What is APS?

Abuse and neglect affect many older and dependent adults in Tulare County every day. Adult Protective Services (APS) responds to allegations of possible abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and self-neglect involving older adults age 60+ and disabled dependent adults aged 18–59. If you suspect or know of abuse, please call Tulare County APS at (877) 657-3092.

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.

The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

Older Americans are taking charge, striving for wellness, focusing on independence, and advocating for themselves and others. While we celebrate their contributions, it's also necessary to recognize their obstacles, especially when it comes to elder and dependent adult abuse. 

Elder and dependent adult abuse can involve neglect, self-neglect, and physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse. It affects seniors across all cultures, races, and socioeconomic groups.

It can be hard to imagine that anyone would deliberately want to harm an elderly person, but unfortunately, elder abuse is a widespread problem. Some instances of elder abuse are intended to exploit the person financially; you’ve probably heard of scams targeting seniors. Each year, older adults lose billions of dollars in telemarketing fraud, mail scams, and fake lotto schemes. In other cases, it’s simple negligence: caregivers don’t provide the basic necessities, like nutritious food, appropriate medication, safety, or assistance with hygiene. Help spread the word for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. If you see something, say something.