Prevalence of elder abuse startling

In a May 2008 report by the Florida DCF, the Adult Protective Services Program reported a 15 percent increase in abuse allegations over the previous year.

LAURA DODSON | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Posted: 10.22.09

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“I was shocked,” stated Thomas Gillan, program director for the criminal justice office of Catholic Charities of Central Florida Inc., who attended a workshop in August sponsored by the Florida Department of Children and Families. “My eyes were opened when I heard what was going on. How seniors are abused. I knew that stuff was happening, but I didn’t know how prevalent it was.”

In a May 2008 report by the Florida Department of Children and Families, the Adult Protective Services Program reported 42,800 abuse allegations representing a 15 percent increase over the previous year.

“My folks are that age now,” shared Father Charles Mitchell, pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Altamonte Springs. “What you want more than anything is for your family – especially those who are vulnerable – you want to know that they’re in a safe and nurturing environment.”

“So often we think we honor our fathers and mothers, but we are shocked that many adult children victimize their parents,” explained Janet Steiner, director of education and information for the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation in Melbourne, which was founded in 1995 by a group of community leaders led by Joseph Steckler. Both are parishioners at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Indialantic.

“There is greed – adult children living off their parents or emptying their accounts to let the government pay for their care. There are the frustrations of caregiving in long-term chronic conditions that are complicated by dementia. There may be anger and resentment of children who were not cared for as children. Verbal abuse is the hardest to identify and the most difficult to deal with.”

There is help – for both the senior and the caregiver. Adult day care centers are a primary option for respite that also greatly improves the quality of life for the client.

Remedies to assist with elder care

The following are recommendations for effective caregiving from Janet Steiner, director of education and information for the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation in Melbourne.

Adult day care: The senior is provided a nurturing environment and the caregiver is able to have a respite from the constancy of care.

Companion sitting: Respite workers come into the home to care for the senior while the caregiver is able to find relief and accomplish other tasks.

A care team: Agencies in the community, and family, friends and church can assist in providing the support needed.

Care for the caregiver: Staying connected with the normal activities of life; taking care of one’s own physical and emotional needs along with those of the loved one.

St. Mary Magdalen Parish opened an adult day care center in 1987 and provides daytime supervision and assistance to physically and/or mentally frail adults.

“This is a good way for people to have respite from caregiving,” explained Phyllis Fox, the director, “and a good way for the client to receive therapeutic benefits to get them physically stronger and receive a lot of brain-healthy activity.”

Fox, who is a registered nurse, indicated that she has seen only a few elder abuse cases, but she is aware of it and the needs of the caregivers as well.

“I talk with the caregivers and assess their mental health,” Fox continued. “Sometimes they don’t really realize that they need help because they’re so stressed out and exhausted from caregiving. I help the family find other resources and respite care.”

Clarisa Lampkin will celebrate her 100th birthday on Jan. 31, 2010, and lived in her own home until two years ago. She now lives with her daughter, Aldyth Vaughan, a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Melbourne, and attends Joe’s Club, The Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation Center there.

“Left to her, she’d go to Joe’s Club seven days a week,” laughed Vaughan. “She’s a joyful person who loves people, but is adjusting to the fact that her memory is fading. It frustrates her. It’s hard when you see your mom who’s been your strength all these years, now realizing that the age is there. God has the answer – to see how caring and understanding we are in following his example.”

With a capacity of only 30 seniors, the St. Mary Magdalen center is able to give close and individualized attention to clients needs.

“We purposely put our Adult Day Care Center next to the Early Learning Center,” Father Mitchell explained, “so that there could be intergenerational activities with both the Early Learning Center and the school.”

Renetha Gay started attending the center with her husband, Joseph, four years ago. They were next-door neighbors, school chums, high school sweethearts and married 63 years before he died. He’s been gone a year, but she wanted to continue without him.

“I love it here,” Gay shared. “I like the music and the crafts. I used to have my own craft shop and I enjoy that. It’s a good place to come.”

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