May is Elder Abuse Prevention month

“It’s Everyone’s Business”

May is Elder Abuse Prevention month and Older Americans Month, and Adult Protective Services (APS) is reminding Texans that stopping elder abuse is truly everyone’s responsibility.
No one knows exactly how many older Texans are being abused, neglected, or financially exploited. Many victims are too embarrassed to ask for help, and their suffering can be shrouded by secrecy.
As our population ages, statistics show the problem is a growing concern: nationwide studies estimate that three to five million seniors age 65 and older have experienced abuse, with only one in five cases reported.
In 2008, Texas APS, a division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), completed almost 70,000 investigations of abuse, neglect or exploitation involving adults living at home. Of those, more than 48,000 cases were confirmed, with most cases including physical or medical neglect.
In these cases, it was often family members – 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,” said Patrick Turley, El Paso’s Regional Director for Adult Protective Services. “Isolation places vulnerable adults at risk. That’s why elder abuse prevention is everyone’s business.”
This marks the fourth year of APS’ It’s Everyone’s Business campaign. It’s a statewide effort to educate Texans about the pervasive problem of abuse, neglect and exploitation of the elderly and adults with disabilities, and to encourage citizens to get involved in making a positive difference.
Throughout May, APS employees across Texas 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.
In El Paso, these events will be held to raise awareness for elder abuse prevention:

May 5 Elder Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation
9 a.m., El Paso City Council regular meeting, 1 Civic Center Plaza
Region 10 APS staff will join El Paso County Attorney’s office and other community partners in recognizing May as Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. Contact: APS Community Initiatives Specialist Rene Hobson, (915) 834-5772.


May 5 APS Cinco de Mayo Food Drive & Fiesta
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 3rd floor of Franklin State Building parking garage, 401 E. Franklin
APS staff throws a fiesta for a good cause! The rooftop celebration will have food, music, folklorico dance and loteria prizes. Canned food and money will be collected to benefit the West Texas Food Bank, Rescue Mission and Child Crisis Center. Contact: APS Facility Investigator Ray Marquez, (915) 834-5753.

May 21 Aging to Perfection Senior Expo
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Judson F. Williams Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
A positive image of growing older is presented at this expo which offers entertainment, health screenings and souvenirs – all for free! Contact: Yvette M. Lugo, Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging Director, (915)533-0998 ext. 116, yvettel@riocog.org

May 21 Extreme Weather Task Force Fan Drive Kickoff
11 a.m., Judson F. Williams Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza (during Senior Expo)
The EWTF’s Summer Fan Drive & Hot Weather Safety Media Conference kicks off the annual fan drive geared at providing free fans to the elderly and needy families. Contact: APS Community Initiatives Specialist Rene Hobson, (915) 834-5772.


The message is simple but important. If you believe an elderly person is being abused, neglected, or exploited, report it by calling 1-800-252-5400.
For more information about preventing elder abuse, and to download public awareness materials, visit www.everyonesbusiness.org.
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 (73,199 in El Paso County.) Nearly one out of five people have a disability, and almost half of those older than 65 have a disability.

In 2008, APS investigations completed 68,683 investigations (2,681 in El Paso County) of abuse, neglect, or exploitation involving adults living at home. Of these, more than 48,380 (1,740 in El Paso County) were confirmed. As a comparison, in 2007 APS completed 64,459 investigations (2,629 in El Paso County) and confirmed 45,934 cases (1,641 in El Paso County.)

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.