Experts estimate that for every case of elder abuse reported, there are another 4 that go unreported. That’s unsettling considering that last year more than 3,300 elder abuse cases were reported to Shasta County Adult Protective Services. Health and Human Services and the DA’s Office want people to recognize the signs of elder abuse. They include lack of adequate food, poor personal hygiene, unexplained bruises and other injuries, ripped or bloodied clothing, and unexplained purchases by the primary caregiver. Shasta County has a 24 hour hotline to report possible elder abuse at 225-5798. In Tehama County the hotline is 527-1911. To recognize Elder Abuse Awareness Month, hundreds of little purple flags will be planted Monday morning at Redding City Hall and Tuesday morning at North and East Center Streets in Anderson. Purple ribbon static wraps have also been placed by Signarama on many local public safety agency vehicles. Several events are planned for the next couple of weeks, including a senior safety expo at Orchard Nutrition on the 19th and the Purple City Festival at the Sundial Bridge next Saturday evening. Information on fighting elder abuse, and about activities taking place this month, can be found at shastaadultprotectiveservices.com.
– Steve Gibson