Area good for senior living, for savvy elders

Feb. 23-- Feb. 23--The independent review site The Senior List has compiled a study ranking the safest states for senior citizens, and based on the data, Oklahoma ranked 15th. But area advocates say seniors still need training and protection to ensure their well-being.

The Census Bureau counts 50 million Americans who are 65 or older. According to the American Community Survey, 14.4 percent of the population of the 74464 zip code is over age 65. The Senior List study analyzed Census Bureau data in the following categories: fraud, housing costs, senior population living in poverty, violent-injury deaths, and seniors living alone.

"Crimes against seniors are typically fraud or elder abuse -- not physical abuse, but financial abuse. It's people taking advantage of them and stealing their money," said Tahlequah Police Department Chief Nate King. "Caregivers will take advantage of those unable to take care of themselves, or those late in their lives are often the victims."

King said TPD will occasionally do outreach to groups of senior citizens to discuss the avoidance of fraud and scams.

Tony Ward, assistant campus director at Go Ye Village, said several seminars on fraud have have been staged by the Oklahoma Insurance Commission, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and local law enforcement officers.

"Our residents get scads of scam phone calls and emails saying their computers are locked," said Ward.

The first thing to do if presented with a scam, according to King, is to report it to law enforcement.

"Many are difficult to prosecute because they aren't based locally," said King. "Basically, if it sounds too good to be true, it's not true. If it doesn't make sense, then it's probably a scam. The IRS is not going to call you and threaten to turn you into the police."

According to the Federal Trade Commission, 18,770 fraud and similar reports were made In Oklahoma in 2017, for a total fraud loss of $5 million. That same year, there were 2,901 reports of identity theft in the state.

Census data indicate 21.2 percent of the Tahlequah households have individuals 65 years and over, and seniors living alone make up 9.1 percent of all households. Those who live alone are more susceptible to crimes, as well as spending more money on rent.

The national median for monthly housing costs for renter-occupied housing units is $982. In Oklahoma, for 2013-2017, it was $766.

Ward said besides the couples who live on campus, there are roommates who live in double occupancy rooms.

Of Tahlequah senior citizens, 13.3 percent live below the poverty line. The national average of the states' rates is about 8.8 percent.

Staying fit mentally and physically can help seniors stay safe and accident-free, especially in a good environment.

"Go Ye Village not only provides wellness programs and activities, but also provides our residents with 24-hour security, indoor corridors, 24-hour emergency medical response and the ability to age in place," said Ward.

But accidents, injuries and the vicious actions of others cannot always be avoided. The national average rate of individuals 65 and older who have suffered a violent death is about 18 per 100,000. In Oklahoma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the annual violent death crude rate for 65 and over is 20.77. Crude death rate is the total number of deaths to residents in a specific geographic area, divided by the total population for the same geographic area, and multiplied by 100,000.

Senior citizens or their loved ones who may be concerned about their treatment or care while in nursing homes, assisted living and residential care facilities are encouraged to learn their rights and contact a local long-term care ombudsman.

"What it means in general terms is an advocate or representative. Specifically, a long-term care ombudsman is an advocate for residents of long-term care facilities. Ombudsmen can also handle complaints from residents involving a wide range of issues, including food, care, family issues, and resident rights, to list a few," said Ombudsman Supervisor Scott Harding.

Ombudsmen have the authority to explore problems and recommend corrective action. Locally, the program is available through the Eastern Oklahoma Development District Area Agency on Aging.

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