Community urged to join effort to better protect one of most valuable, yet more vulnerable populations from abuse

Community urged to join effort to better protect one of most valuable, yet more vulnerable populations from abuse Image

• Community Engagement Specialist for Adult Protective Services for Hopkins County ((Right) Shelly Shaw and APS investigators and staff receive a frame proclamation designating June as Elder Abuse month in Hopkins County

From Staff Reports Sat, 06/22/2024 - 05:49 Body

Hopkins County Commissioners Court and Texas Adult Protective Services this month are encouraging county residents to join them as they work together to help reduce the abuse and neglect of older adults and people with disabilities through awareness efforts. Thus, County Judge Robert Newsom issued a proclamation during a Commissioners Court officially designating June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

According to the Center for Elder Justice and Education, the purpose of Elder Abuse Awareness Month is to shed light on the abuse and neglect that elderly and vulnerable adults face.

Newsom noted the impact older adults and people with disabilities have on others.

“Older adults and people with disabilities of diverse backgrounds contribute to the well-being of this city by working, caregiving, volunteering and actively preserving customs, rituals, and traditions,” Newsom read from the proclamation. “Abuse of older adults and people with disabilities is a community concern, affecting thousands of people across Texas … Adult abuse affects men and women of all income and ability levels, all cultural and ethnic backgrounds, in all communities.”

According to data provided by Texas Adult Protective Services officials, the number of older adults and people with disabilities in Texas affected by abuse is on the rise from 118,208 in 2022 to 120,069 last year across the state. Approximately one in 10 Americans age 60 and older have experienced one form of elder abuse, according to elderjusticeandeducation. org.

The actual number of older and vulnerable adults affected by abuse is believed to be considerably higher. Officials believe abuse against adults with disabilities to be grossly underreported because of social stigma, embarrassment and fear, Newsom noted in the proclamation.

What is elder abuse? The Center for Elder Justice and Education, describes elder abuse as “an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult. Elder abuse may include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.”

“Any and all can have long-term effects that harm physical and psychological health,” according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living.

One of the biggest challenges in combating elder abuse is recognizing the signs. Seniors being abused may exhibit physical injuries such as bruises, cuts or fractures, or emotional symptoms like depression, anxiety or withdrawal.

They may also show signs of financial exploitation, such as unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts or sudden changes in financial documents.

If you believe someone you know may be experiencing elder abuse, make a report by:

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Calling Texas Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400 if the situation is urgent and needs to be investigated within 24 hours

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Calling 911 or your local law enforcement agency if you have an emergency or life-threatening situation that must be dealt with immediately.

„ By contacting you local Adult Protective Services, if the danger is not imminent.

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Call 1-800-458-9858 if abuse is suspected in a nursing home, assisted living, or board and care facility.

“Elder abuse is everyone's business; it's important to strengthen our efforts to prevent, report and address elder abuse,” Newsom read from the proclamation. “Therefore, I Robert Newsom, County Judge, in recognition thereof, do hereby proclaim the month of June 2024 to be Elder Abuse Awareness Month In Hopkins County, Texas, and urge all residents to work together to reduce abuse and neglect of older adults and people with disabilities.”