‘It’s very prevalent’: experts share advice for identifying, reporting elder abuse

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Saturday was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day highlighting the numerous ways older adults are taken advantage of or abused.

This can be physical, mental, financial or sexual abuse. It can happen in any community, one out of 10 older adults experience abuse or exploitation of some kind, according to the National Institute on Aging. This is why experts say loved ones and advocates must pay attention.

“It’s very prevalent. Our elderly population is the most vulnerable. There are millions of people around the world, especially the elderly that are abused or neglected every year, every day. It happens,” Amanda Burnett, the COO at Hospice Brazos Valley, said. “The best way to be aware of what’s going on with your loved one whether it be at home or in a facility that provides the care is to be engaged in their care call often visit frequently. Make sure that you watch the staff and caregivers interact with your loved one, that can show a lot of signs in and of itself.”

Burnett says having a wide circle of care can ensure multiple people are keeping an eye on a loved one or elderly resident. Signs of abuse can include bruising in irregular areas, disinterest in answering questions and significant financial loss.

Saturday, June 15 was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, this came just one week after a local woman was arrested for elder abuse.

According to court documents, Treandranique Green was arrested for the abuse of a resident at Fortress Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in College Station. The abuse was caught on camera in February 2024, showing Green putting her knee into a resident’s side and sitting on her torso. The resident was 81 years old.

The incident was reported to police by the facility and Green has since been fired.

College Station Fire Department Public Information Officer, Stuart Marrs, says they can only respond to a situation if its brought to their attention. He says reporting is a vital piece of ensuring the safety of all residents.

“Do not be afraid to ask those you care about the older people in your life if they feel secure at home if they are being treated with dignity from their caretakers and the people who are with them day in and day out. That’s a fair question to ask and then just listen you may not be able to solve a problem by asking that question, but you can listen to them and get information and then make a judgment on whether you need to look further into a situation,” Marrs said.

Elder abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility can be reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services at (800) 458-9858. Abuse of a senior who is not at a healthcare facility can be reported to Adult Protective Services at (800) 252-5400.

If it is an emergency, contact 911.