Tuesday, Nov 03, 2015
 by 
Christa Bigue
  • Today, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in support of a new initiative, the Elder and Dependent Adult Protection Team (EDAPT), to raise awareness about how to prevent and protect dependent and older adults from abuse in San Mateo County.

    See, Stop, Prevent graphic

    EDAPT will focus on preventing financial abuse, the most common form of older adult abuse in San Mateo County. It’s common for someone to experience more than one form of abuse. Research shows that for every one case of older adult abuse that is reported – there are another 24 that go unreported.

    Reports of older adult abuse have been on the rise as the county’s older adult population continues to grow – and which is estimated to grow 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. 

    “I'm proud of the Board of Supervisors for supporting this important initiative to help protect some of our most vulnerable residents.” said Adrienne Tissier, San Mateo County District 5 Supervisor. “San Mateo County's commitment of resources and collaboration between departments is critical in the fight against the abuse of our elder and dependent adult populations.”

    Abuse can be financial, physical, emotional, or sexual, and can also 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.

    Through targeted outreach, the initiative will raise awareness about the importance of calling the San Mateo County TIES line 1-800-675-8437 if someone suspects or is experiencing abuse. The TIES line is staffed by trained counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

    “It’s up to all of us to say something if something seems wrong,” said Lisa Mancini, Director for San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services. “By joining together in this initiative, we are showing those who may be experiencing or are at risk of abuse that the community is behind them. Whether it’s calling the TIES line or expressing your concerns to an older or dependent adult in private, starting the conversation about suspected abuse can save lives. It’s up to all of us to 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 funded with approximately $3.13 million taxpayer dollars over two years through the County’s Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax. Funding began July 1, 2015 and will run through June 2017.

    EDAPT staff and resources will be available at Congresswoman Jackie Speier and Supervisor Adrienne Tissier’s  28th annual Seniors on the Move Conference November 10, 10am to 3pm, at the San Mateo Event Center.  To learn more about services available to protect older and dependent adults in San Mateo County, please visit www.smchealth.org/ElderAbuse.