June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness around the mistreatment of older adults and promoting better understanding and prevention of elder abuse. As we observe this important month, the San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services – Public Guardian (DAAS-PG) urges our community to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our older adult residents.
Elder abuse encompasses various forms of mistreatment, including:
- Physical abuse: Inflicting physical pain or injury.
- Emotional or psychological abuse: Verbal assaults, threats, intimidation, or behavior that causes fear, distress or humiliation.
- Financial abuse: Theft or misuse of an elder’s money or property, including extortion, coercion or fraud.
- Neglect and self-neglect: Failure to provide basic needs like food, clothing, shelter or health care for someone under your care—even when resources are available—or failing to care for oneself.
Alarmingly, elder abuse often goes unreported. Studies indicate that only one in 24 cases is brought to the authorities’ attention. Furthermore, in approximately 90 percent of elder abuse cases with a known perpetrator, the perpetrator is a family member. Of those, two-thirds are adult children or spouses. These upsetting statistics highlight the critical role of community awareness and intervention in preventing elder abuse.
Being aware of the warning signs can make a significant difference:
- Physical indicators: Unexplained bruises, burns or injuries.
- Behavioral changes: Withdrawal from social activities, sudden mood swings or depression.
- Financial red flags: Sudden changes in financial situations, unpaid bills or missing belongings.
- Neglect symptoms: Poor hygiene, malnutrition or untreated medical conditions.
If you suspect that an older adult is being abused, neglected or exploited in San Bernardino County, the DAAS-PG Adult Protective Services (APS) program is here to help. Reports can be made 24/7:
- Online: Submit a report through our secure portal
- Phone: Call 877-565-2020
All reports are confidential, and you can choose to remain anonymous.
Preventing elder abuse is a collective responsibility. Community members, including neighbors, healthcare professionals and financial institutions, play a pivotal role in identifying and reporting abuse. By staying informed and attentive, we can ensure that our older adults live with dignity, respect and safety.
