County officials sound the alarm on elderly abuse

County officials are sounding the alarm on elderly abuse at the local and national level.

County officials were concerned for the local elderly at a press conference this morning. They said cases of elderly abuse are increasing.

District 5 Supervisor Ray Castillo said, “Physical abuse. It could be mental abuse. In some cases, it’s financial abuse where the children or family members or even the caregivers take advantage of that person. If people own property, they mortgage, they borrow on their property.”

Rosalina Blankenship, with I.C. Long-term Care Ombudsman Program, said there were over 42,000 cases or reported abuse state-wide and over 230 locally last year.

“Those numbers are alarming and we should be concerned. Because most of the abuse comes from their caregivers, a lot of times from family members those that they consider to be their loved ones,” Blankenship said.

She said many victims don’t speak up for fear of retaliation or out of love for the perpetrators.

“Are there any bruises? Have they lost weight? Is their appearance of possible malnutrition? Dehydration? Look at their skin. Is it supple? Those are the things we need to be looking out for. Talk to them. Ask questions. Listen,” Blankenship said.

Rosyo Ramirez, I.C. Department of Social Services Program Manager, said suspected abuse can be reported anonymously.

“An adult protective services worker will go and initiate an investigation. If there’s reason enough to believe that this could be true, then it’s cross-reported to law enforcement to take on a criminal investigation,” Ramirez said.

Gilbert Otero, District Attorney’s Office, said they take those cases seriously and will convict people wherever appropriate.

“And we don’t shy away from investigating cases, but the problem is that if you don’t get involved, if the public doesn’t get involved, we can’t help you. We have parents that don’t take care of their children. And we have children that don’t take care of their parents. And that’s where the problem is,” Otero said.

If you think you’ve seen or are suspicious that elderly abuse is happening, you can report it anonymously at:

I.C. Long-term Ombudsman Program, 778 W. State Street, El Centro. (442) 265-7032.

Imperial County Adult Protective Services (760) 337-7878.