Abuse of elderly is addressed

Wednesday, August 23, 2006 Audience members were told to watch out for one another. By VIRGINIA ROSS VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT NORTH LIMA — Consider it a sign of trouble if your elderly friend suddenly becomes unavailable to you, an area police officer told a group of concerned citizens. Daniel Valentine, a Beaver Township police officer, explained the friend could be the victim of elder abuse inflicted by a relatives such as a son or grandson. The abuse could involve isolation and exploitation, he noted. "Please talk to someone about it," Valentine said. "Keep in contact with other family members, call other friends, call the police, call Adult Protective Services. Keep an eye on the situation." Valentine, who heads the township's Neighborhood Crime Watch group, said elder abuse is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the area. Tuesday night, elder abuse was the topic of a joint meeting of the Beaver Township and Springfield Township crime watch groups. The meeting was at Shepherd of the Valley on Western Reserve Road in Beaver Township. Valentine told the group of some 40 area residents, most of whom were elderly, to watch out for one another. Family problem He said it's a classic maneuver for an abusive family member to keep an elderly relative isolated from friends and other family members. He said most often elders fall victim to relatives, especially men in their families. He said a son or grandson will move in on the elderly relative and the next thing you know "material possessions that once belonged to your friend now belong to the relative." Valentine said the situation often continues, growing worse because of the victim's reluctance to report a relative to police. "The best thing you can do for them is to keep in contact with them," he said. He said elders also are victims of scams and identity theft, again often at the hands of relatives. "We're seeing it more and more, even in our quiet township," Valentine added. "That's why we're trying to get this information out, and we need everyone's help to do that." Valentine said he is working with Adult Protective Services in Mahoning County to provide local senior citizens with information about fighting these crimes. He said crimes committed by juveniles such as vandalism and thefts also are increasing in the area. He encouraged residents to call police if they see anything suspicious. Crime watch meetings, which are open to the public, are at 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of every month at Shepherd of the Valley.