Hays County Proclaims May As Elder Abuse Month

Left to right, Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones, County Judge Ruben Becerra, Adult Protective Services Supervisor Jennifer Alvarado, APS Caseworker for Hays County Evelyn Johnson, and APS Caseworker for Caldwell County Tracy Lemons, Precinct 3 Commissioner Lon Shell, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith.

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners Court on Tuesday proclaimed May as Elder Abuse Awareness Month and thanked those who work to ensure the safety of persons who are unable to protect themselves.

In Hays County, Adult Protective Services, part of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elderly adults and those with disabilities.

Adult Protective Services caseworker Evelyn Johnson told the Court that in 2018 APS had 507 instances of neglect or abuse in Hays County reported to them, with 285 of those individuals receiving services.

About half of the cases APS handles involve neglect, with many of them being self-neglect – persons who are unable to care for themselves.

Many clients APS serves need immediate assistance, which could include food, housing, hygiene supplies, or legal help, and “resources are strained,” she said.

The proclamation urges all citizens to work together to help reduce abuse and neglect of people who are elderly or have disabilities.

For information on signs of abuse and neglect, visit https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Adult_Protection/. If you suspect an adult is a victim of abuse, neglect or exploitation, report it to the Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400.