June Is a Month to Look Out for One Another
Every June, two important observances quietly overlap. June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Here in Truckee, Kings Beach, Incline Village, and across North Lake Tahoe, these two causes touch many of the people we serve every day. They also remind us of something simple and true: looking after our older neighbors is everyone’s work.At Sierra Senior Services, our drivers and volunteers do more than deliver a warm meal. They check in. They notice. A familiar face at the door each week can be the difference between someone feeling forgotten and someone feeling seen. That kind of attention matters more than ever this month.
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Brain HealthAlzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, and it affects memory, thinking, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. It can be frightening for the person living with it and for the family members who love them. Awareness Month is a chance to learn the early signs so support can begin sooner rather than later.Some signs worth knowing include:
– Memory loss that disrupts daily life
– Trouble following a familiar recipe or set of directions
– Confusion about time or place
– Difficulty finding the right words
– Misplacing items in unusual spots
– Changes in mood or personality
– Forgetting a name now and then is a normal part of aging.
– A pattern of confusion that keeps growing is worth a conversation with a doctor.
If you or someone you love is facing these changes, you are not alone. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a free helpline staffed around the clock at 800.272.3900, with support in many languages.
Recognizing the Signs of Elder AbuseWorld Elder Abuse Awareness Day shines a light on a harder subject, one that often stays hidden. Elder abuse can take many forms. It may be physical, emotional, or sexual. It can also mean neglect, abandonment, or financial exploitation, which has become especially common as scams targeting older adults grow more sophisticated.Warning signs can be quiet, so it helps to know what to watch for:
– Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
– Sudden withdrawal, fear, or anxiety around a particular person
– Poor hygiene, weight loss, unsafe living conditions, or missed medications
– Unusual bank withdrawals, missing belongings, or new names added to accounts can be signs of financial exploitation.Older adults who depend on others for daily care and who have few friends or family nearby are often the most at risk. That is exactly why a regular knock on the door from a trusted neighbor or volunteer carries such weight.
Where to Find HelpIf you ever suspect that an older adult is being harmed, you do not need to be certain to make a report. You only need a reasonable concern. Every report is confidential, and you can make one even if you are unsure.If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 right away.In California, you can reach Adult Protective Services any time, day or night, by calling 833.401.0832 and entering your ZIP code to connect with your local county office. Residents of Truckee and Tahoe City can also contact Nevada County or Placer County Adult Protective Services directly.In Nevada, the Aging and Disability Services Division investigates reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, isolation, and abandonment through its statewide Adult Protective Services hotline at 888.729.0571. After hours, on weekends, and on holidays, Crisis Support Services of Nevada takes reports as well.For families navigating memory loss, caregiving, or questions about local programs, our team at Sierra Senior Services is always here to point you toward resources in our community.
Neighbors Helping NeighborsThe heart of both observances is the same. Older adults deserve dignity, safety, and connection. A meal delivered with a smile, a phone call to check in, a moment to truly listen. These small acts protect the people who built our community.This June, take a moment to look in on an older neighbor. Learn the signs. Share a resource. Make a call if something feels wrong. Together we can make sure no one in our corner of the Sierra grows older feeling alone.
