Getting older not easy

By MARGIE TRAX PAGE - Staff Writer - mtrax@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

November 30, 2008 11:05 pm

— National problems are hitting close to home for Ashtabula County senior citizens, as alarming trends of elder abuse and exploitation rise with the downturn in the economy, Martha Gillespie, Ashtabula County Job and Family Services program director, reports.
“Problems with foreclosures, encounters with scam artists and troubles with unscrupulous family members make a troublesome brew that is hard to swallow,” Gillespie said. “Here in Ashtabula County, seniors face the harsh winter with fixed incomes and rising prices.”
Ashtabula County Adult Protective Services is now on-call with a new telephone number, where concerned citizens can speak to a social services worker or leave a detailed message confidentially.
The number, (440) 997-7777, is available 24 hours a day. APS staff will answer the phone from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Emergency calls should be directed to 911.
APS is a division of Ashtabula County Job and Family Services.
Elder abuse has many forms, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonment, Gillespie said.
Warning signs include isolation of an elderly person, and bruises, broken bones and other visual signs of physical abuse. Isolation and withdrawal from activities and depression indicate emotional abuse. The sudden change in financial security may be the result of exploitation. Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene and unusual weight loss also can be signs of neglect.
Self-neglect, or when an elderly person can’t or won’t take care of himself or herself, is also a growing problem, Gillespie said.
Gillespie said APS receives 325 referrals reporting possible abuse, neglect or exploitation of Ashtabula County residents age 60 or older.
“Lately referrals have a tragic theme reflecting the larger scale problems facing the nation,” Gillespie said. “An elderly woman became homeless after her granddaughter secured a payday loan by signing away grandma’s entire Social Security check. A 90-year-old woman fell and broke her hip after her only living heir decided that hiring a caregiver was too expensive.”
Gillespie said APS intervention often gives these tragic situations happy endings as senior citizens are linked to available services and financial or medical help.