By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
It takes a community to not only raise children, but also to help elders age with dignity.
As Bowling Green officials stopped to “Pause of the Pledge” on Tuesday morning, they were also encouraged to look out for older members of the community.
Last year, 267 cases of elder abuse and neglect were investigated in Wood County. That is an increase from the 2014 reports of 235 cases, according to Marc Briseno, supervisor of Adult Protective Services in the county.
Every year an estimated 5 million, or one in 10, older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation. Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23.5 cases go unreported.
“We certainly want to be a place where people can live, work and enjoy their retirement,” said Wood County Commissioner Doris Herringshaw. “It is our collective responsibility to make sure they live safely and with dignity.”
Many of those present Tuesday were wearing purple shirts with the slogan, “Aging is Natural. Abuse is Not.”
It is up to individuals to be aware of elder abuse or neglect, Herringshaw said, to “allow seniors to live as independently as possible.”
Dave Wigent, of Wood County Job and Family Services, talks about elder abuse
Wood County has many services in place to protect seniors as they age, according to Dave Wigent, director of the county’s Department of Job and Family Services. “Wood County enjoys an especially robust range of services for seniors,” Wigent said. “Most counties in Ohio do not have these services,” which makes this county a “better place and safe place to age.”
Wood County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Dobson expressed his objections to a state commission’s plans to possibly remove senior citizens from the list of special classes of victims in the state.
“That’s offensive,” Dobson said. “They deserve the extra protection” of the courts, of law enforcement and of legislation.
Dobson urged all those present to be aware of elder abuse when they see it. “This is our responsibility. It’s our responsibility to recognize the signs.”
Those signs, according to Briseno, include poor hygiene or poor living conditions either from self-neglect or neglect from a caregiver. Financial abuse can be spotted by noticing unusual spending habits or the lack of money to pay bills. “Those should really raise a red flag for family members.”
In an effort to handle the increase in senior issues, an elder abuse task force has been established, led by David Romaker, of the county prosecutor’s office. The majority of the cases involve self-neglect, followed by a growing number of cases of financial exploitation, he said.
Oftentimes a family member takes charge of the shopping or the finances, and takes advantage of the elder. “That’s where things can spiral out of control,” Romaker said. “The next thing you know, $30,000 is gone.”
Romaker has also prosecuted two cases where a senior was manipulated out of money by employees at local senior living facilities. The elders fall victim because they are of a “very giving generation,” and want to help young people in need. A third employee involved in such a case is currently under indictment, he said.
Also on Tuesday morning, members of the Bowling Green community joined for the annual Pause of the Pledge on Flag Day. This year, the flag they pledged to was half staff.
“We know this is a terribly difficult time for our country right now,” Bowling Green Mayor Dick Edwards said, referring to the mass shooting at the Orlando nightclub killing at least 49. “It’s hard to believe what they are going through right now in that city.”
Edwards also looked at Bowling Green’s police and firefighters lined up at the service, and voiced concern for those first responders who were called to the Orlando nightclub. “It’s difficult to imagine what those people went through,” he said.
Edwards reminded those present that Bowling Green will be holding a vigil for the Orlando victims, Wednesday at 7 p.m., in the green space at the corner of West Wooster and South Church streets.
