Murphy – Local officials have seen an increase in the number of disabled adults being neglected or exploited by their caretaker.
According to data provided by the Cherokee County Department of Social Services, the number of elderly adults allegedly exploited or neglected by a caretaker in the month of October more than doubled compared to the same month last year.
Officials say elderly adults are sometimes left in a bed for days, soaking in feces and urine; while other times they are not given proper food, clothing, hygiene or medical needs. Additionally, disabled adults are sometimes financially exploited by relatives, who misuse or abuse their money for personal reasons.
Financial exploitation has seemingly increased due to the difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, officials say.
“Financial exploitation is most generally committed by people the adult knows, family and friends who have access to a disabled adult’s money,” DSS Director Amanda McGee said. “We’re worried about vulnerable adults, especially in this rural area where we’re isolated,
generally speaking. We’re looking for ways to make sure we have people reaching out to our disabled adults.”
Officials say reports of adult neglect or financial exploitation are often relayed by other relatives who live out of state, neighbors, nurses or even financial institutions that notice irregular withdrawals.
“A lot of times we get reports from banks, and the financial exploitation reports can lead to discovery of an adult that has been neglected by a caretaker,” McGee said. “The reports we’re getting are a lot more serious. I expect our adult protective services department to grow over the next few years because of our demographics.”
DSS officials also have seen an increase in reports regarding abuse or neglect of children over the past few months. Officials say the number of child abuse reports in Cherokee County remained the same March through July compared to that same time period last year.
However, when lockdown restrictions eased and kids returned to school, the number of child abuse claims significantly increased.
“The nature of the reports is more serious and involve an increase of unexplained physical injuries to children,” McGee said. “Things are worse when people are isolated. Depression is worse; substance abuse is worse; domestic violence is worse.
“Our major sources of
reporting are doctors, teachers, counselors and other people in schools. When everyone was more or less isolated, we weren’t receiving those types of reports. Now that kids are moving back into the schools and adults are back out in the public, we’re seeing an increase of incidents.”
Officials encourage members of the community to report suspicions about adult or child neglect or exploitation, regardless of whether they can 100 percent prove the allegations. To make a report during the weekday call 837-7455. After 5 p.m., on weekends and holidays call 835-3144.
“The system is designed to screen out reports that don’t meet specific criteria, so no one has to worry about making a report they can’t absolutely prove,” McGee said. “More reports are
better because it’s a way to protect adults and children.
“The community is a safety net, so if you see something, say something, even if you have just the slightest suspicion.”