Elder Abuse: "Everyone's Business"

Beth Janicek

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 395

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Most people are aware of Child Protective Services and the duty of doctors, caregivers and others to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect. It is unlikely, however, that the same people know about Adult Protective Services or that the same duty exists to report suspected elder abuse and neglect. In Texas, a person who fails to report abuse can be prosecuted and faces a punishment of up to $4000.00 in fines and/or up to one year in County Jail. But do we really need the threat of jail time as motivation to protect our elderly? In a perfect world we would need no such threat, but our world isn’t perfect, and those who depend on others for their care are also those at risk of being hurt, neglected, or worse.

A recent public awareness campaign gives the seniors’ perspective in this way, “As you see yourself, I once saw myself; as you see me now, you will be seen.”

In other words, we all grow old and share the obligation of making sure today’s elderly population receives the same quality of care we will want when it is our turn.

This idea is part of a campaign by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services called “Everyone’s Business,” which provides information about the seriousness of elder abuse and the responsibility we all have to report abuse and to help protect the elderly population. Visit the website for more information on the special needs of the over-65 population. There is information for caregivers, a link to Adult Protective Services, and a hotline number for reporting abuse 24 hours a day.