Welcome to the Rockdale County PEARL Program.
Who Must We Protect?
Elderly persons 65 and older
Adults between the ages of 18-64 with a disability or,
Disabled adults or elderly persons who are alleged to be a victim of Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation or Self Neglect.
Types of Elder Abuse –
Elder abuse is a term used to describe five subtypes of abuse: physical abuse, financial fraud, scams and exploitation, caregiver neglect and abandonment, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse. Elder abuse is a serious crime against some of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens. Together with our federal, state, and local partners, the PEARL program is committed to combating the following types of abuse towards the elderly and at-risk individuals of Rockdale County.
Bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, or rope marks
Bone fractures, broken bones, or skull fractures
Open wounds, cuts, punctures, or untreated injuries in various stages of healing
Sprains, dislocations, or internal injuries/bleeding
Broken eyeglasses/frames, physical signs of being subjected to punishment, or signs of being restrained
Laboratory findings of medication overdose or under-utilization of prescribed drugs
An elder’s report of being hit, slapped, kicked, or mistreated
An elder’s sudden change in behavior
The caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors to see an elder alone
Sudden changes in bank accounts or banking practices, including an unexplained withdrawal of large sums of money by a person accompanying the elder
The inclusion of additional names on an elder’s bank signature card
Unauthorized withdrawal of the elder’s funds using the elder’s ATM card
Abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents
Unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions
Substandard care being provided, or delinquent bills despite the availability of adequate financial resources.
Discovery of an elder’s signature being forged for financial transactions or for the titles of his/her possessions
Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming their rights to an elder’s property or possessions
Unexplained sudden transfer of assets to a family member or someone outside the family
The provision of services that are not necessary
An elder’s report of financial exploitation.
Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores, or poor personal hygiene
Unattended or untreated health problems
Hazardous, unsafe living condition or arrangements (e.g., improper wiring, no heat, or no running water)
Unsanitary and unclean living conditions (e.g., dirt, fleas, lice on person, soiled bedding, fecal/urine smell, inadequate clothing)
An elder’s report of being neglected
The desertion of an elder at a hospital, nursing facility, or other similar institution
An elder’s report of being abandoned
Being emotionally upset or agitated
Being extremely withdrawn, non-communicative or non-responsive
Unusual behavior, such as sucking, biting, rocking
An elder’s report of being verbally or emotionally mistreated
Witnessing a caregiver controlling or isolating a senior
Exhibiting a change in sleeping patterns or eating habits
Personality changes, such as apologizing excessively, depression or anxiety
Bruises around the breasts or genital area
Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections
Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
Changes in a senior’s demeanor, such as showing fear or becoming withdrawn when a specific person is around
Evidence of pornographic material being shown to a senior with diminished capacity
Blood found on sheets, linens or a senior’s clothing
An elder’s report of being sexually assaulted or raped
