Adult Protective Services representative tells Kiwanians about signs of elder abuse
November 22, 2008
Katrina Wall of Adult Protective Services is doing her best to educate the public that elder abuse is everyone’s business. Wall was the guest speaker at the Terrell Kiwanis Club earlier this month about the agency’s role and how to detect and prevent abuse among the elderly and those with disabilities.
According to Wall, the number of Texans 65 and older was 2.2 million in 2005. As that number continues to rise, so do the problems associated with their care since almost half of them have a disability.Wall said Adult Protective Services job is to investigate allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of the elderly or adults with disabilities.
Wall said the number of cases filed with the agency has increased dramatically within the last few years with more than half of those involving neglect, most of which are self neglect.
Wall said community members needs to be aware of signs that might indicate a situation of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Indicators usually fall into four categories: physical signs, behavioral signs, caregiver signs and financial exploitation signs.
Anyone who suspects abuse, neglect or exploitation is encouraged to report it to the texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or online at https://www.txabusehotline.org. For life threatening emergencies, call 911.
Abridged
SOURCE: The Terrell Tribune
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