The VITA tax volunteers will be back in Pagosa Springs this year on Feb. 24 at the Senior Center for free income tax preparation for seniors.
This is generally for taxpayers with incomes up to about $54,000.
Please call the Senior Center for an appointment, 264-2167.
San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging: Examples of neglect and its results
By Kay Kaylor
As the long-term care ombudsman for Archuleta County, I advocate for residents at Pine Ridge and BeeHive Homes. Federal and state laws protect residents to promote quality of care and quality of life.
This final column of the abuse and neglect series will focus on neglect examples and their effects on residents.
The National Consumer Voice defines neglect as the “failure to care for a person in a manner that would avoid harm and pain or the failure to react to a situation that may be harmful.”
Neglect may or may not be intentional, such as a caring aide who is poorly trained and may not know how to provide proper care. Here are some examples:
• Incorrect body positioning leads to limb contractures, causing deformity and rigidity, and skin breakdown or pressure sores.
• Lack of toileting or changing of disposable briefs causes incontinence and results in residents sitting in their waste, increased falls and agitation, indignity and skin breakdown.
• Lack of assistance eating and drinking leads to malnutrition and dehydration.
• Lack of assistance with walking leads to less mobility and weight gain.
• Lack of bathing leads to indignity, poor hygiene and possible illness.
• Ineffective handwashing techniques lead to infection and possible death.
• Lack of assistance with participating in activities of interest leads to withdrawal, depression and isolation.
For further information, you may call me at 403-2164 or send an email to ombudsman2@sjbaaa.org.
Menu
Everyone is welcome to join us for lunch. If you are a senior (60 years and older), for only a $4 suggested donation, you are eligible for a hot meal, drink and a salad prepared by our kitchen staff.
The guest fee for those 59 and under is $10 and children 10 years and under can eat for $5 each. Access to the salad bar is only $6 for those under 60.
Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 8 — Beef barbecue brisket on hamburger bun, baked beans, shredded Brussels sprouts and salad bar.
Friday, Feb. 9 — Chicken a la king, dinner roll, spinach with Mandarin orange salad, green peas and salad bar.
Monday, Feb. 12 — Salmon patty, black bean and mango salsa, Mexicali corn and salad bar.
Tuesday, Feb. 13 — Chicken and pork sausage jambalaya, okra, braised greens, salad bar and bread pudding.
Wednesday, Feb. 14 — Beef and turkey shepherd’s pie, mashed potatoes, salad bar and brownie.
Thursday, Feb. 15 — Lemon-baked salmon, brown and wild rice pilaf, orange with beet salad, snap pea medley, salad bar and sugar cookie.
Reservations and cancellations are required. You can make a reservation at 264-2167 by 9 a.m. the morning of the day you would like to dine in the Community Cafe at the Senior Center.
