Hays County Urges Protection For Elders And Disabled Adults, And Proclaims May As Elder Abuse Awareness Month

According to the proclamation, abuse is grossly underreported because those who are being abused find it very difficult to tell anyone, and are usually ashamed and sometimes afraid to report it.

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners Court has declared May as Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Hays County and called on all individuals to be aware of and report instances of neglect and abuse of elders and adults with disabilities.

Anyone who suspects an elder or disabled person is suffering from abuse or neglect is required by law to report it. It is a felony to abuse, neglect or exploit an elderly person or adult with disabilities.

According to the proclamation, abuse is grossly underreported because those who are being abused find it very difficult to tell anyone, and are usually ashamed and sometimes afraid to report it.

In 2017, Texas Adult Protective Services in-home caseworkers in Hays County investigated 436 reports of which 326 cases of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation were confirmed.

“Only two caseworkers are assigned to Hays County,” Adult Protective Services Supervisor Jennifer Alvarado said.

She also told the Court that self-neglect is often the most common form of abuse and occurs when a person can no longer care for themselves.

Adult Protective Services can assist with arranging life-sustaining medical care, food, medicine, utilities, house cleaning, wheel-chair ramps, and legal assistance.

Contact the local Adult Protective Services office at 1901 Dutton Drive, Suite B, San Marcos, TX 78666, or call 512-753-2259 to report a suspected case of abuse or neglect.

Photo Attached

Left to right, Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones, Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe, Adult Protective Services staff Pamela Wood, Supervisor Jennifer Alvarado, Evelyn Johnson, and Tracy Lemons, Precinct 3 Commissioner Lon Shell, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant.