Elder Care Services of DeKalb County offers multiple programs to help seniors and adults with disabilities remain independently living at home, including their special response from Adult Protective Services.  Retired County Sheriff’s Deputy Sarah Frazier is an Elder Care Services volunteer who says she finds volunteering with this program particularly rewarding.  Frazier is one of several volunteers with law enforcement background helping the agency which makes their staffing unique.

 

Frazier said there were 362 cases handled by the Adult Protective Services (APS) program last year.  In one case, a family member abused their authority under a “power of attorney” document, putting in jeopardy $1 million in savings for an elderly family member.  Another case involved abuse and neglect where a caregiver was keeping an elderly person in a locked room with only air mattress on which to sleep.  Frazier said Elder Care Services is alerted to such issues because someone observes something “not right” and takes the next step of contacting them.  She said APS will do a person assessment with the person considered at risk. Types of services or assistance include in-home help with cleaning, laundry, bathing, meals, and transportation.  There is no charge for Adult Protective Services.

 

Frazier gave a special thank-you to first responders such as fire personnel, police, and sheriff’s officers who frequently are the first contacted when an elderly person or person with disabilities needs help.  She said they will also do follow-up work with the courts and care giving centers like “spokes on a wheel” to provide needed services.  Referrals can be from anyone, including self-referrals.  APS may be contacted by phone at (815) 758-6550 or through the Elder Care website at www.ecsdekalb.org.

September 9, 1828 – Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy (Anna Karenina, War and Peace) is born in Yasnaya Polyana, Russia.

 

September 10, 1929 – Considered one of the greatest players in the history of golf, Arnold Palmer is born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.  In his career he wins 62 PGA Tours and was one of the original 13 inductees to the World Golf Hall of Fame.

 

September 13, 1851 – American Army physician Walter Reed (best known for his yellow fever research) is born in Gloucester County, Virginia.