The Deputy's Care Program is based on the concept that there are many senior citizens in Medina County who are lonely, handicapped, unable to get out of their homes or to get to the store for groceries, or are just having a hard time managing being on their own. This program encourages Sheriff's Deputies on patrol to seek out seniors in their jurisdiction who can use a friend and then establish and maintain a relationship on a fairly regular basis. This program does not suggest financial or overly emotional involvement. This program does, however, suggest that the deputy become a friend who stops by and chats for a while, observes the seniors' well being or lack of it, checks to make sure there is food in the house, the heat is functioning properly, and similar factors that may be beyond the senior's capability to correct.
The Deputy, upon observing anything out of the ordinary, would then contact the Medina County Office For Older Adults. A follow-up visit and/or call will be made to see if it would be possible to help find a solution to the problem that the senior may be having.
The client will be asked to sign a Release of Information sheet, which entitles MCOOA to contact other agencies that may be appropriate to help the client.
This program is being introduced throughout the county with the hope that all of the local police and other law enforcement agencies will join to become members of the Deputy's Care Program.
For more information or to register for a Deputy to check on you, contact
Sgt. Bev Fraser at (330) 764-3618. |
