A word of warning to our readers, the following topic is not pleasant. I want to talk with you about elder abuse. Like child abuse there is no excuse for it! No matter how tired or annoyed you are it does not justify abuse. This abuse comes in many forms. There is emotional abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Abuse can start slowly by a caregiver/relative/trusted individual who begins isolating the victim. Financial abuse is often accompanied by other forms of abuse.
Have you ever tried to call a loved one only to have someone in the home consistently say they can’t come to the phone? Does the older adult always seem to be in another room? Does the older person’s family or caregiver try to convince people that the individual’s perception of reality is wrong? If important questions are being asked of the older individual, does their caregiver answer for them? Are there changes in the older person’s behavior? Do they have unexplained bruises? Have they experienced a weight loss?
These could all be signs of abuse. We would not neglect to call attention to a case where a child is being abused. So, we should not be afraid to report suspected abuse of an older person. They deserve the same protection. By talking about this issue, it will bring it out of the shadows and force our society to stand up and say that it is not right! Who do you notify? Call Adult Protective Services at 800-564-1612 unless there is a life-threatening situation. In that case call 911 first. Too many older Vermonters think they have no choice but to suffer at the hands of someone who has power over them. As good neighbors and friends, our job is to look out for the well-being of people who need help. Who deserves help more than our family members who may be lonely and vulnerable to the tactics of someone who wants to take advantage of them? Many perpetrators are really just bullies who need to be made answerable for their actions.
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Day. Let’s all work together and make World Elder Abuse Day unnecessary.
On a happier note, Senior Solutions is beginning its summer croquet season at The Commons Park in Springfield, VT. We will be playing from June 27th until August 29th on Thursday afternoons from 3:30-5:00. This is part of our Workplace Wellness effort. We are encouraging our staff members to come out and “play”. If there are other organizations or businesses in the Springfield area that are interested in joining us, please call Joann at 802-885-2638 for more information.
We have received word that the Shaw’s supermarket in Springfield is offering to donate $1 to the Meals on Wheels Program for every $2.50 Shaw’s reusable bag they sell in June. This is amazing! Like the Springfield Food Coop who donated to Senior Solutions through their “Rounding Up” program, these stores truly understand how important meeting the nutritional needs of our community is. Which reminds me to say that if you are an older Vermonter who could use more money for food — call us at 802-885-2669 and ask to get help signing up for 3SquaresVT. So, during the month of June, please, everyone, go to Shaw’s in Springfield, get your groceries and purchase a reusable bag!
Senior Solutions, Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont, helps connect residents ages 60 and above in Windsor and Windham counties with the many social services available to them.
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