The Upper Cumberland Adult Abuse Coalition hosts its 15th annual Vulnerable Adult Summit Tuesday.
Coalition Co-Chair Natasha Mosely said vulnerable adults are defined as people over 18 years old who need professional assistance. Mosely said one of the summit’s focus issues is isolation, which is prevalent among vulnerable adults.
“As humans, we desire connection,” Mosely said. “And so, as we start to age, we tend to lose those connections. We tend to stay in our homes because it’s more convenient, and we want to promote ways of reconnecting.”
Mosely said there are ways for vulnerable adults to become less vulnerable. She said professionals will be providing information on Upper Cumberland programs designed to help get people in community.
Mosely said the summit will bring together professionals to talk about ways people can get involved in their community through programs and services. The summit will be held at the Putnam County Convention Center.
Other topics covered at the summit include abuse, financial exploitation, and mental health challenges. Mosely said there will be several presentations at the event.
“We’re going to have great presentations, such as situational awareness by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, so you can learn how to handle yourself if you’re going out to homes,” Mosely said. “if you’re going into the public at all where you have to deal with tough situations, you’re going to learn how to handle yourself.
The targeted attendees for this event are people such as attorneys, first responders, elected officials, and medical professionals. Mosely said the general public is also encouraged to attend.
”If you are just a citizen that’s interested in what’s going on in your community, you’re going to learn a lot of things about what’s actually out there,” Mosely said.
