Wednesday, March 20, 2002

A kind of elder abuse is occurring here in Fayette

Thank you for your article regarding Fayette Senior Services (FSS) in last Wednesday's newspaper.

As a healthcare professional, it is apparent that individuals responsible for the planning and implementation of services to our seniors need to have ongoing and updated knowledge about the changing needs of seniors. In years past, individuals classified as "senior" were more or less debilitated and needed in-home or day-care types of services. Seniors today include individuals who are active, cognitively intact and have a need to maintain a high level of wellness.

Individuals responsible for services to these seniors need to continually evaluate the services that are provided, make sure that the services offered or paid for by seniors are appropriate for the needs and revise services based on needs assessment. It occurs to me that funds are being taken from seniors at Fayette Senior Services even though the services do not meet the identified needs of individuals. This is a form of elder abuse.

I urge citizens of Fayette County and the designated individuals who are responsible for these service to make needed modifications in the services offered to our seniors. Of utmost importance is ensuring that our senior citizens know about and understand the types of services that are available.

Shari Clarke

Fayetteville

Back to Opinion Home Page | Back to the top of the page