When people reach their "golden years," one of the last things they want to worry about is whether they can keep a roof over their heads. But after a couple of Texassized gulley washers, that's exactly the dilemma Hilda Taylor of Comanche faced.

"We had this incredible rain. It was like the Mississippi River was running through here," said Mrs. Taylor, 71.

One storm, she said, created a leak in the roof that rotted out the floor of a bathroom. Then the sink and toilet sank into the foundation.

Another deluge created a leak in the main living area, causing the ceiling to cave in. It also left a hole where mice, rats and cats entered the house.

Mrs. Taylor, who has been on her own since 2002 when her husband died of heart problems, does not have the resources to maintain her house.

"I am living on half of the money I had when my husband was alive," she said, "but the bills are the same. Home repair and remodeling costs more, and since I am older there are fewer things that I can do myself. I have children, but they live in Germany. There are neighbors who are willing to help, but they don't always have the time."

Adult Protective Services is reminding Texans that stopping elder abuse and neglect is everyone's responsibility. This marks the third year of the campaign, "It's Everyone's Business."

The statewide effort educates Texans about the problem of abuse, neglect and exploitation of the elderly and adults with disabilities, and encourages citizens to get involved in making a positive difference.

An Adult Abuse Prevention Kit, available in English and Spanish, is being distributed to hospitals, faith-based organizations, libraries, home health agencies, senior centers, Area Agencies on Aging and other partners. The kit and other resources are available online at www.everyonesbusiness.org.

Since Mrs. Taylor's husband was in the armed forces, she first approached the Veterans Administration about benefits. "When I was younger, I never thought stuff like this would happen to me. I'd look at people less fortunate and wonder how they let themselves go like that.

"Now it's me. I didn't end up this way on purpose."

Staff at the Veterans Administration contacted Adult Protective Services, and the case was assigned to Shauna Wells, a caseworker in Brownwood, who worked with a local roofer and used an emergency fund to supplement money from Mrs. Taylor's insurance company.

Ms. Wells also helped her client apply for a rural development loan from the USDA to fix the rest of the house.

"I never met any official who was as warm and helpful," said Mrs. Taylor about her caseworker. "I thought that was a friend helping me. I didn't pay any attention that it was someone working for the government."

If you believe an elderly person is being abused, neglected or exploited, report it by calling the Texas Abuse Hotline at (800) 252- 5400 or visiting www.txabusehotline. org.