Elderly Oklahomans Face Seasonal Challenges

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The weather is getting cooler, leaves will soon be falling and many parts of the country are already seeing snow.  While most Oklahomans are breaking out their sweaters, enjoying some football and gearing up for the holiday season, many of Oklahoma’s elderly will spend the fall and winter months facing many challenges.
“In fiscal year 2006, we received more than 10,700 referrals of self neglect of elderly or disabled Oklahomans,” said Barbara Kidder, Adult Protective Services director, Oklahoma Department of Human Services.  “The winter months can be lonely and even dangerous for vulnerable adults, especially in rural parts of the state.”

To help ensure that those who are elderly or have a disability stay safe and warm this fall and winter, the OKDHS Adult Protective Services program offers these suggestions on how everyone can help their friends and neighbors.

• Check on your friends and neighbors who are elderly or who have a disability and make sure they are staying warm.  Some may not have adequate heating sources or their sources of heat may be dangerous or in disrepair.  Others may be reluctant to turn up the thermostat due to the effect of high-energy costs on their fixed incomes.  Also, helping make sure their homes are properly winterized will help cut down on their energy costs and keep them warmer.
• If you’re already raking leaves, what are a few more bags?  Before putting everything away, take some time to help clear the leaves for a neighbor who is elderly or has a disability.  Getting the family involved would also teach your children a great lesson in community service.  And it helps the whole neighborhood look clean and neat.
• For some Oklahomans who are elderly or have a disability, a pet is their primary, and sometimes only, source of companionship.  When the weather gets bad, it may be difficult for them to take care of their furry friends.  Help them keep their companions safe by not letting them stay outside too long and making sure they have adequate food, water and shelter.  And if you’re taking your family pet to the vet, ask if theirs could use a check-up and take two instead.
• Ice and snow can be a nuisance and interrupt our daily routines, but to our friends and neighbors who are elderly or have a disability, inclement weather can be very dangerous.  Help out by putting down salt or clearing their steps of ice and snow.  Also, offering to bring them their mail or newspaper or run an errand or two will help keep them safely indoors.
• The holidays are a great time, unless you are alone or with limited mobility.  Offering to sit and help hand out Halloween candy for awhile would be a treat for a friend or neighbor.  Also, inviting a friend or neighbor that’s alone during the holidays to Thanksgiving dinner or bringing them some food or a gift for Christmas or Chanukah will help brighten their season.
• “Isolation is the common factor in all forms of adult abuse and neglect,” said Kidder.  “By keeping Oklahomans who are elderly or disabled connected with the community, we help keep them safe and healthy.  Just a few minutes of your time can make a big difference.” 

For information about resources for the elderly in your area, contact your local OKDHS office, or, call the Senior Info-Line at 1-800-211-2116, or click on /content/sok-wcm/en/okdhs.html. To report abuse, contact the Adult Abuse hotline at 1-800-522-3511.

###