ADRC Equity Statement:

The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County is welcoming and safe for all. We are committed to serving with equity in mind. No judgement, assumptions or shame.

There are no income requirements to utilize the services of the ADRC. ADRC's assist anyone age 60 and over, as well as adults age18-59 living with disabilities.

ADRC services are also available to family members, friends, caregivers and professionals working with these populations.

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder Abuse refers to intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted individuals that cause harm to an older person. Elder Abuse can take many forms, including:

• Neglect or Isolation

• Physical Abuse

• Sexual Abuse

• Financial abuse and exploitation

• Emotional or psychological abuse

• Self-Neglect due to numerous factors

During 2022 Eau Claire County Adult Protective Services:

• Completed 113 investigations regarding fnancial exploitation with the potential loss of $881, 442.

• Completed 93 investigations regarding neglect from others.

• Completed 180 investigations regarding neglect self-neglect.

Elder Abuse affects older people across all socioeconomic groups, cultures, and races and can occur anywhere when they are disconnected from social supports.

Common Risk Factors:

• Dementia or similar debilitating disease processes.

• Mental health or substance abuse issues of an older person and/or a maltreater.

• Social isolation.

• Poor physical health.

• Family/Care Providers dependent on elder’s income or property.

• Elder’s care needs exceeding in-home supports available.

Elder Abuse is considered an “invisible” problem.

Elder abuse usually occurs behind closed doors. Many people who experience elder abuse are reluctant to report abuse due to:

• Feeling ashamed and embarrassed, particularly if a family member is the abuser.

• Being afraid that the abuser will get in trouble.

• Worrying that they will be forced to leave their home or live in a nursing home.

• Feeling guilty or that they are somehow to blame.

• Denying that the abuse is occurring or unaware that what they are experiencing is abuse or neglect.

• Being afraid that if they report, the abuse will get worse.

• Depending on the abuser/family member to support them in their home.

What can you do?

It is up to everyone to prevent and address elder abuse. In Eau Claire County report concerns to Eau Claire County Adult Protective Services via Centralized Access Unit at 715-839-7118. If you believe that an older person is in a situation that is life threatening call 911.

The advertisements in this newsletter are obtained from the printing company LPI, not the ADRC. The ADRC provides unbiased information and assistance to those we serve.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The primary purpose of the ADRC is to provide the customer with unbiased information about services that will meet their needs. This includes sharing information with customers about agencies that provide needed services. The ADRC may operate programs that provide direct services to customers. The ADRC Specialist:

• Cannot attempt to influence customers for fnancial gain or other self-interests.

• Cannot attempt to influence customers in the interest of any service or program provider, including the ADRC itself. The ADRC is prohibited from using revenue generated from direct service programs to support the ADRC Specialist program.

The ADRC is excited to be teaming up with Eau Claire County Parks and Forest again! This time the ADRC has utilized specialized transportation funding to purchase two ADA Compliant Paddle Boats for use at Coon Fork Park. These boats can be reserved ahead of time by calling the Coon Fork Offce at 715-975-0000; they can also be reserved the day-of on a frst-come frst-serve basis. The cost is $6.00/hour.

ADA Compliant paddle boats are powered by feet OR hands, making it accessible for more individuals to enjoy the lake.

*Anticipated availability is mid-June. Contact Coon Fork offce directly for availability.

You have options!

Many folks come to us with no services or help in the home and think that moving to a facility is the only option. There are MANY kinds of services and resources that can lighten the load or make living at home safer. Of course, every situation is different and sometimes moving really is the obvious and only safe solution, but so many times there are services or pieces of equipment that can transform the situation. Moving to a facility can also use up a nest egg pretty quickly, whereas spending a smaller amount on in-home care can stretch that much further. We understand that paying for something that you used to do yourself, like cleaning those ceiling fans every spring, can be a hard pill to swallow, but so worth it if it prevents an injury!

You can tell us your GOAL and ADRC ‘Options Counselors’ will talk through options.

The ADRC can help you consider whether a move to a facility is best for you and your fnancial situation. A “preadmission consultation” provides people with the information they need to make informed decisions, before they make a move.

Tornado Safety Tips

Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes per year and the peak season is April to August.

Warning Signs include:

 Color change of the sky

 Wall clouds

 Swirly debris on ground or rising up in the air

 Large hail

 Funnel-shaped cloud extending from a thunderstorm

 Roaring noise, similar to a freight train

Steps to take during a tornado:

 Immediately go to a safe location: basement or lower level, internal room with no windows.

 Pay attention to NOAA Weather Radio, or local news & alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.

 Protect yourself by covering your head or neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around or on top of you.

 If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to shelter, lie low in a ditch, cover your head and neck with your arms, avoid overpasses, bridges and wooded areas.

 Shelter in place until storm passes.