Jamie Demers: Elderly especially vulnerable to sexual abuse
June 10, 2012
Sexual assault of older people? That doesn’t happen, does it?
June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day and many local agencies will provide education, resources and basic safety tips about elder abuse.
A Senior Resource Fair is being held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 15, at SeniorsPlus to provide information on the different aspects of elder abuse, 7 Falcon Road, Lewiston. To register, call 795-4010.
Sexual Assault Crisis Center advocates will be present for any person who wants assistance with a situation of elder abuse.
It does. In fact people who are older may be at a higher risk for sexual assault. They may have impaired hearing, diminished physical strength, limited mobility and may rely on others to help care for their personal needs.
Some may have a disease that limits their ability to consent or which impairs their memory. These factors increase their vulnerability to a sexual assault, either from an unknown person or from someone they know.
People over the age of 60 account for 18 percent of sexual assault victims. Older rape victims are more often severely injured by the sexual assault and, according to the Bureau of Justice, 2.6 percent of rape victims over 60 were murdered during the rape.
It is also estimated that there are 3.5 million women nationally 60 years or older who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse (Farris, M & Gibson, JW). In the Maine Crime Victimization Report, 32.1 percent of females and 5.3 percent of males said that they had been a victim of rape or attempted rape in their lifetime. It is reasonable to assume that these percentages are also true for people who are elderly, since the measure is about a lifetime experience.
Despite these facts, only 30 percent of elder victims report sexual assaults to the police. Most sexual assaults of older people are unreported because the victim may feel shame, guilt and fear. Or, the assault may have been committed by a person close to the victim, or a person responsible for their care.
By reporting the crime, the elderly person may worry that they will upset their family and bring about serious consequences to a loved one or caregiver. If the assailant is a caregiver, the older person may fear that they will lose support for their independence and be moved to an assisted living or residential care facility.
For older people who were sexually abused as children, telling may be especially difficult. They were told they should just forget about it, or think that because it happened long ago, they should not bring it up. They may feel that they should be “over it,” even though they are still impacted by that experience. And, since there were no resources available for them when the abuse occurred, they have not had any opportunity to get help in dealing with its impact.
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services, known in Androscoggin County as the Sexual Assault Crisis Center, recognizes the difficulty for older survivors to access services and talk about sexual assault. For the past several years, a SACC advocate has reached out to people who are elderly to provide services in a safe, comfortable, low barrier way.
Currently, the SACC advocate provides weekly drop-in services at four different elderly housing complexes. This has helped many elderly people be able to talk about the abuse and begin the process of healing without leaving their comfort zones or having their families involved.
Knowing the challenges for an older person to report a sexual assault, SACC has also been offering trainings in collaboration with the Androscoggin Elder Abuse Task Force to help people identify and respond to possible indicators of elder abuse, including sexual assault. These trainings are free of charge and are available to any community organization or group that works or interacts with people who are elderly.
Sexual assault of older people? It does happen. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault or is a victim of childhood sexual abuse and wants to talk about it, please contact the Sexual Assault Crisis Center at 207-784-5272 or call the 24 hour hotline at 1-800-871-7741.
Jamie Demers is the SACC outreach coordinator for Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services.
SOURCE: The Sun Journal
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June 11, 2012
Fundraiser for Identity Theft Awareness
By Schuyler Budde
Jun 9, 2012
BILLINGS - According to the Bureau of Justice, more then one million people over the age of 65 were targeted by identity thieves in 2011.
The Partners in Elder Protection and Montana Mobile Document Shredding held a fundraiser on Saturday in an effort to reverse those statistics. Their mission is to increase awareness of elder abuse in Billings. The event gave the community an opportunity to shred outdated, sensitive, and confidential documents.
"We know that people dig through dumpsters, we know that people dig through trash. The criminal element will do that looking for your personal identifiers. That's why it is important, no matter what your age, especially the elderly, which are a vulnerable group, to make sure they shred their documents so that they're not taken advantage of," said Jessica Fehr, Assistant U.S. Attorney.
SOURCE: KULR8
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By Schuyler Budde
Jun 9, 2012
BILLINGS - According to the Bureau of Justice, more then one million people over the age of 65 were targeted by identity thieves in 2011.
The Partners in Elder Protection and Montana Mobile Document Shredding held a fundraiser on Saturday in an effort to reverse those statistics. Their mission is to increase awareness of elder abuse in Billings. The event gave the community an opportunity to shred outdated, sensitive, and confidential documents.
"We know that people dig through dumpsters, we know that people dig through trash. The criminal element will do that looking for your personal identifiers. That's why it is important, no matter what your age, especially the elderly, which are a vulnerable group, to make sure they shred their documents so that they're not taken advantage of," said Jessica Fehr, Assistant U.S. Attorney.
SOURCE: KULR8
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Fullerton Man Charged in Ponzi Scheme Targeting Elderlly
Fullerton man charged in Ponzi scheme targeting elderly
Michael Z. Zuniga and an associate bilked 18 victims out of nearly $700,000.
June 9, 2012
By SCOTT MARTINDALE / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A Fullerton man has been arrested on charges he co-ran a $1.3 million real estate fraud scheme targeting Latino investors, many of whom were elderly, authorities announced Friday.
Michael Z. Zuniga, 41, was taken into custody earlier this month on multiple counts of grand theft, elder abuse and securities fraud in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme, state officials said. His bail was set at $50,000.
Zuniga and his business partner, Edwin G. Salazar, 34, of Downey, are accused of bilking 18 people out of nearly $700,000 in funds over an 18-month period. The pair used the funds for personal uses, authorities said.
Between January 2007 and June 2008, the licensed insurance agents, operating as Omega Investment Group of Downey, issued more than $1.3 million in fraudulent securities, authorities said.
"The investor gave them money, and they issued to the investor a security, but it was a false security and there was nothing to back it up," state Department of Justice spokeswoman Lynda Gledhill said Saturday.
Authorities said the investors, who were often senior citizens, were convinced to refinance their homes and take out money to invest in Omega.
Zuniga and Salazar allegedly promised the investors a guaranteed 15 percent return on investment, claiming it was "risk-free" because of Omega's strong track record of buying and selling homes in foreclosure, authorities said.
But in classic Ponzi fashion, the pair used new investments to pay off previous investors, authorities said.
"What victims thought was a resourceful real estate investment only brought them losses and heartbreak," state Attorney General Kamala D. Harris said in a statement.
Gledhill said Omega has since been shut down, but the investigation is ongoing.
– City News Service contributed to this report.
SOURCE: The OrangeCountyRegister
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Michael Z. Zuniga and an associate bilked 18 victims out of nearly $700,000.
June 9, 2012
By SCOTT MARTINDALE / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A Fullerton man has been arrested on charges he co-ran a $1.3 million real estate fraud scheme targeting Latino investors, many of whom were elderly, authorities announced Friday.
Michael Z. Zuniga, 41, was taken into custody earlier this month on multiple counts of grand theft, elder abuse and securities fraud in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme, state officials said. His bail was set at $50,000.
Zuniga and his business partner, Edwin G. Salazar, 34, of Downey, are accused of bilking 18 people out of nearly $700,000 in funds over an 18-month period. The pair used the funds for personal uses, authorities said.
Between January 2007 and June 2008, the licensed insurance agents, operating as Omega Investment Group of Downey, issued more than $1.3 million in fraudulent securities, authorities said.
"The investor gave them money, and they issued to the investor a security, but it was a false security and there was nothing to back it up," state Department of Justice spokeswoman Lynda Gledhill said Saturday.
Authorities said the investors, who were often senior citizens, were convinced to refinance their homes and take out money to invest in Omega.
Zuniga and Salazar allegedly promised the investors a guaranteed 15 percent return on investment, claiming it was "risk-free" because of Omega's strong track record of buying and selling homes in foreclosure, authorities said.
But in classic Ponzi fashion, the pair used new investments to pay off previous investors, authorities said.
"What victims thought was a resourceful real estate investment only brought them losses and heartbreak," state Attorney General Kamala D. Harris said in a statement.
Gledhill said Omega has since been shut down, but the investigation is ongoing.
– City News Service contributed to this report.
SOURCE: The OrangeCountyRegister
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Elder Abuse: Shedding Light n Society's Shadowy Shame (CANADA)
Edmonton Journal
June 8, 2012
Edmontonians have shown great courage and generosity in assisting the needy when crises arise like the Slave Lake fire in 2011. We have shown that we care and know what to do in these situations.
But when faced with cases of abuse, we have less knowledge and seem less committed to dealing with the problem.
We can get stuck on the idea it is a family matter and we have no right to intervene. Or we might think that if we do step in, it could make the abuse worse.
But like the damage caused by an unchecked wildfire, the fallout from elder abuse will only continue if we fail to act. We need to realize that elder abuse is a community issue, just as we as a society are working toward this realization with spousal and child abuse.
As a society we have grown more accustomed to talking about personal problems. But we still find it difficult to talk about abuses perpetrated on us by our own family. Just as we take pride in our children's successes, we somehow see our own flaws in our children's failures.
Although many agencies have emerged in the past 15 years to deal with this complex social issue, many cases of abuse remain undisclosed and untreated.
Seniors can suffer from depression, anxiety and fear, as well as physical injuries. Living with abuse can be overwhelming.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is on June 15. If we don't become more aware of elder abuse, it is only going to escalate as our population ages. It impacts how we all live, not just as families but as a community.
As a neighbour, friend or family member, become alert to elder abuse and give seniors the support they need to get help.
The Seniors Abuse Help Line is 780-454-8888.
Pat Power, social worker, Edmonton Elder Abuse Intervention Team
© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal
SOURCE: The Edmonton Journal
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June 8, 2012
Edmontonians have shown great courage and generosity in assisting the needy when crises arise like the Slave Lake fire in 2011. We have shown that we care and know what to do in these situations.
But when faced with cases of abuse, we have less knowledge and seem less committed to dealing with the problem.
We can get stuck on the idea it is a family matter and we have no right to intervene. Or we might think that if we do step in, it could make the abuse worse.
But like the damage caused by an unchecked wildfire, the fallout from elder abuse will only continue if we fail to act. We need to realize that elder abuse is a community issue, just as we as a society are working toward this realization with spousal and child abuse.
As a society we have grown more accustomed to talking about personal problems. But we still find it difficult to talk about abuses perpetrated on us by our own family. Just as we take pride in our children's successes, we somehow see our own flaws in our children's failures.
Although many agencies have emerged in the past 15 years to deal with this complex social issue, many cases of abuse remain undisclosed and untreated.
Seniors can suffer from depression, anxiety and fear, as well as physical injuries. Living with abuse can be overwhelming.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is on June 15. If we don't become more aware of elder abuse, it is only going to escalate as our population ages. It impacts how we all live, not just as families but as a community.
As a neighbour, friend or family member, become alert to elder abuse and give seniors the support they need to get help.
The Seniors Abuse Help Line is 780-454-8888.
Pat Power, social worker, Edmonton Elder Abuse Intervention Team
© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal
SOURCE: The Edmonton Journal
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Elder Abuse and Neglect
Elder abuse is an under recognized problem with devastating and even life threatening consequences.
Every day, seniors across this country are being abused, neglected, and exploited; often by people they trust the most. Abusers may be spouses, family members, personal acquaintances, professionals in positions of trust; or opportunistic strangers who prey on the vulnerable. And this abuse tends to take place where the senior lives: in their own homes, in relatives’ homes, and even in facilities responsible for their care.
Over a half a million cases of abuse against senior Americans are reported to authorities each year and officials estimate that millions more go unreported. No one is immune: It can happen to any older individual – your neighbor, your loved one - it can even happen to you.
According to Missouri law, elder abuse is the infliction of physical, sexual, or emotional injury or harm including financial exploitation by any person, firm or corporation upon any person sixty years of age or older, or any adult with a disability between the ages of eighteen and fifty-nine, who is unable to protect his or her own interests or adequately perform or obtain services which are necessary to meet his or her essential human needs. (Section 660.053, 660.250 RSMo)
What Should I Look For?
Abuse of elders can manifest itself in many different ways. At first, one may be reluctant to take seriously the abuse of a senior by accepting any indicators as signs of dementia or frailty. While it is true that mental deterioration often accompanies aging, if you suspect abuse, even on the smallest scale, trust your instincts and watch for the signs below.
General signs of abuse
In general, elder abuse may produce:
• Frequent arguments or tension between the caregiver and the elderly person
• Changes in personality or behavior in the elder
Or specifically:
Physical abuse
Physical elder abuse is intentional use of force against an elderly person that results in physical pain, injury, or impairment.
• slap marks
• unexplained bruises
• most pressure marks
• signs of being restrained
• certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns
Emotional abuse
Persons who are causing emotional strain on seniors may speak or treat elderly persons in ways that cause significant distress by using intimidation through yelling or threats, humiliation through ridicule, or habitual blaming or scapegoating. Non-verbal psychological stress could result from ignoring the elderly person, isolating the senior from friends or activities, or terrorizing the elderly person.
If you suspect a senior is being emotionally abused, watch for the following signs:
• withdrawal from normal activities
• unexplained changes in alertness
• signs that mimic dementia like rocking, sucking or mumbling to oneself
• other unusual behavioral changes
Sexual abuse
In regards to elders, sexual abuse is any form of sexual contact with a senior without the senior’s consent. The contact is not limited to physical sexual acts, but may include activities such as showing an elderly person pornographic material, forcing the senior to watch overt sexual acts, or making the elder undress for the purpose of viewing.
If the senior is a resident of a skilled nursing facility, consent of the victim is not a defense to a prosecution. (Section 565.200 RSMo)
Warning signs of sexual abuse may include:
• bruising around the breasts
• bruising or bleeding around the genital areas
• unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
• torn, stained or bloody undergarments
In Missouri, contact:
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
PO Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
Phone: 573-751-4842
Elder Abuse and Neglect Hotline 800-392-0210
TDD 800-669-8819 or through Relay Missouri 800-676-3777
Email: info@health.mo.gov
(Please visit SOURCE for the full article)
Abridged
SOURCE: CopeOfLebanon
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Every day, seniors across this country are being abused, neglected, and exploited; often by people they trust the most. Abusers may be spouses, family members, personal acquaintances, professionals in positions of trust; or opportunistic strangers who prey on the vulnerable. And this abuse tends to take place where the senior lives: in their own homes, in relatives’ homes, and even in facilities responsible for their care.
Over a half a million cases of abuse against senior Americans are reported to authorities each year and officials estimate that millions more go unreported. No one is immune: It can happen to any older individual – your neighbor, your loved one - it can even happen to you.
According to Missouri law, elder abuse is the infliction of physical, sexual, or emotional injury or harm including financial exploitation by any person, firm or corporation upon any person sixty years of age or older, or any adult with a disability between the ages of eighteen and fifty-nine, who is unable to protect his or her own interests or adequately perform or obtain services which are necessary to meet his or her essential human needs. (Section 660.053, 660.250 RSMo)
What Should I Look For?
Abuse of elders can manifest itself in many different ways. At first, one may be reluctant to take seriously the abuse of a senior by accepting any indicators as signs of dementia or frailty. While it is true that mental deterioration often accompanies aging, if you suspect abuse, even on the smallest scale, trust your instincts and watch for the signs below.
General signs of abuse
In general, elder abuse may produce:
• Frequent arguments or tension between the caregiver and the elderly person
• Changes in personality or behavior in the elder
Or specifically:
Physical abuse
Physical elder abuse is intentional use of force against an elderly person that results in physical pain, injury, or impairment.
• slap marks
• unexplained bruises
• most pressure marks
• signs of being restrained
• certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns
Emotional abuse
Persons who are causing emotional strain on seniors may speak or treat elderly persons in ways that cause significant distress by using intimidation through yelling or threats, humiliation through ridicule, or habitual blaming or scapegoating. Non-verbal psychological stress could result from ignoring the elderly person, isolating the senior from friends or activities, or terrorizing the elderly person.
If you suspect a senior is being emotionally abused, watch for the following signs:
• withdrawal from normal activities
• unexplained changes in alertness
• signs that mimic dementia like rocking, sucking or mumbling to oneself
• other unusual behavioral changes
Sexual abuse
In regards to elders, sexual abuse is any form of sexual contact with a senior without the senior’s consent. The contact is not limited to physical sexual acts, but may include activities such as showing an elderly person pornographic material, forcing the senior to watch overt sexual acts, or making the elder undress for the purpose of viewing.
If the senior is a resident of a skilled nursing facility, consent of the victim is not a defense to a prosecution. (Section 565.200 RSMo)
Warning signs of sexual abuse may include:
• bruising around the breasts
• bruising or bleeding around the genital areas
• unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
• torn, stained or bloody undergarments
In Missouri, contact:
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
PO Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
Phone: 573-751-4842
Elder Abuse and Neglect Hotline 800-392-0210
TDD 800-669-8819 or through Relay Missouri 800-676-3777
Email: info@health.mo.gov
(Please visit SOURCE for the full article)
Abridged
SOURCE: CopeOfLebanon
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Awareness of Elder Abuse (UK)
Awareness of abuse
7th June 2012
THE Vale Older People’s Strategy Forum will be hosting an event in the Library, King Square, Barry, on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, on Friday, June 15, from 9.15am-3pm.
The newly appointed Older Peoples Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira will be visiting the event at 10.15am.
You will be able to get information on how to recognise Elder Abuse. Other information stalls will include Atal-Y-Fro, Community Safety, Cardiff Women’s Aid, AdvantAGE scheme, Vale Volunteer Bureau, TeleV, Supported Housing and housing benefits.
Come along and meet your local older people’s strategy forum representatives.
Jane Weldon Executive Member Vale OPSF
SOURCE: The BarryAndDistrict News
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7th June 2012
THE Vale Older People’s Strategy Forum will be hosting an event in the Library, King Square, Barry, on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, on Friday, June 15, from 9.15am-3pm.
The newly appointed Older Peoples Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira will be visiting the event at 10.15am.
You will be able to get information on how to recognise Elder Abuse. Other information stalls will include Atal-Y-Fro, Community Safety, Cardiff Women’s Aid, AdvantAGE scheme, Vale Volunteer Bureau, TeleV, Supported Housing and housing benefits.
Come along and meet your local older people’s strategy forum representatives.
Jane Weldon Executive Member Vale OPSF
SOURCE: The BarryAndDistrict News
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Avoiding Home Improvement Scams (NY. USA)
Avoiding home improvement scams
“The Informed Consumer”
By Press Release
Bath Courier
Jun 07, 2012
Bath, NY —
With the arrival of spring many homeowners are beginning to contemplate home improvement projects. Whether you are planning a large scale renovation or a small improvement make sure you hire a trustworthy, reliable and skilled contractor to help you achieve your goals. Be wary of potential scam artists showing up at your door and offering discounted services. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.
To ensure a pleasant home improvement experience, follow these helpful tips from the New York Department of State, Division of Consumer Protection:
First, ask your local building inspector if home improvement contractors are required to obtain a license. Certain counties require home improvement contractors to attain a license prior to performing work. In addition, all contractors, regardless of location must carry proof of insurance coverage.
Second, get written cost estimates. Get at least three bids in writing and compare based on the same warranty, specifications, labor and time.
Third, ask for references. Once you have narrowed down your potential list of contractors, make sure to ask for a list of local references and previous projects completed.
Fourth, insist on a detailed contract and get everything in writing. Never allow work to begin without a signed contract that includes start and completion dates, exact costs, a statement of work to be done and warranty information.
For more information about avoiding home improvement scams, or to file a consumer complaint visit dos.ny.gov.
This article was sponsored by New York Department of State, AARP, the Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, NY State Office for the Aging (SOFA) and the Free Community Papers of New York.
SOURCE: The Steuben Courier
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“The Informed Consumer”
By Press Release
Bath Courier
Jun 07, 2012
Bath, NY —
With the arrival of spring many homeowners are beginning to contemplate home improvement projects. Whether you are planning a large scale renovation or a small improvement make sure you hire a trustworthy, reliable and skilled contractor to help you achieve your goals. Be wary of potential scam artists showing up at your door and offering discounted services. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.
To ensure a pleasant home improvement experience, follow these helpful tips from the New York Department of State, Division of Consumer Protection:
First, ask your local building inspector if home improvement contractors are required to obtain a license. Certain counties require home improvement contractors to attain a license prior to performing work. In addition, all contractors, regardless of location must carry proof of insurance coverage.
Second, get written cost estimates. Get at least three bids in writing and compare based on the same warranty, specifications, labor and time.
Third, ask for references. Once you have narrowed down your potential list of contractors, make sure to ask for a list of local references and previous projects completed.
Fourth, insist on a detailed contract and get everything in writing. Never allow work to begin without a signed contract that includes start and completion dates, exact costs, a statement of work to be done and warranty information.
For more information about avoiding home improvement scams, or to file a consumer complaint visit dos.ny.gov.
This article was sponsored by New York Department of State, AARP, the Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, NY State Office for the Aging (SOFA) and the Free Community Papers of New York.
SOURCE: The Steuben Courier
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June 9, 2012
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)
15/06/2012 - 15/06/2012
© Julia Freeman Woolpert | SXC
Worldwide - June 15th 2012
The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) happens each year on June 15th. It was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011, following a request by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), who first established the commemoration in June 2006.
It represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted to some of our older generations.
Elder Abuse is a global social issue which affects the Health and Human Rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community.
Individuals, communities, municipalities and organisations come together and hold events to raise awareness of elder abuse on June 15th. As in previous years, many activities will be held in 2012, hoping to bring greater recognition of the mistreatment of older adults wherever they live throughout the world and to highlight the need for appropriate action.
More information on Elder Abuse available at:
• The European Reference framework Online for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and Neglect
• The World Health Organisation
• WeDO: Wellbeing and Dignity for Older people (AGE Platform Europe)
• Action on Elder Abuse (UK)
• Adresa: Worldwide
SOURCE: EUROPA.Eu
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June 7, 2012
Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15
Jun. 6, 2012
COSHOCTON -- Elder Abuse is becoming a growing problem in
the U.S. with only one out of five incidences of elder abuse being reported. In
2011, Ohio received a total of 14,976 reports of elder abuse, neglect or
exploitation.
Some of the areas of abuse to be aware of are physical,
sexual and emotional abuse, exploitation and neglect. Warning signs include
unexplained worsening of medical condition, unexplained injuries, malnutrition,
lack of proper hygiene, extreme withdrawal, paranoia, depression or confusion.
If you know an individual age 59 or older who is being
abused or neglected, call the Coshocton County Job and Family Services at (740)
622-1020. JFS is responsible for investigating reported cases of elder abuse
and neglect, as well as providing victims and their families with protective
services.
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Linda Pearce - The Plight of the Elderly
Linda Pearce - The plight of the elderly
By Linda Pearce
June 6, 2012
For the StarNews
Those of us in the business of providing care for the elderly in our community are not shocked by recent articles about elder abuse and neglect. We have several epidemics in our country, but one not often talked about is the plight of the elderly among us.
Growing old can be a challenge at best. The most fortunate elderly have a loving family who dote on them; take them into their homes, if necessary, and provide care as long as it is needed.
For many people, it doesn't quite work that way. Our society is designed for those who can keep up. If anything happens in your life – physically, mentally or economically – to change your norm, you're apt to be in big trouble. To have support from within the family is utopia, but to navigate the system by oneself challenges even those of us who think we know the system.
Neglect becomes a constant companion as many older people try to fend for themselves, often with a diminished mental capacity. With adult children living long distances away, neighbors not knowing each other and churches expected to do more and more with less funds coming in from their congregations, the situation becomes fairly predictable – sometimes with deadly consequences.
Our region has historically been fairly progressive with fine senior centers, adult day care, congregate meal sites, a strong – albeit insufficient – Meals on Wheels program, all kinds of facilities of long term care, elderly ombudsmen, housing for the elderly and a strong volunteer community to provide the extra hands that a family needs. With all of this, caregivers still struggle under the weight of care for their love ones.
Our decision-makers in the state need to realize the very real consequences of making decisions based solely on fiscal deficits. We must be creative in finding ways to support businesses and nonprofits that are helping the most vulnerable among us. There is no easy fix, but trying to connect elderly persons who have issues with programs that can help is a start.
Elderhaus' board grabbed an opportunity to be one of four pilots in the state that allows caregivers to get a much-needed break by reserving an overnight bed, in advance, for their elderly relative. The senior may stay up to 14 nights at a time to allow caregivers to replenish themselves or to get away for a vacation for themselves which, ultimately, results in better care for their loved ones.
Caregivers who need temporary breaks may avail themselves of this unique opportunity. This opportunity also addresses what one does with their loved one if the caregivers, themselves, are ill or need a short overnight hospital stay. This can send a family in a tailspin which often spells neglect for the elderly family member who is faced with caring for himself or herself short-term.
I hope families will see that caring for their elderly loved ones does not have to mean they have to give up all their time and energy. If you are a caregiver, share your needs so that other family members, friends, neighbors, churches and organizations may attempt to fill them.
Folks just need to know how to help. Be specific and you'll be surprised how many are willing to help.
It is my hope that all of us who know families who are struggling in their caring for the elderly will stretch just a little and do what we can to help these unsung heroes in our communities.
Our country's track record is dismal when compared to many other countries in the world. We need to do better. Thank you to all who volunteer, minister, serve on boards, give donations and support all of us. We do need and appreciate it. Come on. We can do this, people!
Linda Pearce is founder and executive director of Elderhaus, an adult day care program.
SOURCE: The StarNewsOnline
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By Linda Pearce
June 6, 2012
For the StarNews
Those of us in the business of providing care for the elderly in our community are not shocked by recent articles about elder abuse and neglect. We have several epidemics in our country, but one not often talked about is the plight of the elderly among us.
Growing old can be a challenge at best. The most fortunate elderly have a loving family who dote on them; take them into their homes, if necessary, and provide care as long as it is needed.
For many people, it doesn't quite work that way. Our society is designed for those who can keep up. If anything happens in your life – physically, mentally or economically – to change your norm, you're apt to be in big trouble. To have support from within the family is utopia, but to navigate the system by oneself challenges even those of us who think we know the system.
Neglect becomes a constant companion as many older people try to fend for themselves, often with a diminished mental capacity. With adult children living long distances away, neighbors not knowing each other and churches expected to do more and more with less funds coming in from their congregations, the situation becomes fairly predictable – sometimes with deadly consequences.
Our region has historically been fairly progressive with fine senior centers, adult day care, congregate meal sites, a strong – albeit insufficient – Meals on Wheels program, all kinds of facilities of long term care, elderly ombudsmen, housing for the elderly and a strong volunteer community to provide the extra hands that a family needs. With all of this, caregivers still struggle under the weight of care for their love ones.
Our decision-makers in the state need to realize the very real consequences of making decisions based solely on fiscal deficits. We must be creative in finding ways to support businesses and nonprofits that are helping the most vulnerable among us. There is no easy fix, but trying to connect elderly persons who have issues with programs that can help is a start.
Elderhaus' board grabbed an opportunity to be one of four pilots in the state that allows caregivers to get a much-needed break by reserving an overnight bed, in advance, for their elderly relative. The senior may stay up to 14 nights at a time to allow caregivers to replenish themselves or to get away for a vacation for themselves which, ultimately, results in better care for their loved ones.
Caregivers who need temporary breaks may avail themselves of this unique opportunity. This opportunity also addresses what one does with their loved one if the caregivers, themselves, are ill or need a short overnight hospital stay. This can send a family in a tailspin which often spells neglect for the elderly family member who is faced with caring for himself or herself short-term.
I hope families will see that caring for their elderly loved ones does not have to mean they have to give up all their time and energy. If you are a caregiver, share your needs so that other family members, friends, neighbors, churches and organizations may attempt to fill them.
Folks just need to know how to help. Be specific and you'll be surprised how many are willing to help.
It is my hope that all of us who know families who are struggling in their caring for the elderly will stretch just a little and do what we can to help these unsung heroes in our communities.
Our country's track record is dismal when compared to many other countries in the world. We need to do better. Thank you to all who volunteer, minister, serve on boards, give donations and support all of us. We do need and appreciate it. Come on. We can do this, people!
Linda Pearce is founder and executive director of Elderhaus, an adult day care program.
SOURCE: The StarNewsOnline
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