(Seguin) — Guadalupe County is empowering all residents to better protect one of its most vulnerable groups of citizens, our elders. Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June works to raise more protection for the thousands of seniors who in Texas fall victim to abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.
In addition to its seniors, the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court is also raising awareness on the rising number of cases of abuse involving adults with disabilities.
Bringing forth the statistics locally is Sabrina Nunez, the supervisor with the Adult Protective Services for Guadalupe County. Nunez recently shared the issue of elder abuse here locally with members of the commissioners court.
“In 2023, the staff of Guadalupe County Adult Protective Services received 572 intake reports. We completed 379 investigations of abuse, neglect or exploitation. In a society that values the just treatment of all people, Elder Abuse Awareness Month reminds us that elder abuse has implications for all of us. It is so important to find the right solutions to it. This year, APS launched an incentive, ‘Partnering to Protect.’ This is designed to foster stronger effective collaborations within the community across the state, “ said Nunez.
In 2023, abuse affected more than 120,069 older adults and people with disabilities in the state of Texas.
County officials say abuse against older adults and people with disabilities is grossly underreported due to social stigma, embarrassment and fear. They say it impacts both men and women of all income and ability levels plus in all cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Nunez says she applauds the county for working to strengthen all efforts in the prevention and reporting of elder abuse.
“Adult Protective Services and the South Texas APS Community Board will remain focused on raising awareness. We would like to express our gratitude to the Seguin Police Department, to the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office, our probate courts and our district courts for this continued support in helping APS carry out our mission which is to protect older adults and adults with disabilities. It’s through these collaborative efforts that we can form public and private partnerships to identify where stronger supports are needed and where existing connections must be reinforced as an essential step towards defending our community against elder abuse,” said Nunez.
Abuse of a senior who is not in a health care facility can be reported to Adult Protective Services at 800-252-5400.