By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Younger Wood County residents were reminded Tuesday to look out for their elders.
Last year, 318 reports of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation were investigated by Wood County Adult Protective Services – an increase of 27% from the year before.
“Frankly, it’s nearly certain those numbers are under-reported,” Wood County Probate Judge David Woessner said as he spoke at the Wood County Senior Center for the annual elder abuse awareness event.
Elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation can be hard to spot, Woessner said.
The probate court protects seniors by handling issues of guardianships, mental health services, or aiding victims of exploitation.
“The protection and care of the elderly is a primary concern of your probate court on a daily basis,” Woessner said.
But the responsibility rests with all people – not just the courts – to watch out for senior citizens, he said. Make a phone call, stop by for a visit, offer to run an errand, give a ride to a doctor’s appointment, the judge suggested.
“It’s incumbent on all of us,” he said. “These types of contacts are of extreme value.”
That is especially true in extreme weather, like the heat wave expected this week, the judge said.
“Elder abuse, neglect and exploitation is a topic that deserves our attention not just for one day or one month, but for 365 days a year,” Woessner said.
Woessner looked around at those gathered on Tuesday – from the Wood County Committee on Aging and Wood County Adult Protective Services – and thanked them for their efforts.
“Your work does make a difference,” he said.
Maureen Veit, of Wood County Protective Services, thanked local officials for caring enough about seniors to staff the agency. Some counties of similar size have no full-time staff, while Wood County has three full-time adult protective workers.
“Unfortunately, that’s because we need them,” she said.
Veit also encouraged citizens to take a role in protecting their elders.
“Reach out to your neighbors and check on them,” she said.
Bowling Green Mayor Mike Aspacher and Wood County Commissioner Ted Bowlus echoed those encouraging people to look out for each other, and report concerns of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
An estimated 5 million seniors in the U.S. face abuse, neglect and financial exploitation every year, Bowlus said.
“It’s our collective responsibility that they live safely and with dignity,” he said.
