June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and at BrightStar Care of Maple Grove and Andover, we’re using this time to talk openly about an issue that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. Elder abuse happens in every kind of neighborhood, including our Minnesota communities. It doesn’t always look the way people expect, and it’s more common than most realize.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed on June 15, reminds us to speak up. But elder safety isn’t just a once-a-year conversation. It’s something that must be embedded into how we support aging adults year-round. Elder abuse can occur in private homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, or anywhere an older adult depends on someone else for help. That means our community plays a direct role in preventing it.
Abuse can be physical, but it’s not limited to that. Emotional mistreatment, financial exploitation, and neglect can be just as harmful. A person might be isolated from friends, pressured to give away money, denied medications, or verbally shamed. Sometimes the harm comes from someone with bad intentions. Other times, it’s from someone who is overwhelmed, under-supported, or lacking proper training.
Here in the Maple Grove and Andover areas, where many families are balancing caregiving responsibilities with work, kids, and life in general, unintentional neglect can happen even when someone is doing their best. The need for elder care is growing fast. Without the right systems of support, it’s too easy for people to fall through the cracks.
Recognizing the warning signs of elder abuse is the first step. These can include sudden personality changes, unexplained bruises, poor hygiene, weight loss, confusion about finances, or missed medications. If something feels off, it’s better to speak up. Trust your instincts. Silence helps abuse go unnoticed.
But awareness alone isn’t enough. Prevention means taking concrete action. That starts with making sure caregivers aren’t operating in isolation. No one should be expected to do it all alone. Families need backup plans. They need breaks. They need someone checking in and asking how things are going. Supporting caregivers is part of protecting older adults.
This is where professional in-home care becomes so valuable. At BrightStar Care of Maple Grove and Andover, we work closely with families across the Northwest metro, including Osseo, Coon Rapids, Champlin, and surrounding areas, to provide safe, high-quality care at home. Our goal is to be a second set of hands and eyes to ensure that nothing gets missed.
Every care plan we create is led by a Registered Nurse who monitors for health changes, checks in regularly, and adjusts services as needed. Whether a client needs help with personal care, mobility, medication reminders, or something more complex, our caregivers are trained, background-checked, and prepared to meet those needs with respect and compassion.
We take elder safety seriously, and that includes supporting the people doing the caregiving. Family members often feel guilt asking for help, but the truth is, bringing in trusted support doesn’t mean you’re doing less. It means you’re protecting your loved one and yourself. It means you’re reducing risk and creating more peace of mind.
We are also proud to be accredited by The Joint Commission, which means we follow strict national standards for safety, ethics, and care quality. That’s not just a formality. It’s part of what sets us apart and holds us accountable to the communities we serve.
This Elder Abuse Awareness Month, we encourage you to take action. Check in on the older adults in your life. Ask real questions. Watch for changes. Talk with family about what support systems are in place and where there might be gaps. And if you’re a caregiver, be honest about what you need. You don’t have to do this alone.
At BrightStar Care of Maple Grove and Andover, we believe that aging with dignity means having the right care at the right time. We’re here to help make that possible, not just during awareness month, but every day of the year.
If you or someone you love needs support at home, contact BrightStar Care of Maple Grove and Andover. Together, we can create safer homes, stronger families, and a community that truly respects its elders.
BrightStar Care® is Here to Help
At BrightStar Care® of Maple Grove and Andover, we offer a wide range of home care and medical staffing services that enrich the quality of life for those who need care from the comfort of their home. We strive to provide the full continuum of care to our community while keeping our focus on offering a higher standard of care. Offering unparalleled support for our local healthcare system while providing a variety of high-quality, compassionate care, we work to give our clients the best lives possible while also strengthening the broader community. Contact us through our website or call 952.295.1528, so that we can help you find the right support to fit your unique needs.