Sidney Daily News,Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Page 8B
Put An End To Elder Abuse World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Most of us grew up learning to respect our elders, but this is not true for everyone. More than half a million of older Americans are abused, neglected, or exploited each year and it is thought that millions more go unreported. Elder abuse tends to take place where the senior lives. Often the abusers are adult children, grandchildren, or even a spouse. Abuse of elders takes many different forms; physical, emotional, neglect, and financial exploitation are all common ways. Some common signs of abuse are unexplained injuries, bruising, unusual weight loss, unsanitary living conditions, or sudden changes in the elder’s financial condition.
The truth about elder abuse
There are things elders can do to protect themselves. These include: • Make sure your financial and legal affairs are in order and that you have someone you can trust to help you if you need it. • Keep in touch with family and friends • If you are unhappy with the care you are receiving, speak up. Tell someone you trust.
Elder abuse is so abhorrent that it is hard to imagine it takes place all around us. But the reality is that seniors are victims of abuse on a daily basis. As our population ages, preventing elder abuse has to become a priority, one that can first be tackled by debunking a few persistent myths.
We all have the responsibility of reporting suspected neglect. Here in Shelby County, you’d call the adult Protective Service, Shelby County Job & Family Services at 937-498-4981.
Myth: Elder abuse is all about psychological and physical violence. Reality: There are many types of elder abuse: sexual abuse, financial or material exploitation, violation of rights, neglect, and social abuse (age discrimination).
- Lu Ann Presser, Licensed Social Worker. Director of Marketing/Admissions, Dorothy Love Retirement Community.
Myth: The people who usually mistreat seniors are strangers, such as employees at institutions. Reality: Much of the time, seniors are abused by people they know, including family members. PHOTO: PHOTODISC / THINKSTOCK
You put your Reporting heart into Elder Abuse everything It is very difficult to accept that adult is occurring within our elderly you do. abuse population. In Ohio, abuse occurs day. There are many cases reSo do we. every ported each year although, it is beAt Dorothy Love Retirement Community we value you and the things you value...
Security, Freedom, Caring, Choices
3003 West Cisco Road Sidney, OH 45365 www.dorothylove.com
Call Lu Ann Presser at 937•497•6542
At Dorothy Love you’ll have the security and comfort of a spacious house or apartment. Plus you’ll experience the peace of mind, knowing that should you need them, Assisted Living and Health Care are available. We invite you to visit us and discover why Dorothy Love is called the “Heart of Retirement Living”.
Could you or someone you know benefit from Physical, Occupational, or Speech Therapy?
lieved that many cases are simply not reported. Abuse may be defined as physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation or neglect. Abuse has no boundaries and can occur, in the home, in a long term care facility and truly, anywhere. Most of the time, people are reluctant to report any mistreatment or wrong doing. The topic brings up many difficult emotions and individuals wonder if they are doing the “right thing”. It is very important to “STAND UP FOR OUR ELDERLY” and to make sure that each older adult is protected and their needs are being met. Where do I report? To make a local report of any type of abuse: physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation or neglect, contact: Shelby County Department of Job and Family Services Adult Protective Services 227 South Ohio Avenue Sidney, OH 45365 Phone: 937-498-4981 Hours: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Mon-Fri (Tues 7:30– 6:00 pm)
Myth: The poorer the person, the more he or she is likely to be the victim of abuse. Reality: Elder abuse occurs in all levels of society. That means no For other areas in Ohio, please call in the department of job and family services for the county where the adult resides or where the incident occurred. For a information on CDJFS in other counties call: 614-466-6282 or see on the web: http://jfs.ohio.gov/County/cntydir.stm If immediate action is needed, contact local law enforcement. During non- business hours, contact local law enforcement. The Ohio Department of Aging works closely with statewide agencies, advocates, and service providers to serve older Ohioans. To reach the Ohio Department of Aging Bonnie Kantor-Burman , Director 50 West Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 466-5500 http://aging.ohio.gov/home/ Tips for Reporting: 1.You may provide your name and phone number or make an anonymous call. 2.You will need to provide the name, address and phone number of the person who you think may be a victim 3.You will need to provide the reason(s) you feel the individual is in harm or is a victim of elder abuse and share any specific information available.
As painful as it is to report, it is the right of the person to refuse services. The individual may deny the abuse for many reasons. All efforts will be made to encourage the person to accept the services offered. The goal is to reduce and eliminate the danger and for the individual to remain safe in their environment. 4.Immunity for Reporting Any person who makes a report with reasonable cause to believe that an adult is suffering abuse, neglect or exploitation is immune from civil or criminal liability under Ohio law. Please be advised that by Ohio mandates certain professionals are required to report: • Physicians • Psychologists • Nurses • Employees of an ambulatory agency (outpatient care centers) • Employees of a home health agency • Employees of an adult care facility • Employees of a community home, residential care facility or home for the aging • Senior service providers • Police officers • Coroners • Clergy • Employees of a community mental health facility • Social workers or counselors • Lawyers
seniors are completely free of the risk of abuse. Myth: Neglect is not really a serious form of abuse. Reality: Neglect is a form of abuse whereby a caregiver fails to provide the basic needs for the wellbeing of the senior. This can negatively affect a senior’s health and emotional and psychological state. Myth: Seniors who are victims of abuse can quickly resolve the situation by reporting it. Reality: Several factors can cause seniors to hesitate about reporting their abusers: perhaps the abusers are loved ones, or perhaps the senior is dependent on the abusive caregiver. In fact, some seniors may not even realize that they are experiencing abusive behavior. Myth: It is normal that loved ones manage seniors’ finances for them. Reality: Most seniors are perfectly capable of managing their personal finances for themselves. PC: Neglect is a form of abuse whereby a caregiver fails to provide for the basic needs necessary for the well-being of the senior.
It can be challenging to care for someone with health needs or memory impairment. Often times the caregiver can become overwhelmed. Most cases of abuse occur because of a loss of control not because someone intends to cause harm. Being stressed can add to the potential to lose control. It is important to know where and how to reach out for help. Contact your loved ones primary physician if you find yourself overwhelmed, they may be able to help direct and guide you to other resources. When dealing with memory impairment issues, the Alzheimer’s Association, Miami Valley Chapter has a helpline available 24 hours per day to provide information and support. The toll free number is 1-800-272-3900. The website is www.alzdayton.org. Locally the Adult Day Service of Shelby County provides a safe and welcoming environment for adults and allows the caregiver to have a needed rest break. For more information contact, Robin Burleson, Interim Director at 937-492-8074 or Anita Miller, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator at Fair Haven: 937-492-6900. - Anita Miller Licensed Nursing Home Administrator Fair Haven
New Vision Nursing and Home Care provides the highest quality of care to help those individuals meet their needs. We are committed to providing direct patient care and skilled care to people in the community so that they many remain independent in their own home.
Contact us to day for a FREE in home consultation and evaluation!
567-356-5113
We L
ve Our Residents!
No matter what form of abuse, it's still abuse.
Call or Stop in today for details with Jenny Huelskamp,
If you or a loved one needs help, we are here for you.
Director of Admissions
937-492-9591
304 S. West Ave., Sidney
492-5266
of Sidney-Shelby County
Mon.-Fri. 8 AM to 6:30 PM Sat. 9 AM to NOON
Rehab and Skilled Care
705 Fulton St., Sidney www.pavilion-sidney.com
This may be the perfect solution....
Adult Daycare Services Your loved one may just need someone to be with them during day... or just may need somewhere to go to help fill his/her day. Maybe you need some help in caregiving during the day... Fair Haven Adult Day Care may be the perfect solution.
We offer... • Transportation • Meals • Activities • Full & Part Time • Passport Accepted • Private Pay Programs
"Proud to be serving this community"
Adult Daycare Services
of Shelby County
Ruth Burnside, Director for more information and a private tour!
(937) 492-6900