Elder Abuse in Texas

TYLER — May is Elder Abuse Prevention Month. In the last fiscal year in Texas, 43,759 cases of elder abuse were confirmed. In Smith County, 780 elder abuse and disabled adults cases have been investigated with 585 validated and action is being taken. Smith County Adult Protective Services Board member Jenny Wells says it’s not all physical or mental abuse. There is also financial exploitation abuse. Self-neglect is a major issue for the elderly And the elder population in Texas is growing. There are over 3 million people in Texas who are 65 or older and nearly 2 million people who have a disability and are eligible for Adult Protective Services. Wells says you can report suspected cases of elder abuse on line at http://www.txabusehotline.org or you can call 1-800-252-5400.