10.30.2013

Most Difficult Problems

Some of our most difficult problems are with seniors who are not able to fully care for themselves from aging alone or having been dumped into condos by family members. I found these concise guidelines helpful when beginning to worry about neighbors. ElaineB

Partnership for Aging (PFA) has provided us with some general guidelines and suggestions. However, each case should be evaluated individually.
Here are some basic categories of impairment and concern to consider from severe to mild:

1. Time for 911 Call
A person in imminent danger, for example bleeding, wandering confused outside, wielding a weapon or starving generally would require a 911 call.

2. One More Day - Serious Consequences
An adult protective report to DCF may be necessary if a person has been declining and the issues have gone from bad to worse. Falling on a regular basis, no access to medication with resulting poor health, burning food, lack of nutrition or hygiene are reasons to make a report. They are the kinds of things where, if they were to continue one more day or one more week, there might be serious or grave consequences. The telephone/hotline number is 1-800-962- 2873. Reports can be done online at https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us/ and there is also a fax form http://http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/abuse/docs/faxreport.pdf You are reporting self neglect, or if there is a caregiver who is negligent you are reporting neglect.

3. Helpless
A person who seems unable to prepare food, unable to remember to turn off a stove, whose hygiene is poor, who appears unable to shop or manage money or medication (these are called ADLs activities of daily living) might be headed towards self­-neglect. Worse would be if the person is unable to bathe or dress. If it is a temporary issue, because of a recent hospital discharge,or something that is new, you can reach out to Elder Crisis Outreach at 561-533-1060.

4. Variable Failings
A person who has good days and bad days, who is generally alert and oriented but about whom you are worried that he or she might fall getting in and out of the tub, or who can prepare meals but doesn't clean up after, or who is homebound and frail, or who cannot do chores or manage his or her checkbook, might be able to stay at home with assistance. The Aging Resource Center is the place to call 561-684-5885.

Remember, these are guidelines and each person has a different situation but there are resources.
Feel free to consult with PFA through Facebook (Partnership for Aging), via email info@partnershipforagingpbc.org or by coming to a monthly meeting. They meet the second Friday of each month at the Lake Worth Senior Center at 9 AM for an hour. Or you can contact PFA President- John Dalton at 954-336-4086.
Thank You for info from Pam Wiener, Ph.D. Board Member, PBC Partnership for Aging


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