Reports of older adult abuse have been on the rise as San Mateo County’s older adult population continues to grow – and which is estimated to increase by over 70% by 2030. There is more need than ever to engage the community on how to protect older and dependent adults and help ensure everyone is able to grow older safely in our county. 

The San Mateo County Elder and Dependent Adult Prevention Team (EDAPT) is hosting a training session on how to recognize and prevent elder and dependent adult abuse. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 from 6:00-7:00pm in Room 100, San Mateo County Health System, 225 37th Avenue in San Mateo.

The prevention team focuses on preventing financial abuse, the most common form of older adult abuse in San Mateo County. Elder abuse can also be physical, emotional, or sexual and can include neglect or isolation. Signs and symptoms can appear as someone not being cared for, having unexplained bruises, being depressed or anxious, or having unusual activity in his or her bank account.  Research shows that for every one case of older adult abuse that is reported – there are another 24 that go unreported.

This free training will provide the opportunity for people to learn about:

• Signs and symptoms of elder abuse
• Signs of financial abuse in adult populations
• Senior safety and avoiding scams

“I am proud that San Mateo County is increasing awareness of elder and dependent adult abuse by offering educational opportunities like this to residents of our local community,” said Lisa Mancini, Director of Aging and Adult Services, San Mateo County Health System. “Knowledge is power – we can help older and dependent adults by learning more about the signs and symptoms of abuse and exploitation. If you suspect a friend or loved one is being victimized, please call the TIES Line (1-800-675-8437) for resources and help.”

EDAPT is a collaboration between San Mateo County’s District Attorney’s Office, County Counsel’s Office, and Health System’s Aging and Adult Services. The initiative is one of several programs being funded by approximately $3.13 million taxpayer dollars over two years through the County’s Measure K, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax. Funding began July 1, 2015 and will run through June 2017.

To learn more about services available to protect older and dependent adults in San Mateo County, please visit www.smchealth.org/ElderAbuse.