Elderly need more protective services, agency head says

March 13-- Mar. 13--DANVILLE -- The Columbia-Montour Aging Office's need for protective service work has greatly increased, Executive Director Kathi Lynn told the Montour County commissioners on Tuesday.

She said the biggest issues clients face are self-neglect and financial exploitation.

She said an elderly person living alone can be the victim of a scammer and be financially exploited.

"Some people are calling to say Social Security will be stopped," she said. "Social Security won't call you on the phone and the lottery isn't going to call you to tell you you won. If it's too good to be true, it's not going to happen."

Lynn said one victim was scammed out of more than $100,000.

She urged seniors not to give out financial information by phone and if they do, to call the police and the aging office immediately.

The nonprofit agency doesn't have enough money for protective services, she said. Lynn said the state realized that and provided the agency with some additional money. The agency has three full-time protective workers and a protective supervisor, who is mandated to be available around-the-clock, she said.

The aging office also can provide information on supplemental insurance through Apprise, she said.

"Call us. We'll get an answer if we don't know where to call," she said.

The aging office, which became a nonprofit in 2005, allowing it to fundraise, is controlled by a board, of which Commission Vice Chairman Dan Hartman is a member, she said.

The agency's goal is to keep older adults in their own homes and not have to depend on nursing homes, which can cost $18,000 a month, he said.

The aging office is funded by the lottery and some federal money, she said. Montour and Columbia counties donate to the agency, which has a $4 million annual budget and a waiting list for services.

People can donate to the agency through the Raise the Region website campaign, which begins at 6 tonight and continues through 11:59 p.m. Thursday.

Services the agency provides include transportation, senior centers, home-delivered meals and personal care, she said. Personal care could include a home-health aide helping a person bathe. Forty-five people are on the personal care waiting list, she said.

"That's why we are constantly trying to fundraise," she said.

The agency plans to hold fundraising bingos in both counties this year. Donations can be sent to the agency, at 702 Sawmill Road, Bloomsburg.

"We are always looking for volunteers at senior centers and for the homebound to see a friendly face or to hear a nice voice on the phone," she said.

For information on volunteering, call the agency at 570-784-9272.

Saturday success

Montour County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts Susan Kauwell said some courthouse offices that were open Saturday for a few hours proved to be successful. Her office processed 22 passports, many of which included families with children so the kids didn't have to miss school to apply for a passport. Applications for children younger than 16 need both parents' signatures while those under 18 require one parent's signature.

"People were extremely grateful. It was very worthwhile and it's a pleasure serving our people," she said.

Holdren thanked the offices that were open, including voter registration and the sheriff.

"It's nice to see county officials go above and beyond," Hartman said.

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