Specialized Services
Hoarding
Compulsive hoarding is an issue which results in people keeping large amounts of items the “outside” world considers excessive or worthless. Hoarding compromises an individual’s quality of life by impairing their capability to bathe themselves, clean, and cook. Clutter greatly increases the risk of falls and fires, and insect and rodent infestation. Many hoarders are isolated from social contact with others in part due to the shame associated with the condition of their living quarters.
The Hoarding Outreach Program was developed in partnership with Boston University School of Social Work to assist elders with a hoarding problem. Elders may have weekly assistance from a mental health specialist who will work with the elder to understand their hoarding practices and make change. A supportive homemaker or volunteer may be assigned to help with sorting, organizing, and discarding possessions over the course of time. This innovative and intensive approach helps to mitigate stress and failure for the individual of keeping a safe and organized living environment.
Mental Health Care Management
There are some elders with mental health issues who are never healed, or receive proper diagnosis or treatment. Their ability to function independently is hampered by their difficulty in managing their problems, acting abnormally, or being isolated and difficult to assist. To reach this special population, Elder Services developed a Mental Health Care Management Program. The staff who serve in this program are highly skilled, and specially trained to deal with difficult emotional and mental behaviors, and are sensitive to an elder’s rights for dignity, respect, and good care. Their relationship with these elders is built over the long term to insure trust and a sense of safety.
Protective Services
The state Executive Office of Elder Affairs is required by law to administer a system for receiving and investigating reports of elder abuse and for providing needed protective services to neglected and abused elders and those otherwise at risk. Elder abuse includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect by a caregiver, self-neglect and financial exploitation. In the Merrimack Valley, Elder Services is the designated agency to fulfill these responsibilities. Unfortunately the number of reports of elder abuse continues to rise. In 2008 there were over 14,900 PS reports filed across the state of Massachusetts, 1037 of those reports were within the Merrimack Valley. The goal of the Protective Services program is to remedy or alleviate the crisis and to prevent a reoccurrence where an elder may be vulnerable to danger or harm. Protective services may include home care services, medical treatment, counseling, legal services, information, and support. A competent elder has the right to accept or refuse protective services.
Anyone can make an elder abuse report. If you are concerned about an elder, and think they are at risk you may call the Age Information Department at 1-800-892-890 and ask to speak to a specialist. Your confidentiality is assured, and all referrals are screened and then assigned to Protective Service Workers who investigate the situation and determine the best course of action to relieve the situation. Referrals can also be made after business hours to the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275.
Homelessness Program
Elders most vulnerable because of a lack of shelter are served through our homelessness program. Working in collaboration with local shelters, churches, and community organizations staff for the program find shelter for an individual and begin working on the resources and benefits an individual may need to manage their lives effectively. This includes finding permanent housing, and accessing benefits, adequate medical care, and employment opportunities. The goal is to foster stability and a secure and safe living environment for all elder residents within the Merrimack Valley.