Preventing Elder Abuse is Everyone’s Business

Throughout the United States, May is Older Americans Month and it is also designated Elder Abuse Prevention Month.

No one knows exactly how many older Americans are being abused, neglected, or exploited. Many victims are too embarrassed to ask for help and their suffering is shrouded by secrecy. As our population ages, statistics show the problem is also  growing. National studies estimate that 3-5 million seniors age 65 and older have experienced abuse, but only one in five abuse cases is reported.

In 2008, the Adult Protective Services program of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) completed 68,683 investigations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation involving adults living at home. Of those, 48,380 cases were confirmed as abuse. The majority of cases involve physical or medical neglect. Often, it was family members, such as adult children, spouses or grandchildren who were the perpetrators.

“Everyone needs to be diligent to ensure vulnerable adults are free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation,” says Karl Urban, assistant commissioner for Adult Protective Services. “Isolation places vulnerable adults at risk. That’s why elder abuse prevention is everyone’s business.”

To help get out the word, DFPS is partnering with community organizations to hold its annual public awareness campaign, “It’s Everyone’s Business.” Throughout May, staff across the state will distribute brochures and information kits, as well as participate in conferences, information fairs, and ceremonies honoring those who work on behalf of vulnerable adults.

For more information on preventing elder abuse and to download public awareness materials, visit www.everyonesbusiness.org

Recognizing, Reporting, and Preventing Elder Abuse

A big part of fighting elder abuse is learning how to recognize it. Elder abuse is more than physical violence or abuse. It may be something under the surface such as emotional and verbal abuse, neglect, threats, or financial fraud. Elder abuse is generally broken down into the following categories: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation.

For more information on recognizing signs of abuse, visit Possible Indicators of Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation.

The law requires any person who believes that a person 65 years or older, or an adult with disabilities is being abused, neglected, or exploited to report the circumstances to DFPS. A person making a report is immune from civil or criminal liability, provided they make the report in good faith, and the name of the person making the report is kept confidential.

If you believe a vulnerable adult is in a life threatening or emergency situation, call your local law enforcement agency or 911 immediately. To report abuse to DFPS, call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, nationwide. Or make the report online at www.txabusehotline.org

What can you do to prevent elder abuse? Talk with your older friends, neighbors, and relatives. Maintaining communication will help decrease isolation, a risk factor for abuse. It will also give them a chance to talk about any problems they may be experiencing.

Also, be aware of the possibility of abuse. Take note of what may be happening with your older neighbors and acquaintances. Do they seem to be more withdrawn, nervous, fearful, sad, or anxious, especially around certain people, when they have not seemed so in the past?

APS Facts and Figures

• The mission of APS is to protect the elderly and adults with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation by investigating, and providing or arranging for services necessary to alleviate or prevent further maltreatment.
  
• Texas has more than 2.3 million residents 65 or older. Nearly one out of five people have a disability, and almost half of those older than 65 have a disability.
  
• In 2008, APS completed 68,683 investigations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation involving adults living at home. Of these, more than 48,380 were confirmed. This is an increase from 2007, when APS completed 64,459 investigations and confirmed abuse in 45,934 cases.
  
• In the last decade, the number of in-home cases investigated by APS has more than doubled.
  
• APS serves those 65 or older, and those 18 to 64 with a disabling condition.
  
• A meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens resulted in President John F. Kennedy designating May 1963 as Senior Citizens Month. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter’s proclamation changed the name to Older Americans Month.