| Perrysburg Twp. offers senior watch program |
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| Written by PETER KUEBECK Sentinel Staff Writer | ||
| Wednesday, 27 July 2011 09:10 | ||
While the exact details of the program could not be released for safety reasons, Sgt. Monica Gottfried said that it will nevertheless allow for making daily checks on senior citizens who join. Additionally, if there is a problem, information submitted to the program will allow for officers to contact a senior's next of kin or keyholder so that a face-to-face check can be made. The program will allow seniors and their families to have a direct line of communication, said Patrolman Dave Molter Jr. It will also help officers get to know seniors in their area on a regular basis. All of the department's patrol units are involved. The program is the brainchild of Molter, who saw a similar program while working as an officer for Danberry Township in Ottawa County. "He presented the idea and the chief (Mark Hetrick) loved it," Gottfried said. While the program is aimed at seniors, Molter said that they define that group as anyone who is at-risk, including those with health problems or living alone. Gottfriend said that if someone wishes to enroll in the program and explains their circumstances, likely would not be turned away. There are a number of issues that can confront seniors, they said, including this summer's hot temperatures, especially if they have no air conditioning or do work outside. Falls and other health issues like diabetes can also be problematic, as can intruders. Molter said that, from past experience, even in cases of seniors passing away overnight, a watch program allows for the deceased to be found quickly and for their family to be notified. Those signing up for the program will receive an informational packet and, once the enclosed information sheet is turned in, "their checks can start as soon as the next day," Gottfried explained. She indicated that participation from the individual who is actually partaking in the program is needed - a family could not sign a loved one up who doesn't want to join. If a senior is not willing to participate, the program won't work for them, said Gottfried. "It does require participation on their part." She said that while programs like Life Alert may make notifications a little faster than a watch program, those programs charge a fee. "This program is free to them," she said. However she noted that seniors enrolled in Life Alert and others like it who would still like to be part of the senior watch can certainly take part. Molter noted that if a senior has family living out of state, the program provides a means for communication when needed. Even nearby locations like Sylvania can be "far away" for some families based on their schedules and abilities to see their senior relatives, said Gottfried. "Doing this daily we can take care of that every morning or afternoon," Molter said. Currently, there is a "small handful" of participants in the program, with others showing interest but not having signed up yet. The program has received positive feedback. Molter said that one participant, who herself has relatives out-of-state in law enforcement, "really enjoys what were doing." "I think it's reassuring to her and her family." |
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