HUBBARD Police form program to aid senior citizens

The program will be patterned after one in Champion Township.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- Hubbard Township police are in the process of organizing a program to help older residents.
Patrol Officer Dominick Guarino has been placed in charge of the Senior Citizens Assistance Program by Police Chief Todd Coonce.
Guarino said Tuesday the program will be patterned after one in Champion Township administered by police.
"We want to make contact with the seniors," Guarino said. "We have come across shut-ins or those who can't get out anymore and are lonely people."
Database
The idea is to create a database of seniors who need to be checked on, either at their request or that of their family.
At the same time, seniors will be given the Vial of Life -- personal information inside a plastic vial that is stored in the refrigerator.
Guarino said police want to have information regarding the name of people's emergency physicians, next of kin, medical histories, medications, clergy and physical impairments.
Police also want to know the identity of someone who has a key to their home.
Guarino explained that on occasions, a family member who lives out of town can't get in contact with their relative. In such cases, police can only check the outside of the home.
Police want to be able to contact a key holder to enter the home and check on the senior.
Social services
Guarino said he also wants to use the program to help the seniors with utility payment assistance programs and other social service agencies help, if they need it.
"The primary goal of the Senior Citizens Assistance Program is to establish communications with our seniors and to assist them in any way possible, within our means," he said.
Also included in the program will be weekly or biweekly visits.
"We understand that some of the senior citizens of our community may be reluctant to come forward, but we only want to open the door of communication and let them know that we are here to serve them," Guarino asserted.
He explained that the seniors have been taxpayers for many years, and members of the police department would like to show the seniors their appreciation.
Township seniors interested in the program or anyone who knows a senior who may need help can contact Guarino from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays at (330) 534-9797.
yovich@vindy.com