As Douglas County senior citizen population increases, district court judges Michael Gibbons and Dave Gamble have created a new program to protect the elderly and disabled from abuse and exploitation.
The judges are seeking volunteers for Special Advocates For the Elderly. Under the direction of program coordinator John Giomi of Topaz, volunteers will be trained to visit and monitor referred cases and provide the courts with information.
The program is modeled after the county's CASA program for children and a Washoe County program that serves the elderly.
Volunteer training is to begin this month.
“The elderly and the disabled face unique challenges,” Giomi said. “They have the right to make decisions about their lives, but they may also be dependent upon others. They can be easily be exploited, neglected or abused. Dishonest people may earn their trust only to squander their precious resources.”
Full Article and Source:
Judges Seek Advocates for Elderly
6 comments:
Sounds like a good idea and I hope it works.
Most senior citizens do not need to be declared a ward of the state.
Most just need some support or assitance while retaining their basic civil rights, their dignity, lifestyle and their income and assets.
I applaud Judges judges Michael Gibbons and Dave Gamble for thinking outside the box, knowing what might be waiting for them.
This is a great idea, judges Michael Gibbons and Dave Gamble.
Volunteers -- that's what's needed. Not paid people who will profit.
It remains to be seen if those volunteers report abuse back to the court and what the court does about it.
The volunteers need to be educated about guardianship and guardianship abuse as well.
But, this is good news - very good news overall.
If this program works, I hope it spreads like wildfire.
This is one to watch for success (hopefully!)
At least they're trying!
Post a Comment