It’s not a trend to be proud of.
For years, Bexar County has maintained one of the highest rates of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation cases in Texas.
Last year, we ranked No. 1 — with more validated cases of elder abuse and exploitation than any other county in the state, including Harris County, which is more than double our size.
On September 1, 2023, Texas Senate Bill 576 closed a loophole and made it harder for elderly people with cognitive disorders to be financially taken advantage of by family members or caregivers. It’s a positive move in the right direction. However, the mistreatment and abuse experienced by people ages 65 and older can leave them feeling victimized, embarrassed and reluctant to ask for help.
Elder abuse is a growing issue with challenges that local officials are trying to grapple with. Educating the community about how to help our more vulnerable neighbors is one way to combat this ongoing battle.
Join KSAT Reporter Avery Everett on Thursday, June 13, at 2 p.m. for a live town hall discussion on KSAT+.
She’ll speak with expert panelists from Adult Protective Services and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union about the problem of elder abuse and how to prevent it.
Resources to prevent, report Elder Abuse:
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Texas Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-800-252-5400
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AACOG: 210-362-5200. The Area Agencies on Aging provide services including congregate meals, home-delivered meals, benefits counseling, care coordination, legal assistance, nutrition and counseling and training, caregiver support, and transportation services.
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Eldercare locater, find help in your community.
Top 5 takeaways from our discussion about elder abuse
1 in 10 adults over the age of 65 are expected to experience some form of elder abuse. A 2023 report from Adult Protective Services showed there were 3,011 validated cases of elder abuse for victims 65 years and older.
As our population continues to grow older, the reports of mistreatment to older adults will continue to increase unless we act. As a mandatory reporting state, we have the ability to impact this trend.
Avery Evertte spoke with Marissa Back and Lisa Senteno from Adult Protective Services and Alex Aguillen from RBFCU about what we can do to help the more vulnerable members of our community.
1. Bexar County leads the state in validated cases of elder abuse
2. There are many different types of elder abuse
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Physical
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Emotional
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Sexual
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Neglect
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Financial
3. Reports of abuse usually come from family and friends of an older adult
4. Know the warning signs
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Elder abuse can be difficult to detect, look for routine distractions
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If the older adult begins to withdraw and begins to isolate themselves, it’s time to intervene
5. Be skeptical about scams
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Check in with a trusted person before making any large financial decisions
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If you receive a suspicious call END IT IMMEDIATELY
Other community stories:
Bexar County is seeking funding through federal grant to address elder abuse
City and county officials push for more education about elder abuse during Awareness Month
San Antonio doctor describes warning signs of elder abuse as reported cases rise across Bexar County
KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union. Click here to read about other KSAT Community efforts.
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