June is recognized as Elder Abuse Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of protecting older adults from harm. Emily Kaltenbach, Cabinet Secretary for the Aging and Long-Term Services Department, emphasized the collective responsibility in preventing elder abuse. "Our older adults deserve to live safely and with dignity and respect," she stated. "Preventing elder abuse is a shared responsibility; by staying informed and vigilant, we can safeguard our seniors from harm."
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, and financial harm. Indicators of potential abuse may include unexplained injuries such as cuts or bruises, malnutrition, poor hygiene, or sudden financial losses.
Corey Roybal, Deputy Director for Adult Protective Services, pointed out the difficulty in identifying elder abuse but stressed the importance of recognizing warning signs. “Elder abuse isn’t always easy to spot, but knowing the signs can help save a life,” he said. He advised that unexplained injuries or changes in behavior could signal problems.
Residents of New Mexico are urged to report any suspicions of elder abuse to Adult Protective Services at 866-654-3219. Reports can be made anonymously and are vital in preventing further incidents. Additional information on prevention and resources is available at aging.nm.gov.
