The Savvy Senior<\/p>\n
By Robert Goodman, MSW<\/p>\n
A Neighbor Needs Help<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Perhaps you know of someone who can no longer take care of him\/herself and has no one to help. Or perhaps you know of someone who is getting inadequate help. The question you need to ask is, does this person pose a danger to him\/herself (or others)?<\/p>\n
We all want to live independently for as long as we can. The idea of going into a nursing home is a horrible thought. Even assisted living is not considered a viable option by many. Families don\u2019t want to institutionalize their loved ones. An aide 24\/7 may not always be the best answer. So, what do we do?<\/p>\n
First, we are our neighbor\u2019s keeper. If you suspect a neighbor is having difficulty taking care of him\/herself you may want to voice your concern to a friend or member of the family. If no one is taking responsibility and that person is in need of help you can call a local social service agency or call your state abuse hotline (1.877-Elder80). You can call anonymously. The Elder Protection Center www.elderprotectioncenter.com lists the elder abuse hotlines for each state.<\/p>\n
Here are some indicators that there may be a need for intervention:<\/p>\n
1. APARTMENT:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Garbage piling up in the apartment.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Hazardous living conditions due to lack of repairs, utilities and\/or equipment<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Human excrement on floors and furniture<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Evidence of obvious fire hazards, such as piles of boxes, newspapers, old clothes, blocked exits<\/p>\n
2. FOOD AND CLOTHING:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Little or no food in the house<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Food is spoiled or lying around<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Insufficient\/inappropriate clothing for the weather<\/p>\n
When calling the Florida Abuse Hotline to report personal neglect (or abuse or exploitation), be prepared to provide the following information:<\/p>\n
1. Person\u2019s name, address or location, approximate age, race and sex;<\/p>\n
2. Physical, mental or behavioral indications that the person is infirm or disabled;<\/p>\n
3. Signs or indication of harm or injury or potential harm or injury (physical description or behavioral changes);<\/p>\n
4. Relationship of the person responsible for the senior\u2019s care, if known. If the relationship is unknown, a report will still be taken if other reporting criteria are met.<\/p>\n
The state agency assigned to investigate elder abuse will conduct an investigation of all reports received that alleges self-neglect by a vulnerable adult. The purpose of the investigation is to determine if there is evidence that a person is a danger to him\/herself, and if assistance is necessary to protect the individual\u2019s health and safety.<\/p>\n
A protective investigator from the department will make face-to-face contact with the vulnerable adult within 24 hours of receiving an abuse, neglect or exploitation report. The protective investigator will interview all people who may have knowledge of the victim\u2019s situation, evaluate the information obtained, and make a decision as to whether the reported allegations did or did not occur. The investigator then refers the case to an agency for<\/p>\n
follow up so the victim can get the services s\/he needs to be safe. This may include placement in a more suitable living environment.<\/p>\n
Remember to report abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation call your state Abuse Hotline. Help your neighbors who cannot help themselves.<\/p>\n
Many 211 services have a telephone reassurance program for those who are homebound.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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