we are observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day comes 
from AHEPA 29 Phase III Apartments in Houston, Texas. In observance of Elder Abuse 
Awareness Month, the community welcomed Adult Protective Services (APS) Specialist 
Daniel Bernal, who led an engaging and informative presentation. Mr. Bernal shared details 
about APS services and resources available to older adults who may be at risk. He also 
provided attendees with tote bags filled with helpful literature and promotional items to 
reinforce the message that help is available and that no one should suffer in silence.
 This commitment to awareness and prevention on display at AHEPA 29 Phase III Apartments 
extended across AHEPA Senior Living communities nationwide in June, where residents and 
staff joined together for heartfelt events and important conversations From bulletin board 
displays and handouts in Florida, to coffee & doughnuts and educational sessions in 
Alabama, to community gatherings and resource sharing in Ohio and Texas — our mission 
was clear: empower, educate, and support. Residents wore purple, shared stories, learned 
how to identify and report abuse, and celebrated solidarity with food, raffles, and friendship. 
Thank you to everyone who participated. Special thanks to our community partners 
nationwide, including in Houston, the Houston Police Department Elder Abuse Investigations 
Office and the Better Business Bureau Elder Medicare Patrol, for helping us raise awareness 
and provide critical information.
 Beyond educational presentations, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a time for reflection 
and action. Preventing elder abuse requires a community-wide effort, from frontline 
caregivers and family members to neighbors and local agencies. 
 It’s essential to foster environments where older adults feel secure speaking up if something 
doesn’t feel right. By developing clear reporting methods, training staff to identify signs of 
abuse and cultivating resident trust, we are working to ensure that safety remains a top 
priority.
 We at AHEPA Senior Living consider World Elder Abuse Awareness Day as a reaffirmation of 
our unwavering commitment to the well-being of older adults. By engaging in education, 
hosting meaningful events and fostering a strong sense of community, we aim to ensure that 
every senior feels safe, heard and valued. Together, we can continue to raise awareness, 
take action and stand up for older Americans.
Get in touch with us
AHEPA 29 I & II Senior Apartments AHEPA 29 III Senior Apartments
13830 Canyon Hill, 13830 Canyon Hill,
Houston, TX 77083 Houston, TX 77083
(281) 495-9977 (281) 879-7510
[email protected] [email protected]
AHEPA 29 IV Senior Apartments Penelope 54 I & II Senior Apartments
8401 Rustling Leaves Drive, 8111 & 8113 Creekbend Drive,
Houston, TX 77083 Houston, TX 77071
(281) 530-0986 54 I: (713) 271-2987
54 II: (713) 778-8060
[email protected] [email protected]