Watchdog: Elder Abuse in Siskiyou County

The most overriding mes- cies participating in SA6 include law otherwise healthy senior to remain in they choose. It can be very difficult denied for any reason. Few abused sage that the Jury received during this enforcement (one of the principal their home. Since all monies are paid to distinguish between serious self- seniors can afford the cost of staying investigation was the need for a Rep- founders is with the Siskiyou County directly to the RP and the senior has neglect that requires intervention by in one of these facilities. resentative Payee program in Adult Sheriff’s Office), Adult Protective no direct access, there is a far lower authorities, and may be a result of Protective Services. Without the RP Services, Victim’s Witness (part of the chance of financial abuse. Budget cuts dementia or other physical ailment, The lack of acceptable options for program many senior citizens whose Siskiyou County District Attorney’s eliminated this necessary program and and a senior’s choice to live in a abused seniors can and often does only impairment is the inability to Office), Northern Valley Catholic So- the one private, for profit RP has cluttered or messy house. In the latter lead to a refusal to cooperate with manage their financial affairs could cial Services, Far Northern Regional moved out of the area. A private RP case all that may be necessary is the authorities in investigating and prose- end up subject to conservatorship. Center, Family Resource Centers, usually charges a percentage of a offer of some housekeeping help. cuting cases of elder abuse. Over the This not only costsd the conserved Madrone Hospice, Fairchild Medical client’s income, placing this service last few years many law enforcement senior their right to self-determination, Center, as well as private individuals out of reach for many senior citizens. Many well-intentioned organizations personnel have undergone specific it also is far more costly to the county who provide services to elders. Many In addition to paying all bills, the RP actually alienate the seniors they are training in the unique problems coffers. other agencies and organizations have is in a position to monitor credit cards trying to help by failing to listen encountered in elder abuse investiga-

The SA6 is doing a good are available to speak about elder with paying the bills. Money manage- someone in the community becomes due to a lack of reporting with these job of making seniors aware of elder abuse and what Siskiyou County ment also acts as a deterrent to finan- aware that something is amiss in a types of cases. The Jury expects that abuse, but the Jury believes they need is attempting to do about it at meet- cial abuse since there is another pair of senior’s life it is necessary to involve as people become more aware of elder to include all ages in their awareness ings, senior centers and other venues eyes watching. However, unlike the the authorities. Many times both lasw abuse and the scope of the problem campaigns. Several recent cases of throughout the area. RP program, it is less likely to notice enforcement and Adult Protective that more cases of physical abuse will elder abuse have been reported to suspicious spending patterns. Services are called. However, because come to light. It is incumbent upon all authorities by grocery clerks, phar- CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 2012 - 2013 SISKIYOU COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT—