Elder abuse subject at Buckeye Hills
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MARIETTA – An Elder Abuse Awareness event was held Saturday morning at Buckeye Hills Regional Council.
One of the big draws was a quarter auction, with proceeds going to Adult Protective Services, the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley and Marietta Community Foundation to help APS clients with pet needs.
APS Director Deanna Green said the event went really well, although she didn't know how much was raised.
"I still have to count the quarters," she said. "I feel like we had a really good turnout."
There were 10 vendors and sold 60 of 75 paddles.
"We had a lot of fun. It was a good day," Green said.
There were 28 items up for auction, with several standing out.
Lori Hart, APS worker, said there was a large gardening basket that was worth over $100.
Green said a Marietta College swag bag was highly sought after.
"It was decked out with autographed signatures and balls and a picture of the stadium," she said.
A Cincinnati Bengals shirt and hat were also quickly snapped up.
"It was a nice thing because of the Bengals going to the Super Bowl," Hart said.
About 10 vendors set up booths to provide resources for seniors.
Gerri VanNoy, information and assistance specialist with BHRC, helped man the council's booth. She said it was important for people to recognize elder abuse.
"Most of what we come in contact with is self-neglect," she said. "They don't have running water. They don't have any groceries and they call us needing some type of assistance."
In those cases, they have to call APS and let them know of the situation.
Chrisy Heiss, owner of Right at Home, had a booth and said her business provides non-medical and personal home care for seniors.
"I help a client walk their dog in the morning because they are afraid of falling outside and they need safety," she said.
Her employees are not nurses, so they can't administer medications, but they can help with reminders to take them.
"We're excited to be another resource in the area for seniors," she said. Right at Home provides services such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, bathing, dressing, eating/feeding and companionship.
Green said Saturday's resource fair was the APS's big event for Elder Abuse Awareness Month, but signs will remain up for the remainder of the month at the armory, Peoples Bank, Children Services and the Washington County Department of Job and Family Services office on Gilman Avenue.
She said this isn't the only event APS holds. Many revolve around the holidays.
Hart said they donate meals at Christmas to the elderly and Green said they partner with Belair's Bistro in Belpre to distribute meals to older adults who can't get out.
Elderly veterans were honored last year with soup, rolls and cookies on Veteran's Day, Hart said. They hope to do it again this year.
Green said they also hold a senior Christmas "to make sure that people who don't have family get something for Christmas."
Community members and businesses donate goods that are given away. Hart said they call their clients and ask what they need for Christmas.
Green said the clients did a wish list.
"Do you need a pair of shoes? Do you need a coat?" Hart said.
Green said it was amazing how many people asked for standard clothing items.
Some things were more unusual for a Christmas gift.
"I got somebody a vacuum," Green said. "There are things you take for granted until you are on a fixed income."
One business bought a lady a pair of eyeglasses, Hart said.