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Why Do Outreach?
Agencies, coalitions and organizations at the local, state and national levels conduct outreach about elder abuse for many reasons. Outreach can:
- Change attitudes. For example, a study by AARP revealed that older consumers believed that telemarketing fraud was wrong but found it hard to believe that it was a crime. The findings led the organization to conclude that elders needed to be convinced that fraudulent telemarketers were criminals before they would exercise greater caution. In response, AARP launched a campaign that used the slogan "Fraudulent telemarketers are criminals. Don't fall for a telephone line."
- Educate the public about the scope and nature of the problem
- Dispel myths (e.g. that elder abuse is tied to social class, educational level or upbringing)
- Promote positive attitudes about aging and the elderly
- Enlist the help of the public in exposing scams, substandard or abusive care in nursing homes, or other abuses
- Reach out to victims to let them know that help is available
- Recruit volunteers
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