Page 14
Tidbits of Casper - For Advertising call 307-473-8661 • 161 South Fenway, Casper, WY
Know the Signs of Senior Abuse
Sometimes it takes watchful eyes to keep seniors safe. Whether it’s physical, emotional or financial abuse, or any other kind, those who come in contact with seniors can look for signs that all is not well. In banking, if you spot a senior who seems distressed and who repeatedly takes large sums of money out of an account (or changes his or her routine), that senior might be a victim of abuse or a scam. (Seniors, don’t use the drive-up teller window. Go inside so staff can get to know you. Sign a new signature card every six months so your handwriting sample is current.) If you spot personality changes in a senior, the cause might be physical -or it might be a result of abuse. Ask what’s going on. If a senior who used to dress immaculately is now wearing the same clothes for days in a row, ask. If a senior is no longer as sociable or doesn’t participate in previous activities, ask. If you spot bruises or injury, ask. In a caregiver or hospital situation, you might see lack of care or physical abuse. A neighbor who’s had relatives move in might suddenly change his or her routines. At home, the senior might be denied food or medicine or mail. If you want more information to help seniors, go online to the National Center on Elder Abuse (www.ncea.aoa.gov) or call 1-855-500-3537. Learn about the signs of abuse and what you can do when you suspect it’s taking place. Check eldercare. gov, or call 1-800-677-1116. You’ll find information on getting help for housing, in-home services, long-term care, nutrition ... and abuse. Seniors, if you think you’re being abused in any way, call the police. You don’t have to put up with abusive treatment. Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com. © 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.
• This tip will change your life when peeling eggs: After you have hardboiled your eggs, drain them and leave them in the pot. Put the lid on the pot and shake. Shake in all directions for up to a minute. The eggs practically slip right out of their shells. Just rinse and prep. -- JoAnn • “I feed my kitty cat outside on the back porch, but she eats a little at a time and whenever she took a break, the ants would be all over her food. Now I serve my little princess in a teacup and saucer I found at the thrift store. I put the food in the cup, and then put a little water in the saucer. The teacup sits in the water on the saucer. The ants won’t get the food ever, because they can’t cross the water to get at it. Kitty is very happy now that she can take her time.” -- O.W. in Arkansas • “To distinguish your keys, especially house keys that have similar stamps, simply paint the key head with different colors of nail polish. You could even add a very subtle dot of the matching polish on the key answers on page 18
January 30 -February 5, 2014 lock. Reapply as needed.” -- S.L. in Oregon • Use a flat iron to iron your collar if it’s rumpled. This also works to straighten out button holes that have crimped. • “To mark the end on a roll of tape, save your bread tabs. Stick one on the tape end and it will be ready and easy to start the next time. If it’s a thick tape, you can use two clips -- one at either side of the tape. This way, it won’t split on you.” -- M.E. in Maryland Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475 or e-mail JoAnn at heresatip@yahoo.com. © 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.