Report elder abuse, it really happens here
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Crawford County Human Services put up a banner and pinwheels at the county administration building to draw attention to the issue. (Photos by Correne Martin)
Social Worker Bob Rowe spoke to a group of about 25 at the short morning rally June 15 regarding awareness of elder abuse.
By Correne Martin
Elder abuse is a real issue across the globe—be it physical, emotional, neglect, self-neglect or financial exploitation—and Crawford County is not exempt to any form of it.
To provide a better understanding of the issue, this June 15, on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Crawford County Human Services Social Worker Bob Rowe described three county cases he personally handled in the past. They all involved neglect or self-neglect, one of the more common forms of elder abuse in Crawford County.
1.) One woman, years ago, who was dropped off by family in northern Crawford County, with no resources, no acquaintances or relationships, and no means to get around without her wheelchair.
“When I met her, she was in her wheelchair, stuck up against a curb, outside the apartment she lived in,” Rowe remembered. “We were able to get her resources so she could care for herself. We also assisted her in getting into an assisted living facility and eventually a nursing home.
“This was a prime example where someone cared enough to call and report the way she was living.”
2.) A second woman, who was referred to human services by her doctor, was very independent-minded, assertive and had many quirks about her. She lived in a hoarding situation.
“She became more challenged cognitively and physically. We were able to get a representative payee (benefits manager) for her Social Security, which she didn’t want at all,” Rowe explained. “When I set her up with a homemaker, she got very upset with me and even hit me. But I’m not kidding, she did a 180. When she had enough to eat, her bills were paid and she had enough cash to pay for the unexpected, she was happy to live safely with support and with someone taking care of her health issues.”
3.) One man, referred by the home delivered meals staff, was seemingly unable to maintain the heat in his home. It was also quite smoky in his house. It was eventually determined that he was heating his home with a pellet stove that had malfunctioned.
“We found a handy local individual and some home care support for him,” Rowe said. “Again, in this situation, had I not known about this man, who knows what might’ve happened.”
These three examples of Crawford County residents are helpful reminders to the general public to be more observant of their friends and neighbors.
“Not only did my parents parent me, but also my neighbors did,” Rowe pointed out. “In today’s society, affluence tends to help those who can afford to hire people to mow their lawns, clean their house, get groceries for them. That’s why elder abuse tends to strike the indigent, because they can’t afford those services and they oftentimes go weeks without seeing others.”
Other reasons why elder abuse may go unreported is because neighbors:
•don’t want to be involved;
•feel it’s not their business or that they don’t want to harass the person;
•don’t know human services’ assistance is available to help;
•fear they may face retribution; or
•think that’s the way the person wants to live.
Rowe said it’s important the public knows that reports can be made anonymously, though, if names are given, they are kept completely confidential. Either way, it should not be a hindering factor in reporting a situation.
“If you feel there’s a possibility there’s a problem, instead of hesitating, call our office right away, or contact law enforcement on nights and weekends,” Rowe said. “Reports come in because there’s a vulnerable adult and someone cares.”
Crawford County Human Services can be reached weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 326-0247.
