Welcome to the Rockdale County PEARL Program.

What exactly is the PEARL program?

Protecting our Elderly and At-Risk with Resources for better Living

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 abusefinancial fraudscams and exploitationcaregiver neglect and abandonmentpsychological 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