COLORADO SPRINGS – The Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments Board of Directors recognized June 15, 2026, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with a board proclamation during its regular meeting on June 10, 2026.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was established in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse in support of the United Nations’ International Plan of action. This year marks the 20th year of the annual recognition to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older adults.
The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging hosts the regional long-term care ombudsman office, who advocate for individuals living in licensed nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Ombudsman are free, confidential, resident-directed advocates, which means they follow the direction of residents when resolving complaints and addressing concerns. If a resident is unable to give informed consent, ombudsman may be able to work with a resident’s legal authority, such as a power of attorney or guardian.
Ombudsman receive calls from residents, staff, family members, friends, and community members regarding issues residents may be facing in long-term care facilities. The ombudsman either visit residents in person or contact them by phone to discuss their concerns and determine how they would like to be assisted. In some cases, residents may decline assistance due to concerns about retaliation. Individuals may reach a long term care ombudsman for El Paso, Park and Teller counties at (719) 301-6388.
The mission of the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging is to help older adults by providing services and supports that enable them to remain as independent as possible in their homes and communities. The PPAAA provides resources for insurance assistance and information, caregiver support, mobility coordination and the ombudsman program for residents in long-term care facilities.
PROCLAMATION BY THE PIKES PEAK AREA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN RECOGNITION OF WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY
June 15 2026
June 10, 2026
WHEREAS, older adults deserve to be treated with respect and dignity to enable them to serve as leaders, mentors, volunteers and vital participating members of our communities;
WHEREAS, in 2006, the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action, proclaimed a day to recognize the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue; and
WHEREAS, 2026 marks the 20th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Its recognition will promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older adults; and
WHEREAS, the National Center on Elder Abuse and the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments recognize the importance of taking action to raise awareness, prevent and address elder abuse; and
WHEREAS, as our population lives longer, we are presented with an opportunity to think about our collective needs and future as a nation; and
WHEREAS, ageism and social isolation are major causes of elder abuse in the United States; and
WHEREAS, recognizing that it is up to all of us, to ensure that proper social structures exist so people can retain community and societal connections, reducing the likelihood of abuse; and
WHEREAS, preventing abuse of older adults through maintaining and improving social supports like senior centers, human services and transportation will allow everyone to continue to live as independently as possible and contribute to the life and vibrancy of our communities; and
WHEREAS, where there is justice there can be no abuse; therefore, the National Center on Elder Abuse urges all people to restore justice by honoring older adults.
WHEREAS, the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments is an association of three counties and 13 municipalities representing the Pikes Peak Region; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments proclaims June 15, 2026, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in the Pikes Peak region, and encourage all of our communities to recognize and celebrate older adults and their ongoing contributions to the success and vitality of our country.
RESOLVED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments this 10th day of June, 2026, at Colorado Springs, Colorado.