Inform Article

Bedridden Elder Left Stranded, Dies After Partner’s Death

11.09.2009
Posted by Patrice Schroeder of 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/search/content/local_news/epape...

Re:  "Man's death may have left partner stranded!" Palm Beach Post Article Saturday, October 24th, 2009 edition - Local section belays the tragedy of isolated elders

Staff at 211 Palm Beach/ Treasure Coast (crisis & helpline) often encounter resilient seniors and respect the tenacity of such personalities as John King, 79, the senior who just wouldn't take assistance offered also featured in an adjacent article "Storm victim needs help...but does he want it?"...

However, the other side of the spectrum includes the many hardship stories of distressed elders or caregivers who are overwhelmed and in need of essential services but unaware of available resources. These stories truly wrench 211 staff members' heartstrings. Such is the case with Sophie Meglino, 83, and Carmine Montanaro, 51 who were presumed to have died early October but found just last week.

The Sunshine Daily Telephone Reassurance program and Elder Crisis Outreach programs are available to better the lives of elders in Palm Beach County.

Perhaps this tragic course events could have been prevented had this couple known of two free programs offered by 211. The Sunshine Daily Telephone Reassurance program and Elder Crisis Outreach programs are available to Palm Beach County residents who are over the age of 60, or considered to be housebound or disabled.

211's little known Sunshine program impacts the lives of seniors in so many very big ways. While 211's Elder Advocates help link seniors to available services.

Each day elders receive a scheduled daily phone call from volunteers or staff members to check in on their well being. Calls are made between the hours of 7:30am and 5pm every day of the year. Seniors not only receive a friendly hello, but have the piece of mind knowing that someone cares about them and will be able to get them emergency assistance should the need  arise particularly if no one has been able to contact them at their normally scheduled call time.

Additionally, if the Sunshine coordinator feels that an elder his having difficulty, and possibly declining to the extent that additional services are necessary, 211's Elder Crisis Outreach program comes into play.

The Elder Crisis Outreach program features short term client advocacy up to 60 days with a staff of three social workers that are able to do crisis intervention, home visits, and linkage to valuable programs and services.

For more information on these two programs, dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211palmbeach.org.