SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 895

WHEREAS, People who are elderly or have disabilities have contributed to the State of Texas by helping to preserve customs, convictions, and traditions of many diverse backgrounds; they are vital and integral members of our society, and their wisdom and experience have enriched our lives; and

WHEREAS, Texas has approximately 2.4 million residents aged 65 or older, and over 1.7 million adults in Texas age 18 to 64 live with a disability; many of these adults are vulnerable because they live alone or are dependent on others for their care; isolation is a factor that places them at risk for abuse, neglect, or exploitation; abuse of the elderly in domestic and institutional settings is a widespread problem, affecting hundreds of thousands of people across the country; and

WHEREAS, Signs of maltreatment include depression, withdrawal, isolation, physical injuries, and financial exploitation; and

WHEREAS, The Adult Protective Services program of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the elderly or adults with disabilities; in Fiscal Year 2010, Adult Protective Services completed 82,802 such investigations involving adults living at home; of these, more than 56,000 were confirmed; and

WHEREAS, In the last decade, the number of in-home cases of reported abuse, neglect, or exploitation investigated by Adult Protective Services has more than doubled; more than 82 percent of the validated allegations of in-home maltreatment include neglect, which is the failure to provide the goods or services necessary to avoid physical or emotional harm or pain; and

WHEREAS, Because of illness or diminished mental capacity, vulnerable adults may no longer be able to provide adequately for their own health and safety; they may live in unsanitary conditions, without heat or running water, or may need assistance with meals and other daily activities; they may also require medical care; they may be exploited financially by family members, new purported friends, unscrupulous caregivers, swindlers, and others; and

WHEREAS, Texans have a duty to protect people of all ages from abuse, neglect, and exploitation; citizens should make it their mission to remember the elderly and adults with disabilities in their communities; protecting vulnerable adults from maltreatment is everyone's business, and citizens can learn more about this issue through the Adult Protective Services It's Everyone's Business campaign and website; concerned Texans can and should report suspected abuse or neglect of people who are elderly or have disabilities through available hotlines or by contacting local law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, May has traditionally been designated as the month to recognize elder abuse prevention; many people wear or display silver ribbons to drive home the message that elder abuse will not be tolerated and that the elderly are not forgotten, not only during May but throughout the year; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby proclaim May of 2011 to be Elder Abuse Prevention Month in Texas and urge all citizens to work together to help reduce abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of Elder Abuse Prevention Month.

Nelson

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 2, 2011.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate