Resources for the elderly?

[abbeyej]

Who should I contact to figure out how to help an elderly couple? They're in a different state, in their 70s, poor health. The woman has Alzheimer's and diabetes and is on dialysis... Their house is no longer in their names (though they still live there), and they have essentially no funds beyond meager post office pensions. I fear that their adult child living with them is abusing them (as well as stealing what very little funds they have). The man is a WW2 vet.

The woman needs full time care. She has trouble getting around, needs dialysis and doesn't remember much between ten seconds and 40 years ago. She weeps a lot because she realizes she's lost and drifting in time and it frightens her.

Are there resources available for a situation like this? A way to get them to a safe place where they'll be clean and cared for? Away from the relatives who are stealing from them and possibly abusing them? I just don't know who to call first.

[Tammyla]

Oh, how sad. I'm not sure, but the following link might help.


http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Seniors.shtml

[JenneinAZ]

Could you call the police non-emergency number in their area and ask them?

I don't know that they would be able to do anything directly but they might know who the right person to talk to is. The stealing and possible abuse make me think this could be criminal.

[TwinMominTX]

or some other similar named agency. You should be able to get in touch with the state agency that handles aging and then they can tell you more specifically whom to call - be it a federal, state, county or municipal agency to best address the concerns you have. If you cannot find a contact for a department of aging services you can contact the state's Attorney General. They should be able to point you in the right direction.

I abhor elder abuse. Unfortunately, it is rampant, but many states are making a concerted effort to do a better job in servicing the elderly.

TK

[Mrs. H.]

My mom is the Director of Nursing at a nursing home, and she says that all homes for the elderly will have names/numbers of state agencies you can call and report abuse to, and find out about financial options for those who can't afford care. The nursing homes themselves often have to deal with social and case workers who have removed elderly folks from abusive situations and put them into better homes, then they must follow up and make sure everything's on the up and up.

[GVA]

They'll probably refer to Adult Protective Services who will send out an investigator. Be prepared though, Adult Protective Services won't do anything unless there are VERY OBVIOUS problems and unless the elders themselves will testify of a problem. If APS finds something, then it goes to the courts. They won't pursue anything though unless they feel that the state has a case.

[Liz CA]

They'll probably refer to Adult Protective Services who will send out an investigator. Be prepared though, Adult Protective Services won't do anything unless there are VERY OBVIOUS problems and unless the elders themselves will testify of a problem. If APS finds something, then it goes to the courts. They won't pursue anything though unless they feel that the state has a case.

start with an agency like that. If you cannot find one, look up an attorney for Elderlaw in the state the couples lives. He/She should be able to at least provide you with names of agencies and phone numbers.

[Antonia]

but I might first start with their doctor. He/she should be able to prescribe services for which they are eligible. Hospital social workers can also do this if there have been any recent stays. Other than that, the afore-mentioned Area Agency on Aging or the VNA would be a good place for a referral. Bless you for caring!

[abbeyej]

Adult Protective Services won't do anything unless there are VERY OBVIOUS problems and unless the elders themselves will testify of a problem

Yes, that's the problem. I don't think they're being beaten or anything (slapped occasionally wouldn't surprise me at all -- in fact, I think I'd be shocked if that weren't happening), so it's not "obvious". And the dad will cover for his daughter, even as he admits that living with her is "a living hell". And the mom has no short term memory and couldn't describe what's going on.

I really don't see pursuing legal action against the (insert expletive-filled grumbling here) daughter or her criminal boyfriend as feasible.

I'm most concerned with any way to get them *out* of that house and anywhere that they could receive halfway decent care... :( But with their savings (what little there was) gone (stolen), I'm not sure how that can be managed...

[Sparkle]

I'm most concerned with any way to get them *out* of that house and anywhere that they could receive halfway decent care... :( But with their savings (what little there was) gone (stolen), I'm not sure how that can be managed...


Abbey, I don't know whether this will help or not since I don't know what state this couple lives in - but there is an organization called PACE that provides medical care (and even nursing home care) to senior citizens who are Medicaid- and Medicare-eligible, free of charge. My grandmother was enrolled in this program before she passed away, and it covered all her medical care including a nursing home.

Here is a link to the PACE website, and if you click the link near the top of the page it will give you the list of providers and you can see if there is one in their state. The website also has a lot of links to other elderly services so you may find more helpful information there. Bless you for trying to look out for these people - it sounds like they are in a terrible situation.
http://www.npaonline.org:80/website/article.asp?id=12