The Strategic Alliances for Elders (S.A.F.E.) in Long-Term Care celebrated its 10th anniversary on June 19. S.A.F.E. is a multidisciplinary taskforce dedicated to protecting residents from harm.
Choices and options taken for granted by adults living in private homes in the community sometimes fail to extend to long-term care residents. Unfortunately, in many instances when a long-term care facility is robbed or property is stolen, law enforcement is not notified. The difference in response shows why concerned citizens should pay close attention to making sure every individual is given the same protection under the law. Victims may feel trapped in a situation and not want to get a person in trouble; they have few options to leave and may blame themselves for the situation.
If you see a crime or a resident tells you they have been mistreated and a reasonable explanation can’t be provided then facility administration and law enforcement need to become involved to resolve the concern.
The celebration was held in the Brown Building on the Dorothea Dix Campus. During the observance, Douglas Thoren, Assistant Attorney General, North Carolina Medicaid Fraud Investigation Unit, North Carolina Department of Justice; Sharon Wilder, State Long Term Care Ombudsman, North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services; Allison Jourdan, Chief of Program Services, North Carolina Department of Public Safety; Lorraine Snyder, Criminal Justice Training Coordinator, North Carolina Justice Academy; Marty Lamb, Retired Mental Health Professional, North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services; LeShana Baldwin, Adult Protective Services Consultant, North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services received recognition for their work.