May is Elder Abuse Prevention Month
The following is a guest post from the Texas Department of Family Protective Services:
May is Elder Abuse Prevention Month and all month Adult Protective Services (APS) has been working with community partners and professional groups around the state to raise awareness about adult abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. See a list of events at www.everyonesbusiness.org and get involved if you can. Check back frequently for new events in your area.
Texas law requires anyone who suspects adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation to report it to the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or online at TxAbuseHotline.org. Callers can remain anonymous. Learn how to recognize adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation at Everyonesbusiness.org.
Last year, APS investigated the situations of 84,000+ people, who were 65 or older or had disabilities, and found that 51,000+ of them suffered one or more forms of abuse, neglect or, financial exploitation. Self-neglect was at least one factor for most of these people. APS’ job is to investigate these situations and connect people with the services in their communities they need.
APS is a program of the Department of Family and Protective Services. You will find more information on APS and elder abuse in the DFPS Annual Report and Data Book on the DFPS website (www.dfps.state.tx.us)
