Elder Care

General Observations:

• In 2011, 25% of pantry visitors were from the elderly population,  2012 RHS Presentation 
• On MV, self-neglect is more prevalent than general neglect among elders (50% of elder abuse cases),  2014 RHS Presentation 
  • Self -neglect is denial of basic needs, practicing self-medication, and ignoring mental health needs
• Elder social determinants of health on MV: healthcare services, religion, geographic location, cultural factors, housing, employment, education, socioeconomic,  2014 RHS Presentation 

• Shortage of primary care for elders (one geriatric specialist on MV),  2011 RHS Presentation 
• Along with the primary care shortage, there is shortage for elder-specific care in other concentrations – dentistry, mental health, etc.,  2011 RHS Presentation ,  2013  &  2014 
• Other specialties requiring additional elder focus – ophthalmology, endocrinology, podiatry,  2013 RHS Presentation 

• Recommended expand the Day Program at the MV Center for Living,  2013 RHS Presentation 
  • As of 2013, 22 families were enrolled with 14 on the waiting list
  • Suggested expansion to 5 days per week
  • Suggested finding a larger space for the program
  • Consider a transition to a medical/social model (utilize the CNAs)‡

• Recommended increase the number of caretakers for homebound seniors – who can help with food access and food prep,  2020 RHS Presentation 

Summary of the Community's response so far The Island Center for Living day program has been expaneded to 5 days/week

• A need to track referrals and follow up among elderly population,  2011 RHS Presentation  &  2013 
• Barriers to filing a report of abuse: elder services it’s located off-island, little transparency, inadequate follow up, report 1-2 times per year,  2014 RHS Presentation 
• Right to refuse services once abuse is reported (?),  2014 RHS Presentation 

• Recommended that the COAs have a unified approach across the Island, 2013 RHS Presentation
• Recommended expanding the Vineyard Village at Home,  2013 RHS Presentation 

Summary of the Commuity's response so far

No updates to share (6.17.2022)

• Needs to be a paradigm shift on the benefits of hospice within the general public and provider community – ex: they offer support for Alzheimer’s and Dementia,  2013 RHS Presentation 
• 27 of 37 agencies interviewed (72%) suspected abuse of an elder,  2014 RHS Presentation 
  • Primarily self-neglect followed by financial abuse
  • Have you received training on elder abuse? Yes (7) No (18)
  • Does your agency feel knowledgeable of resources? Yes (10) No (11)
• Lack of training and awareness among providers and the general public regarding elder abuse,  2014 RHS Presentation 

• Recommended build skills around home medical care education,  2014 RHS Presentation 
• Recommended create a local Caregiver Educational Handbook,  2014 RHS Presentation 

Summary of the Community's response so far

No Updates to share (6.17.2022)