We All Have a Role in Protecting Older Adults
Every year on June 15, communities around the world observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.
While many people think of elder abuse as something that happens somewhere else, the reality is that it can occur in any neighborhood, family, or community. It often happens behind closed doors and can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and social isolation.
Older adults have spent decades building families, businesses, communities, and lives filled with experiences that have shaped the world around us. They deserve to age with dignity, respect, and security. Unfortunately, many seniors face situations where their trust is violated by caregivers, family members, scammers, or others seeking to take advantage of them.
Financial exploitation remains one of the fastest-growing forms of elder abuse. Scam phone calls, fraudulent emails, fake investment opportunities, and identity theft schemes often target seniors who may be more trusting or less familiar with evolving technology. In many cases, victims feel embarrassed or ashamed and never report what happened.
Abuse is not always obvious. Warning signs can include unexplained injuries, sudden changes in financial accounts, unusual withdrawals of money, poor living conditions, untreated medical needs, fearfulness around certain individuals, or a noticeable withdrawal from social activities. Friends, neighbors, and family members are often the first people to notice when something seems wrong.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day serves as an important reminder that protecting older adults is not solely the responsibility of government agencies or healthcare providers. It is a community responsibility. Simple acts such as checking in on an aging neighbor, maintaining regular contact with older family members, helping seniors understand common scams, or speaking up when concerns arise can make a meaningful difference.
As Houston continues to grow, so does the importance of building communities where older adults feel connected, valued, and supported. The strongest communities are those that recognize the worth of every generation and ensure that no one is left vulnerable or forgotten.
Today, on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we are encouraged to look beyond awareness and take action. A phone call, a visit, a conversation, or a willingness to pay attention may be exactly what someone needs.
Because protecting our seniors is not just about preventing harm. It is about honoring the people who helped build the communities we call home.
What To Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse
If you believe an older adult is in immediate danger, call 911.
If you suspect elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation but the situation is not an emergency, there are resources available to help. In Texas, reports can be made to Adult Protective Services (APS), which investigates allegations involving older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Signs that may warrant a report include unexplained injuries, neglect of basic needs, unusual financial activity, sudden changes in legal documents, isolation from family and friends, poor living conditions, or concerns expressed by the older adult themselves.
Reports to Texas Adult Protective Services can be made 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-252-5400 or through the Texas Abuse Hotline website. Anyone can make a report, including family members, neighbors, friends, healthcare professionals, and community members.
For concerns involving financial exploitation or scams, individuals may also contact local law enforcement, their financial institution, or organizations that specialize in fraud prevention for older adults.
One of the most important things to remember is that you do not need proof to make a report. If something does not seem right, it is better to share your concerns and allow trained professionals to investigate than to remain silent and risk further harm.
Protecting older adults is a community effort, and sometimes a single phone call can make all the difference.
