Weld County proclaims World Elder Abuse Awareness Day as APS reports 1,028 allegations in 2024

Weld County commissioners proclaimed June 15, 2025, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day during their June 11 meeting and heard from Tammy Grant, deputy director of the Weld County Department of Human Services, that Weld County Adult Protective Services investigated 1,028 allegations in 2024 — a 29% increase over 2023.

Grant told the board that APS “investigates, reports mistreatment, and coordinates appropriate services” and noted national estimates of elder mistreatment to underscore the need for awareness and prevention work.

The proclamation, read into the record at the meeting, says Weld County recognizes older adults as valued members of society and urges citizens to help prevent and identify abuse, exploitation and neglect. Grant said the department seeks the least-restrictive interventions while honoring individuals’ right to self-determination.

Commissioner Lynette Peppler addressed ageism and stereotyping during the remarks, saying the county should assume older residents remain “fully capable” unless proven otherwise and work to break assumptions that diminish older adults. Other commissioners thanked APS staff and invited community awareness of the issue.

The board signed the proclamation on the record; staff and several community partners attended the presentation and were named during the remarks. The meeting materials and remarks noted APS was recognized at the state level for compliance and invited to present best practices at a statewide meeting.

The commissioners encouraged public awareness and participation in local prevention efforts; the board noted an Elder Abuse Awareness walk scheduled the afternoon of the meeting.

The board did not take further formal policy action at the meeting on APS funding or program changes.