Community awareness

Police officers must be encouraged to collaborate with other protective, regulatory and social service agencies to meet victims' needs. Police chiefs, sheriffs, and senior citizen representatives in communities statewide have developed TRIAD programs that reflect a partnership between the sheriff, police chief, and consumers to address a broad range of crime-related issues affecting older adults, such as burglary and personal assaults. TRIAD programs also address abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults in the community and in nursing facilities through education and advocacy. Texas leads the nation with the highest number of TRIADS. There are over 100 active TRIADS in Texas and 630 operating nationwide. Most TRIAD groups have steering committees called Senior and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) Councils to plan activities and promote safety throughout the community.

Efforts to prevent elder abuse in community settings are gaining attention. Through public awareness and outreach, community members can learn to recognize potential signs and symptoms of abuse, and to gain access to services that may prevent injury, homelessness, or premature institutionalization. Adult Protective Services currently implements Not Forgotten, a program that promotes community initiatives to increase awareness of problems and needs of older adults and disabled adults who are at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Not Forgotten includes a mass media campaign consisting of fact sheets, posters, and public service announcements to involve the public in preventing abuse of vulnerable adults by addressing isolation. APS has also developed a banking project that focuses on preventing financial exploitation of older Texans. Other agency projects include APS community support groups and expansion of emergency resource rooms for APS staff and clients.

In 1997, PRS and APS formed a unique collaboration with the Baylor College of Medicine Geriatrics Program at the Harris County Hospital District to create the Texas Elder Abuse and Mistreatment (TEAM) Institute. The program offers a comprehensive approach to identifying, intervening, and preventing elder abuse through clinical care, education, and research. APS specialists refer people 65 and older, as well as people under age 65 who have been diagnosed with illnesses that are common among geriatric patients, to the TEAM Institute at Quentin Mease Community Hospital for services including primary care, rehabilitation, pharmacist, occupational therapy, and social work. The TEAM Institute also collects information on the health impact of abuse and neglect on this population. Research findings are used to develop effective treatments and interventions.

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Updated: October 21, 2009