About one in 10 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced abuse. On Elder Abuse Awareness Day this Saturday, June 15, we promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect of our elderly individuals.
As people age, they may be at higher risk of facing certain types of abuse. Older members of our communities can experience neglect, physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse. Facing this abuse has serious health, financial, and social consequences, including physical injuries, premature death, depression, cognitive decline, financial ruin and placement in nursing homes. The abuse of our elderly not only affects older individuals, but also has an impact on all of us.
“It is imperative we take care of and look after our elderly,” says Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt. “When our elderly adults face neglect or abuse, we lose their valuable participation in our communities. By creating a community where elderly individuals feel safe and appreciated, we will be blessed with their positive contributions to our community.”
It’s important to know how to identify, address and prevent abuse in the elderly of our community. We should learn the signs of abuse, which include physical signals like unusual weight loss, the absence of physical aids like glasses or medications, unexplained injuries and unattended medical needs. Emotional and behavioral signs of abuse may include increased fear or anxiety, isolation and unusual changes in behavior or sleep. Financial signs of abuse may also be present, involving fraudulent signatures on financial documents, unusual or sudden changes in spending patterns, or unpaid bills.
No matter our age, it is up to all of us to prevent and address elder abuse. Look for warning signs, call, and visit loved ones to prevent isolation, talk to friends and family about how to watch over our elders, and be a friendly face to the older individuals of our community.
If you are experiencing abuse or suspect abuse of an elderly person, the Indiana Adult Protective Services (APS) and the Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman program can help. Visit the APS website or call (812) 883-5988. In cases of urgent danger, call 911 or contact local law enforcement.
Southern Hills Church is hosting Vacation Bible School July 15-18 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The church is located at 1645 State Road 135 South, Salem. Please contact the church at 812-883-1637 for more information.
The theme this year is “God is Out of this World.” July 18 will be a family fun day full of fun, food and Jesus. The link to register kids ages 2-5th grade is: https://shillschurch.sharefaithconnect.com/external/form/081f7e01-20c0-4....
Indiana is a state rich in natural resources. That includes water, with more than 35,000 miles of waterways and over 100,000 acres of publicly owned lakes and reservoirs. Indiana’s conservancy districts can play a vital role in managing and protecting these water resources.
A conservancy district is a special-purpose unit of local government that manages water resources within a defined geographic area. These districts are created to address specific water-related issues such as flood prevention and control, drainage improvement, irrigation, water supply, sewage services, recreation, erosion control, augmentation of streams, and operation and maintenance of structures related to water management. They are established under the Indiana Conservancy District Act (IC-14-33) which was passed in 1947. Since the Conservancy District Act was passed, 142 conservancy districts have been formed throughout the state, with 102 of those districts still active.
When a conservancy district is created, it can have many benefits to the community. Conservancy districts are a way for communities to raise funds and address water issues that directly affect them. By forming a district, all property owners within it can fairly contribute funds for projects that would otherwise be too expensive for a few individuals to fund. For example, districts can allow communities to have access to clean drinking water or sewage services that otherwise would be unattainable. A district also allows government status to secure loans or grants if needed.
Conservancy districts are governed by a board of directors whose members are elected by the property owners living in that district. The board works to form a district plan which outlines the goals as well as specific strategies and projects needed to reach those goals. After the district plan is approved, the conservancy district goes to work to implement projects outlined in its district plan. Projects can vary widely depending on the needs of the district, but some examples of projects could be water or sewer line connections, dredging, dam maintenance and operation, streambank stabilization, and woody debris removal.
Conservancy districts make it easy for multiple issues to be addressed and involve the whole community in finding solutions. By supporting and participating in the work of conservancy districts, Hoosiers can help provide important water services and management for the community without having to rely on other unstable funding sources. Districts can play a crucial role in maintaining the balance between development and conservation, ensuring sustainable water use for generations to come.
By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer
The Salem Police Department is requesting the public's help.
On Tuesday, June 11, at approximately 1:54 p.m, officers responded to Circle K Gas Station in reference to a motor vehicle crash causing property damage to the gas station's outside wall.
Witnesses on the scene advised that the vehicle appeared to be a large black SUV, possibly a GMC Ykon Denali, newer model.
This vehicle would have significant front-end damage to it.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Salem Police Department at 812-883-5100 and request Officer Thacker.
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