Adult Protective Services teaches public how to fight elder abuse

by SBG San Antonio Staff Reports

Adult Protective Services is hosting an event on Wednesday to teach the public how to recognize and combat elder abuse. (SBG San Antonio)

SAN ANTONIO - October is financial exploitation awareness month, and here in Texas, Adult Protective Services wants to make sure seniors don't get scammed.

The Adult Protective Services Division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is hosting its 5th annual Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Symposium.

Speaking with officials with APS, they tell me that it is unfortunately common for older adults to be exploited financially.

According to APS, studies show that at least one in ten older adults faced some form of abuse in the last year.

Some victims lose an estimated total of 28 billion dollars annually due to financial exploitation.

The Department of Justice released that at least ten percent of adults aged 65 or older will experience some sort of elder abuse in a given year.

Speaking with Ann Cortez, APS South District Director, she says that usually, group assets are easily accessible, and there is usually an issue of isolation that makes them much more vulnerable.

One way to make sure your friends and loved ones do not fall victim is to be engaged with them.

“You look for signs where you feel that something is not quite right. Maybe they, a month ago or two months ago, they were fine, able to provide, and now you’re seeing disconnect notices."

This conference is expected to last throughout the day from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the San Antonio Food Bank on Old Highway Ninety.

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Adult Protective Services teaches public how to fight elder abuse