June 15, 2010
Marshall Democrat-News
Visitors at Slater Senior Center were given a helping hand in combating elder abuse today, Tuesday, June 15.
Christine Thorp, of the Department of Health and Senior Services in Marshall, presented information on types of abuse.
"There are many different types of abuse," Thorp said. "There is emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect," she continued.
In addition, seniors' and disabled persons' medications are sometimes at risk of theft if they can be sold for profit.
The DHSS receives approximately 85 reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation per day. It received nearly 31,000 reports statewide in the last fiscal year. There were 170 situations specific to Saline County.
Some of these reports are simply a matter of differing standards of living. Thorp said roughly 10 percent can be traced to family members or concerned neighbors who feel an elderly person's home is not an adequate living situation.
"Everybody has the right to make their own choices," Thorp said.
An example given was if an elderly homeowner had ants in their home, a niece might feel the living conditions were inappropriate. As long as the resident is aware of the situation, it can be dealt with.
"Self-determination and the right to make your own choices are understood by the State of Missouri," Thorp said. "I look to see how I can help someone still live at home with dignity and respect."
Lucy Brandon, a coordinator of Slater Senior Center, agreed. Both the federal and state governments fund the center.
The senior center, as well as Thorp's office, works with residents to install grab bars in showers and ramps. They are committed to assisting elderly citizens with staying as independent as possible.
"Our state money has been cut back this year. But if the money's there, then we can get to putting equipment in homes," Brandon says.
A representative from Missouri Lion Eye Research Foundation is scheduled to be at Slater Senior Center Monday, June 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Anyone over the age of 60 is welcome to come by for a free glaucoma test.
If abuse is suspected, even without proof, the Elder Abuse Hotline number is 800-392-0210.
© Copyright 2010 Marshall Democrat-News.
SOURCE: Marshall News
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