The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutSenior Resource Guidei- r " a5 Seni'ors Safe 0 Independent. � k%, a Resource Guide for Big Island Elders & Their Caregivers is OF HP This project was supported hyAward No. 2009 -DJ -FX -0672, awarded by the Bureau oj'JusticeAssistance, Ojjice of'Justice Programs, U.S Departnaerzt of'Justice through the Hawaii Departnaerzt of tlreAttorney General The opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or the Hawaii Department oftheAttorney General (7�vs a Big Island Elder, you have many resources available to help you stay safe, healthy, in control and at home. YOU are your number one resource. This Resource Guide will help you get started, take control and locate the other community resources you may need. STAYING HOME: It's Going to Take Some Work • Do Your Research ......................... ............................... 3 • Do Your Homework ................. ............................... 3,4 • Rethink Your Housing .................. ............................... 4 • Get Healthy / Stay Healthy .............................. 5, 6, 7 • Take Charge ......................................... ............................... 7 • Stay Connected ................................. ............................... 8 • Dementia & the Alzheimer's Association....... 8 • When You Can't Stay Home ... ............................... 8 STAYING SAFE: It's a Team Effort • Adult Protective Services ..... • Elder Abuse, Prevention and Helping Services • Key Phone Numbers,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Aloha, Elder Abuse is a problem that continues to grow on Hawaii Island and across the nation, but it is also a problem that is preventable through awareness and education. Established with federal grants and county support, the Elder Abuse Prosecution and Prevention Unit Office of the Prosecuting Attorney seeks to provide that awareness and prevention. This unit has made many strides, including increased community outreach, new internal procedures for identifying, tracking and prosecuting elder abuse cases and inter- agency collaborations for improved investigations and information sharing. On behalf of the residents of the County of Hawaii, I would like to thank all of those agencies, organizations and individuals who made this resource guide possible. Mahalo BILLY KENOI Mayor ............ 9 9, 10, 11 A 12 Aloha mai Kakou, �, It gives the great pleasure to introduce the Prosecuting Attorney Office's resource guide, "Seniors Safe and Independent," made possible by a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Justice through the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs. The Big Island's `Silver Tsunami" is upon us. By 2030, it is estimated that the number of Hawaii County elders (60 and older) will double, from the current 21.8% of the population to nearly 44 %. Taking ownership of our own health and wellbeing will be the best way for us all to stay safe and independent as we age. I hope this booklet will prove rueful to our kupuna and their families as we all strive to navigate the Silver Tsunami. Many thanks to our collaborators, without whom this publication and our elder abuse outreach programs would not have been possible. Special thanks to the Hawai -i County's Mayor's Office, the Hawai -i County Office of Aging, Hawai -i County Police Department, and State of Hawaii's Department of Human Services / Adult Protective Services, Legal Aid Society and the Aloha Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. / Mahalo, CHARLENE Ff. IBOSHI Prosecuting Attorney • . . - . - 1 . Services Available from ADRC Agencies Do Your Research: • Case Management for Find out about support services available to you. BEGIN by contacting the coordination of in -home Hawaii County's Aging and Disability Resource Center, the "ADRC." services WHAT is the ADRC? • Transportation to medical The ADRC, the Aging & Disability Resource Center appointments, grocery , is none- stop -shop which Stores, etc. houses many agencies --- all aimed at helping you live a safe, healthy life. When you call, counselors will discuss your situation with you. They can help you identify your needs and refer you to appropriate service agencies, many of which • Light housekeeping and are part of the ADRC. I I friendly visiting Hilo has the only physical office of the Aging & r� • Meals on Wheels & Disability Resource Center in the State of Congregant Dining Hawaii (the old Sun Sun Lau (lunches) building), however the v «^ "` ADRC and its services • Help with Medicare/ are available island - Medicaid: Got questions? wide. Services can be w _ Confused by all the forms? free, cost -share or private pay, depending Get assistance by calling the on your circumstances ADRC number. and finances. Call 961 -8626. °' • Free legal help for anyone ones are easier to spot. 60 or older, no income Legal Aid Society of Hawaii County and Life Care Center of Hilo Social Services restrictions. Simple wills, powers of attorney and more 1 out more, Aging (assistance is limited to certain h6__ Resource Center, 961-8626 J kinds of cases). Do Your Homework: MAKE YOUR HEALTH WISHES KNOWN Every competent adult has the right to make decisions concerning his or her own health, including the right to choose or refuse medical treatment. But what happens if you become unable to make decisions due to a physical or mental change, such as being in a coma or developing dementia'? If you are over 18, you should have an Advance Health Care Directive because it ensures that your personal medical treatment wishes are followed if you become incapacitated and you can't speak for yourself. it can give instructions to your doctors that you not be kept alive with life- sustaining procedures (for example, with a respirator, kidney dialysis, transplants, or tube feeding). It can also instruct your doctor to do everything possible to keep you alive. An Advance Health Care Directive also allows you to designate a person to make your health care decisions for you (your "agent ") if you cannot. Of course, you should choose your agent with great care. Your agent needs to be able to respect and abide by your instructions. It is wise to have a conversation with your family about this as part of the process of completing this forth. You can always change your agent or revise or revoke your Advance Health Care Directive. . You. RGr4+n 4evk figyxwixgf. I� MY �e, rte. �,u ;: pRECnvECOn7 A " POLST" (Physician Orders for Life- Sustaining Treatment) is a doctor's order based on your wishes. It is intended as end -of -life instructions if you DO NOT WANT extraordinary measures such as resuscitation or tube feeding. You or your agent (appointed in your Advance Health Care Directive) should fill out and sign your POLST and have it v «^ "` reviewed and signed by your own doctor. Once your doctor has signed your POLST, all zz: medical professionals, including emergency responders, must follow it, just like any other doctor's order. ��• POLST forms are bright green so they can be easily noticed by paramedics, ambulance drivers and in -home nurses. Post copies where they will see them, on your refrigerator, in your car, in your purse. If you are in a hospital or long term care facility, a copy should also be in your medical chart. White copies are valid also but the bright green ones are easier to spot. -- Legal Aid Society of Hawaii County and Life Care Center of Hilo Social Services can help you with these forms. Forms and information are also available on -line at kokuamau.org. Do Your Homework: MAKE YOUR FINANCIAL WISHES KNOWN A Durable Financial Power of Attorney (often called simply a "Power of Attorney ") is a document by which you give another person the legal authority to manage some or all of your financial affairs if you become incapacitated or just need extra help. The person you appoint (your agent) will have all of the powers you have specified in your personalized Power of Attorney (for example, the authority to write checks from your account, sell your real property or pay your bills). Having a Power of Attorney can be more important to your personal well -being than a will. It gives you and your family peace of mind, knowing that in an emergency, the person you have chosen will have the authority to act for you. If you don't have a Power of Attorney and you are suddenly incapacitated, your family may have to go through an expensive and time - consuming court action to appoint a guardian or conservator to make decisions for you. Even if you sign a Power of Attorney, you can still manage your own affairs. You are not giving up anything. Instead, you are taking steps today so that your agent will be able to act when and how you have directed, if or when it becomes necessary. Powers of , Attorney end with your death. �. a The most important way to reduce any risk ; associated with a Durable Financial Power of 4 Attorney is to choose your agent carefully. Never forget that you are giving your agent the opportunity to access your funds at a time when you may not be able to keep tabs on what the / agent is doing. The person you choose needs to be someone who can do the job, and most importantly, someone you can trust. Legal Aid Society of Hawaii can help you with f �� this document, free of charge, if you are 60 or - older. �r Re -Think your Housing Options: SHOULD YOU MOVE? REMODEL? Thinking about leaving your home, or even altering it, can be very upsetting. You need to weigh the advantages of staying where you are against the disadvantages, which often increase as you age. Some things to think about: • Some day, you may not be driving_ Access to public transportation, shops within walking distance and living within delivery distance of services will aid you in your goal of staying home. Not all government and non -profit helping agencies are able to deliver in -home services far from town. Rememher: the fisrther you are. from town, the more dependent you may he on fancily or yourself. • Some day, your STAIRS could be a big barrier: Inside stairs could trap you on the first floor of your home. Is there a bathroom on the first floor? Outside steps could prevent you from leaving your home or from getting back inside. Is there a ramp? • Some day, reliable access may save your life: Do you have clear cell phone reception where you live? (A land -line is the most IN type of phone). Could you summon help in an emergency'? Is your house easy to find, with the street address clearly marked? Is your road accessible to emergency personnel'? Is your driveway'? Think about it! M GET HEALTHY /STAYHEALTHY WATCH YOUR STEP! (Fall Prevention) FALLS are one of the leading causes of injury- deaths among older adults. In the State of Hawai i, an elder falls every five hours. Here in Hawaii County, falls result in 901 Emergency Room visits, 248 hospital admissions, and eight fatalities every year. Falls are usually due to a combination of risk factors including health issues, complications with medications, home and environmental hazards and incorrect assistive devices. Reduce your own risk factors by being pro - active and taking responsibility now for the factors that are within your control: • VISIT your doctors: have your medication dosages, your hearing and your vision checked out. • WEAR the right footwear and take care of your feet. • EXERCISE: Everything improves with exercise- -your balance, strength, stamina, even your mental acuity - EVERYTHING! Check out the "Exercise, the Best Medicine" section of this Resource Guide. Hint: Participating in a Tai Chi program has statistically been shown to greatly reduce your chance of falling. - GET PHYSICAL: If your community does not offer a fall prevention program, talk to your doctor about ordering some physical therapy for you, something that will help you increase your balancing skills and help reduce your risk of falling. it is like having apersonal trainer and can be a good jump start" for your own fall prevention regimen or exercise program. • MODIFY your home environment. Home design has been implicated in one third to one half of all falls, most often during common everyday activities., Common sense is the key: - Remove tripping hazards such as cords and small rugs t i - In the bathroom: Install non -slip surfaces in tubs or showers (or use a \� rubber tub mat). Use a soap -on -a rope or put the soap in the toe of a nylon stocking. Have another phone installed; add toilet lifts. - Install stair rails and grab bars wherever they may help you —by the toilet, in the kitchen, bedroom, along the hallway to the bathroom. - Make sure your phone is easy to reach and use. Consider a personal emergency alert such as those worn around your neck or wrist (ask the Aging and Disability Resource Center about this) � r , � AARP Coaddon for Consumer Hcakh & Safuy, Homc Safe Homc • SIGN UP for a Fall Prevention Program. Life Cave Center of Hilo Social Set-vices otters a comprehensive six week program aimed at reducing your tall risk and increasing your quality of life. This program, which is open to the public, provides a wealth of information on exercise, nutrition, hydration, medications, vision, breathing, posture and brain activities and even includes _ personal pre -and post - balance ratings. Call and let Life Care know you are interested; they will contact your doctor to get his or her permission for you to participate. There is a suggested $25 donation and a waiting list, so call 959 -9151. - GET PHYSICAL: If your community does not offer a fall prevention program, talk to your doctor about ordering some physical therapy for you, something that will help you increase your balancing skills and help reduce your risk of falling. it is like having apersonal trainer and can be a good jump start" for your own fall prevention regimen or exercise program. • MODIFY your home environment. Home design has been implicated in one third to one half of all falls, most often during common everyday activities., Common sense is the key: - Remove tripping hazards such as cords and small rugs t i - In the bathroom: Install non -slip surfaces in tubs or showers (or use a \� rubber tub mat). Use a soap -on -a rope or put the soap in the toe of a nylon stocking. Have another phone installed; add toilet lifts. - Install stair rails and grab bars wherever they may help you —by the toilet, in the kitchen, bedroom, along the hallway to the bathroom. - Make sure your phone is easy to reach and use. Consider a personal emergency alert such as those worn around your neck or wrist (ask the Aging and Disability Resource Center about this) � r , � AARP Coaddon for Consumer Hcakh & Safuy, Homc Safe Homc GET HEALTHY/ STAYHEALTHY EXERCISE, the Best Medicine Certified Personal Trainer Bill Linaker laughingly says, "Exercise is called a 'work -out' for a reason. If it was fun they'd call l it'Bingo'." Trainer Tg Bill, who was °'mot mentored by Jack Bill Linake'' C.P.T. LaLane, designs and rums senior exercise classes for elders in West Hawaii. "You are never too old to begin," Trainer Bill advises, "Just start slow and do your warm -up exercises first." To be safe at home, you need to be able to get up and down from your chair safely, and up off the floor if you should fall, so begin with strengthening the most essential "get up" parts of your body, your legs and back. Here are a few simple exercises to get you started, all using a solid dining room chair (no swivel chairs!) on a rug or other non -slip surface. (You may want to position your chair next to a sturdy table or chair you can lightly hold for balance as you get started) Ph— Credit: koh Tliornp ,, Strengthen Those Legs 1. Sit Downs: Sit slightly forward in the chair, your feet on the floor shoulder -width apait and close to the chair legs. Now lean slightly forward and, pushing mostly from your heels, stand up. Pause, then sit down as smoothly as you can. No Plopping. You may need some L elp from your arms to get started on this movement but stick with it and soon you'll be strong enough to do this gracefully & legs only. Repeat 5 — 15 times. 2. Seated Leg Extensions: From a regular seated position in your chair, lift your right foot up until your right leg is straight out. Now lift your leg up a few inches and lower back down, bend the knee returning your foot to the floor. Repeat this motion with your left foot, then repeat alternately 5 -15 times each leg. 3. Standing Leg Curl: Holding on to the back of your chair, raise your right foot towards your buttocks and then lower your right foot back to the floor. Make sure when you lift your foot that you keep your bending knee in line with your stationary knee. Repeat with your left leg, then repeat alternately 5 —15 times. 4. Standing Side Kicks: Holding on to the back of the chair, lift your right leg straight out to the side as high as you can. Lower to the starting position. Repeat with your left leg, then repeat alternately 5 — 15 times. 5. Standing Heel Raises: Holding on to the back of your chair, raise up onto both your tip -toes and slowly lower. Repeat 5 -15 times. Strengthen Those Abs 1. Seated Trunk Twist: Sit forward in your chair as tall and straight as you can. Don't slump or lean forward. Now, put your hands on your tummy and pull in your tummy as much as you can. Twist at the waist to the right and to the left. Stay tall! Repeat 5- 15 times. 2. Seated Alternate Leg Raises: Sit way forward in your chair and lean back so that your shoulders rest on the chair back and your legs are straight in front of you. With your knees slightly bent, lift your right leg as high as you can and slowly lower it back to the floor. Repeat with your left leg, then repeat alternately 5 —15 times. 3. Seated Chair Sit -Ups: Sitting in your chair in the same position as for leg raises, bring your arms forward until you are sitting up straight in the chair. Then return slowly to the starting position. Repeat 5 — 15 times. GET HEALTHY /STAYHEALTHY: Eating for Life: Quality, Not Quantity, by "Trainer Sill" Linaker If you're between 60 & 80 years of age, as I am, you probably remember the great food we enjoyed as kids. We ate from our gardens and from the ocean. We weren't fat. We ran around and played outside. By our teenage years we were told that cigarettes were good for you (calmed your nerves and increased your concentration) and "Wonder Bread Builds Strong Bodies 12 Ways." Spam came in with WWII and never left. The early 50's brought the "fast food" explosion - -it was cheap and easy and we are now so used to it we hardly think twice about how differently we eat now from when we were young. We need to get away from pleasing our taste buds and focus on our body's needs. As we age our metabolism slows down. Paradoxically, we need fewer calories and more nutrition, the exact opposite of fast food. Eating healthily is simple and we all know the rules. Make every bite count. Concentrate on: Fiber -rich foods Lots of fruit like brown rice, 100% especially deep colored fruits whole wheat bread and pasta 1 ike berries and papaya Lots of vegetables especially bright colored ones, Lean meats like spinach, carrots and non -fat dairy products, broccoli. Hint: frozen vegetables beans and nuts are just as nutritious as fresh AIM Fish LOTS of'fluids especially those like salmon especially water. Dehydration and sardines, herring and leads to fatigue, depression, mental . mackerel that are rich in confusion and short -term memory "brain food" omega -3 fatty acids iv loss As we age we may also need some nutritional supplements: the B vitamins and Vitamin D especially. There is research that Vitamin K may play a role in countering chronic inflammation associated with osteoporosis, arthritis, Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease. Discuss with your physician! TAKE CHARGE The County of Hawaii Office of Aging offers free "self - management" workshops for people with any type of on -going health problems. The workshops, "Better Choices, Better Health," teach practical skills to empower you to set healthy goals for yourself and put them into action. Through the workshops you learn how to manage your pain, problem -solve and Take Charge of your health and well- being. Call the ADRC, 961 -8626 for more information. }1wN+y 51ry. Mengq AM _ n. z ,1m•vc ik...wli:. FM�9 FYoINry Edry � �uwim. owr.�wr.,, LMYOgunM NrIM La.d�tl ' y�!.i.uh'�vp�� 4111�� STAY CONNECTED Human beings are social creatures. We all need inter - personal connections - to friends, family and social groups, whether it be a dance club, sewing circle or church group. These relationships nurture our spirits as much as healthy food nourishes our bodies. It is so easy as you age to slip into isolation. You don't intend to, but you find yourself losing touch with friends, skipping your club meeting or your bowling day, leaving your house less and less. You need your friends and they need you. Reach out! Make the effort to call friends, suggest meeting for lunch or plan to meet for a daily walk. Don't be shy, don't be too proud to ask for a ride if you need one. Staying connected is good for you. It decreases your reliance on just one or two family members or caregivers and increases your goals of staying safe and pindependent. 6 WHEN YOU CAN'T STAYHOME Dementia and the Alzheimer's Association, Aloha Chapter Dementia is not a specific tid w zo disease but a range of E"1O "" _ rowxnex symptoms associated with a severe decline in — memory and other thinking skills, all caused by damage to brain cells. Alzheimer's disease is by far the most common type of dementia. It is progressive and fatal, eventually rendering a person unable to care for himself /herself. Of those people who suffer from some form of dementia, 60% will wander during the course of the disease. Some people become violent or unpredictable. Here on the Big Island, we are very fortunate to have an active and supportive Alzheimer's Association, which offers many free services to both caregivers and forgetful people. Services include quarterly classes, "Living with Forgetfulness," wanderer's programs ("MedicAlert / Safe Return" and "Comfort Zone "), counseling, presentations, information and referral assistance, a safety program and private consultations. Three monthly Alzheimer's support groups are hosted every month in Hilo and one every month in Kona, some for caregivers, some for forgetful people. The Alzheimer's Association has a timd raiser every year called the Walk to End Alzheimer's. This year the Walk will be on Sunday, September 30, in Kona and on Saturday, October 6, in Hilo. Everyone is welcome to register, to walk and to collect donations to support the Alzheimer Association on the Big Island. Register online at the www.alz.org /walk or call 443 -7360 in Hilo or 238 -0484 in Kona. While the goal is to stay at home as long as possible, for some of us, the day will come when we cannot safely continue to live at home. This may be a permanent situation or just temporary while you are recovering from an injury or illness. Here on the Big Island, our long -term care options include: • Adult Residential Care Homes are residences for elders and other vulnerable adults who do not need as much help as a nursing home could provide. They offer a living situation with lighter supervision and assistance with chores, cooking and transportation. They can accept up to five residents. • Community Care Adult Foster Family Homes, often run by families, can be a homey and affordable alternative to a nursing home. Most foster homes accept only two (and never more than three) residents at a time, provide home - cooked meals and provide private bedrooms or two -to -a room. Adult Foster Homes are licensed by the Department of Hunan Services and offer a nursing home level of care. • Life Care Center operates three facilities on the Big Island, Hale Anuenue Restorative Care Center in Hilo and two Life Care Centers, one in Hilo and one in Kona. These facilities are also licensed by the Department of Human Services and otter a nursing home level of care. Life Care can be a temporary or a permanent housing solution. • Hospital Extended Care: Hilo Medical, Ka u, Kohala & Kona Community Hospitals all have extended care acilities. • Hale Hdola Hamakua • The Yukio Okutsu State Veterans' Nursing Home in Hilo, a privately owned facility that has been VA, Medicare and Medicaid approved. If you have a question or concern about a long-term facility, please call the State Long -Term Care Ombudsman, whose number is on the back of this booklet. Adult Protective Services — What is it? How does it work? • Adult Protective Services is a state agency, part of the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services. Their mission is to protect vulnerable adults from abuse. Abuse can include physical, psychological or sexual abuse, financial exploitation or neglect by a caregiver, or even self - neglect. • Hawai'i 's law defines a "vulnerable adult" as anyone 18 years or older with a mental, developmental or physical impairment who is also unable to: (a) communicate or make responsible decisions to manage his or her own care or resources; or (b) carry out or arrange for essential activities of daily living; or (c) protect himself or herself from abuse. • When Adult Protective Services receives a call reporting possible abuse, they first determine whether they can accept the report. Reports are accepted if it is determined that (1) the adult is 'vulnerable" under the state definition and (2) abuse has already occurred or is in imminent danger of occurring. • Once Adult Protective Services accepts a report, a further investigation is conducted. Family, friends and any agencies known to be involved, as well as the alleged perpetrator, may be contacted. Short -term helping services may be arranged. If the report does not meet the criteria for an abuse or neglect investigation, APS can often make referrals to other agencies which can arrange for or provide assistance. • Under most circumstances, Adult Protective Services can only act with the consent of the vulnerable adult. This means that even though a vulnerable adult is living in a dangerous or unhealthy situation, if they are mentally capable of making their own decisions, and they don't want help, help cannot be forced on them. Unlike children, adults cannot be "rescued" against their will. ELDER ABUSE — Why? Elders are abused for many reasons: Financial Abusers target elders because they are perceived as wealthier and more trusting than other people, and less likely to report the crime. Caregiver Abusers may become physically or psychologically abusive or neglectful because they are over - whelmed, stressed and exhausted. Caregivers sometimes quit their jobs to care for an elder, which may lead to financial worries, adding to the stress. Sometimes caregivers and family feel entitled to their parents' or grandparents' money, "it's going to be mine eventually anyway, and 1 need it now." Some caregivers or family members have substance abuse problems that cause them to be angry or desperate for money. Caring for elders with dementia can be especially stressful on family and caregivers. Alzheimer's training and caregiver respite can help well - intentioned but abusive caregivers get back on track. i WHATEVER the reasons, Elder Abuse is Never Okay. A FEW FACTS: • Most elder abuse takes place in the victim's home. • Most elder abuse is a combination of financial exploitation and physical abuse • Most abusers are family members and or caregivers. • Elder abuse is vastly under - reported; some estimates are as high as five unreported incidents for every one reported. Preventing Physical Abuse, Give 'em a Break! Taking care of someone, even (maybe especially) someone you love, can be exhausting and stressful. Stressed caregivers and stressed elders are a dangerous combination. Every caregiver needs some breaks, some opportunities to get away from the caregiving for 6 awhile, a chance to rest, recover and recharge. People receiving care need a break too! "Respite care" is available for caregivers through Aging and Disability Resource Center agencies as well as other organizations in your community. Adult Daycare can help families stay together longer by allowing caregivers to go to work knowing their loved one is safe and well cared for. Getting out of the house, even a few days a week, is often just the break in routine that both elders and caregivers need, even when they don't realize it. You'll be surprised how many familiar faces of friends and neighbors you'll see there, and how good it feels to be to be welcomed in and get out of the house once in a while. Social interaction and stimulation are important at any age: Your brain is like your body: use it or lose it! a� h The Big Island has four adult day care centers: in Hilo, Honomu, Waimea and Kona. Adult Daycare Centers charge by the level of care required and number of times you attend. Fees can be covered by Medicaid (up to five days a week) and many insurance policies, including Long Term Care insurance. Depending on your circumstances, financial assistance may also be available. joie Are Special 16 Caring for Family Caring fol, 'ourself Counf' Office of Aging Preventing Financial Exploitation, Don't be Fooled! Schemes and scams targeting the elderly are on the rise. Elders are seen as easy prey: overly trusting, powerless and comparatively wealthy. Don't prove scammers right. Remember these "Don'ts ": Don't Give Your Numbers Out to anyone you don't know: Not your Social Security number, Not your ATM PIN number, Not your credit card number. Don't Give Your Information over the Phone. Do not believe a phone caller saying he is from your bank, your mortgage company or anyone else asking for your confidential information. Ask for requests for your information to be sent to you in writing. Don't Pre -pay for home or car repairs or for cleaning services that have not been completed, and completed to your satisfaction. If a repair person says he is licensed, ask for his license number. Don't Allow Yourself to be Rushed Say you need to "think about it," or that you will "Discuss it with your spouse" (or children). Don't Carry a lot of Cash, especially in your back pocket or in your purse. Cany only one credit card at a time. Don't write your PIN number on the back of your ATM card. Don't Believe You will Win the lottery by buying magazines or inherit a fortune by sending someone a money order for taxes or processing fees. Reporting: If you have been a victim of one of these scams, report it to the police. You can also file a written complaint with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Office of Consumer Protection. On the Big Island, call 933- 0910 to request a complaint form, or get forms on -line at www.hawaii.gov/dcca/ocp. WHAT CAN BE DONE? -If You Suspect Abuse REPORT IT: Certain professions (such as police, medical and social service professionals) are "mandatory reporters," and must report even their suspicions of possible physical or financial abuse or neglect. Financial institutions must report any suspicious financial i� activity if the customer is age 62 or older. Reports are made to Adult Protective Services. Reporters' names are kept confidential. During this initial call, the caller will often , be told whether Adult Protective Services can accept the report. If a report is accepted, do not be surprised if Adult Protective Services can not tell you the status of the investigation — this is confidential, just as the reporter's identity is. Whether the Adult Protective Services criteria can be met or not, anyone who is aware of or even suspects elder abuse is strongly encouraged to call Adult Protective Services and make a report. If your report is not accepted and you see or suspect abuse again, Please, CALL AGAIN. If the situation is a crisis, do not hesitate to call the police. The phone numbers are on the back of this booklet. GET HELP: At -Home Assistance Tf you need to get a caregiver- abuser OUT of your house, most likely you'll be needing a little help — with personal care, housekeeping or rides to doctors' appointments or to the grocery store. Whether or not you want to report your situation to the first responders (police and Adult Protective Services), you can still arrange in -home help. Start by calling your Aging and Disability Resource Center, 961 -8626. WHAT CAN BE DONE? - If YOU are a Victim ofAbuse? GET HELP: Intervention Adult Protective Services and the police are both first responders" and can arrange short -term protection for any vulnerable adult in immediate or imminent danger. Sometimes this takes the form of arranging for emergency services to come to the home- sometimes the victim needs to be re- located, at least temporarily. Police, island -wide, Call 935 -3311 (in any emergency, call 911) Adult Protective Services, East -side, Call 933 -8820 West -side, Call 327 -6280 Remember, this is "crisis intervention" help, limited in scope and duration (usually no longer than a few months). JORDlwarED ERVICES. 961 -8777 Remember, whenever possible, the Aging A and Disability Resource Center's goal is to arrange for services that will allow you to stay at home. i M GET HELP: Prosecution and the Courts Last year, the Prosecutor's Office implemented a new Elder Abuse Unit focused on (1) preventing abuse through community education and outreach and (2) expediting investigation and prosecution of elder abuse cases through improved agency procedures and inter- agency collaboration. To request a speaker for your group from the Elder Abuse Unit, please call Lexi McKay at 961 -0466. The Prosecutor's Office also has a Victim's Assistance Unit. The counselors in this unit work with crime victims to provide information about the judicial process, the status of the victim's case, notification of offender status, victim compensation and restitution. The Victim's Assistance Unit also provides referrals to various community resources available for crime victims, such as counseling and support services. BIG ISLAND IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS 12 To make a non- emergency Hawaii County In an Emergency report, call Dispatch, Police Department call 911 935 -3311 1055 Kino`ole St. (Island -wide) 961 -8626 Aging Disability & Resource Center Hilo, HT 96720 (Island -wide) Alzheimer's Hilo 443 -7360 Association Kona 238 -0484 Adult Protective 1055 Kino`ole St. Hilo 933 -8820 Services Hilo, HI 96720 75 -5995 Kuakini Hwy., Ste 433 Kona 327 -6280 Kailua -Kona, HI 96740 Coordinated Services for 1055 Kino'ole St. Hilo 961 -8777 the Elderly Hilo, HI 96720 Kona 323 -4320 DCCA, Regulated Industries Complaints & 345 Kekuanaoa St., Suite 12 933 -8846 Office of Consumer Hilo HI 96720 (Island -wide) Protection Hawaii County Office of Aging 1055 Kino`ole St. Hilo 961 -8600 Hilo, HT 96720 Kona 323 -4390 Legal Aid, Senior Assistance These numbers reach Legal Hilo 934 -0678 (Free for 60 or older) Aid's Intake Line, open from Legal Aid attorneys who take your 9:30 - 11:20 am and initial call may be able to answer simple questions over the phone 1:00 - 3:30 pm Kona 329 -8331 Long Term Care Ombudsman 250 S. Hotel St. From Big Island, call toll -free (for questions or concerns about care Honolulu HI 96814 974 -4000 in long -term care facilities) then enter 6 -100 12