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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