** IF YOU ARE IN DANGER DIAL 911 **

Elder abuse happens when someone hurts a person 60 or older physically, emotionally, financially or through neglect.

Some of the ways someone can cause hurt: · threaten to leave, or to send the senior to a nursing home · force a senior to sign legal papers · deny visits with friends or family · scream and shout at the senior · steal money or things · slap, pinch or hit · not do the job they were paid to do · force a senior to watch or participate in a sex act · give too much medicine – or not enough · lock a senior in their room or home Many people think only seniors who have dementia or other illness are targets of elder abuse. They are wrong. EVERY SENIOR IS AT RISK OF ABUSE! Some warning signs of elder abuse include:

  • the senior wears inappropriate clothing
  • has poor personal cleanliness
  • has cuts, bruises, burns, or missing hair
  • has had a change in personality
  • has had a change in spending patterns
  • there are bounced checks
  • there has been an unexplained worsening of health
  • the senior is afraid at home or with their caregiver

Seniors Most at Risk of Abuse
  • have experienced a recent loss of spouse or dear friend
  • are isolated from family, friends and neighbors
  • are experiencing depression, dementia or a physical disability

Sometimes people don’t report abuse because they think it isn’t any of their business. It is your business! It is everybody’s business! Sometimes seniors may deny abuse is occurring because of fear or shame.
Abusers come in all sizes and shapes – they can be neighbors, caregivers, daughters, or husbands.
So do seniors – they can be 60 or 80, male or female, loner or people-person, rich or poor.
Because of all these differences, elder abuse is hard to recognize. If you suspect an elder is being abused, or you are being abused, REPORT IT! Call Adult Protective Services toll-free at: 1- 800-252-5400.

To Report Suspicions of Elder Abuse, Exploitation or Neglect:
Adult Protective Services, 1-800-252-5400
https://www.txabusehotline.org

To prevent abuse, seniors should:
have a strong group of friends
stay as active as possible
get regular medical attention
stay organized
screen telephone calls
know their financial situation
open and post their own mail
use direct deposit
prepare advance directives

Seniors should not:
live with anyone with a background of violent behavior, or alcohol or substance abuse
let anyone pressure them into making a decision that must be made today”
sign any documents unless someone they trust has reviewed them
let anyone deny them knowledge of their finances or property