World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
The Northwest Region participated in the Department of Elder Affairs’ World Elder Abuse Awareness Day seminar in Pensacola on June 15 at the Bayview Senior Center. The event highlighted the importance of building a strong support network, reporting elder abuse, and recognizing the signs, along with useful strategies and a reminder that everyone is a mandatory reporter. Lt. Jimmy Donohoe with the Pensacola Police Department presented information on several programs being offered in Pensacola, including the “Are You O.K.?” program. This a computerized telephone calling system that calls participants every day at a designated time. If no response is received after several calls, designated emergency contacts are called, and if that fails, an officer will be sent to check on the person. This is a free City of Pensacola service for older adults, people with disabilities, shut-ins, and anyone who lives alone.
The Pensacola Police Department also offers the “Take Me Home” program for anyone who may not be able to speak to a law enforcement officer for various physical/mental challenges. If the person is registered with the “Take Me Home” program, officers can look for their information in the computer database. Using the person’s physical description and photograph, officers can determine who they are and where they live and call someone to come get them.
Lastly, Lt. Donohoe explained Project Lifesaver. Citizens enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small transmitter on the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized frequency signal. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver notifies their local Project Lifesaver agency, and a trained emergency team responds to the wanderer’s area.
For more information on the “Are You O.K.?” program, call 850-435-1938.
To register for the “Take Me Home” program or for additional information, please contact Lt. Jimmy Donohoe via phone at 850-436-5416 or email Lt. Donohoe.
To find a Project Lifesaver program, go to www.projectlifesaver.org.
Lt. Jimmy Donohoe with the Pensacola Police Department presented information on several programs being offered in Pensacola, including the “Are You O.K.?” program
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