Wall has passion for keeping seniors safe

Dr. Bob Wall is a well-respected volunteer and champion of the Elder Abuse Prevention Program put into action in Fallbrook by the Senior Volunteer Patrol at the Fallbrook Sheriff’s Substation.

Wall spent his early years in Long Beach and went into the Navy after high school. After his stint in the military, he delved into the real estate, lumber and construction business.

After retiring, his focus took a completely different direction. “I retired in 1984 and have been going to school ever since,” said Wall.

Following his retirement, Wall said he came to a point in his life in when he wanted to pursue an education. “I preached to my kids my whole life that <attending> college was not [optional]; I decided to take my own words of advice and do it,” he admitted.

When Wall completed his first degree, he continued to climb the educational ladder to the top, eventually earning his doctorate degrees in clinical hypnotherapy and psychology.

Wall moved to Fallbrook in the late 1990s.

“Years before, we traded some lumber for three half-acre lots of lumber,” said Wall. “I fell in love with the community and we moved here.”

What drew Wall to Fallbrook, he said, was the rural setting and the “neighborly ways.”

As far back as he can remember, Wall said he has always been interested in police work. While a spectator at a Fallbrook parade one day, he met a sergeant overseeing the festivities and they had a conversation. One thing led to another and Wall became a volunteer at the Fallbrook Substation in 1999.

The Elder Abuse Prevention Program was officially started in 2000. This program is special because the people involved are all volunteers and it is under the supervision of the San Diego Sheriff’s Department and Elder Abuse Unit.

Wall explained that when Adult Protective Service referrals are received, their department steps in.

“These are referrals of suspected elders in trouble or having difficulties,” Wall said. These referrals, he explains, come from Adult Protective Services, care advocates from other local agencies, deputies, emergency workers and citizens.

Once the referral is received, Wall and one of his partners physically visit the elder.

“Our first step is to go on an unannounced visit so we can get a true picture of the situation,” he said. From there, an assessment is made, an Adult Prevention Services caseworker is updated and decisions based on the best care for the elder are made.

“We want to keep seniors safe and in their homes for as long as possible,” said Wall.

According to Wall, elder abuse is becoming an epidemic, and at times the unit has received nearly 200 referrals per year.

“Not all of those were substantiated, but many have been leads to help people,” he said.

Members of the community are the eyes and ears of this program. Wall educates people on how to identify the signs of elder abuse, which may include: the elder being fearful of speaking, the elder being guarded when the caregiver is present, unusual bruising appearing on the elder or unusual activity appearing in financial accounts.

Financial abuse in the elderly is significant, said Wall. Because of this, Wall and his team continue to help educate bank institutions on fiduciary issues and how to spot ‘red flags’ when it comes to an elder’s account.

With tremendous commitment and compassion for the program, Wall confirms, “Elder abuse will always be a soft spot for me.”

If you suspect elder abuse, please call (800) 510-2020. All calls are kept confidential.