WESTFIELD-Karen Noblit and Fran Aguda of the Westfield Council on Aging are on the front lines as advocates for seniors in the community – especially “when the cry for help comes.”
In their longtime roles, Noblit as senior benefits coordinator and Aguda as the companion program coordinator, both have seen cases of elder abuse firsthand and seek immediate intervention with Highland Valley Elder Services which provides a Protective Services division.
Fran Aguda and Karen Noblit were recently notified they have been nominated to win an award through Highland Valley Elder Services.
Both women have been nominated to receive an award from Highland Valley Elder Services during the 12th annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. A special meatloaf luncheon at noon is planned at the Westfield Senior Center on Noble Street. Lunch is $3 and includes sides of mashed potatoes and a vegetable, roll and dessert. Tickets generally sell out by 11 a.m. so purchasing a ticket earlier in the morning is encouraged.
“The Westfield Council on Aging joins Highland Valley Elder Services and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse in showing that we care about ending elder abuse and neglect by wearing something purple on June 15 in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day,” said Tina Gorman, director, Westfield Council on Aging.
Julie Pearce, program director for Highland Valley Elder Services’ Protective Services, noted that in fiscal year 2016, her department assessed 550 cases in the 24 town service area in Hampden and Hampshire counties.
“We see an increase every year,” said Pearce, adding that during fiscal 2017 she expects to see more than 600 elder abuse cases assessed through her division. An older adult is someone age 60 or older.
In conjunction with Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Pearce noted it is important to recognize members of the region whose daily work helps people remain safe and independent in their homes and communities. The award recognizes individuals who work cooperatively with Protective Services and has demonstrated a commitment in working on elder care issues, which includes domestic violence and money management.
For Noblit, who also serves as a SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) counselor, she has seen an uptick in the types of abuse that can occur – from family members emptying bank accounts of a senior to seniors falling prey to scams through the mail. Noblit noted she also works with the city’s Veterans’ Services Office at the Westfield Senior Center when she feels a veteran needs extra assistance.
“It just takes a call to us,” said Noblit, adding she receives calls from bank officials, church members, and neighbors of seniors who they feel might be a victim of abuse. “We do what we do to help others.”
Karen Noblit and Fran Aguda of the Westfield Council on Aging have been nominated to receive an award from Highland Valley Elder Services.
Aguda echoed those sentiments.
“We focus on the fragile elderly,” said Aguda, who oversees approximately 50 volunteers visiting seniors as part of the Companion Program. The program includes transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, errands, companionship, and hazardous weather check-ups. “Our volunteers will call us if they have concerns while assisting a senior.”
In some cases, both women may work together assisting a senior in need.
“Karen and I assist with any issue or problem and turn to resources in the community,” said Aguda.
Noblit concurred.
“During a SHINE appointment regarding health insurance a senior may mention needing a ride and I would make a referral to the Companion Program,” said Noblit.
Elder abuse can run the gamut from physical, emotional and sexual abuse, to neglect by a caregiver, self-neglect, and financial exploitation. Many cases are not reported because seniors are afraid or unable to tell police, friends, or family about the violence. Victims often have to decide whether to tell someone they are being hurt or continue being abused by someone they depend on or care for deeply.
The goal of protective services is to remedy or alleviate the abusive situation and to prevent the re-occurrence of abuse, according to Pearce.
“Our mandate is to keep people happy, healthy and living in their communities if that is what they wish,” said Pearce.
Pearce and associates will be attending the June 15 luncheon at the Westfield Senior Center to present awards and speak briefly about the signs of elder abuse and neglect. The public is encouraged to attend.
For persons interested in reaching Noblit or Aguda, call (413) 562-6435 during weekdays. To reach Highland Valley Elder Services, call (413) 586-2000 or (800) 322-0551. Highland Valley’s emergency after-hours number is (800) 922-2275.
