Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, April 15, 1991 TAG: 9104160461
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
What is it with laws protecting our elderly? I went through similar problems with Social Services, the Department on Aging and lawyers. Finally I pleaded to representatives to our state government to do something about the neglect and abuse of our elderly. Nothing has happened.
Mike Hudson even came to my home and talked with me regarding my hopes of getting something brought to the attention of our society about the neglect of our elderly citizens, especially those kept in family homes and other homes. Nothing has happened. Why even bother to waste the space for such stuff? Animals get better coverage and protection, as Shirley Ryan's mother stated.
Perhaps if this woman had been found in a dumpster by a caring person, she would have had the commonwealth's attorney's assistance with a mistreatment case. Had she died, I'm sure the laws would definitely be enforced, a little late to help.
How very sad that people, including family members, can get by with neglect and abuse, and walk away laughing and waiting for another chance to do the same thing. Instead of drug pushers, these are people pushers. Once caught, they just go somewhere else to find other vulnerable people to neglect and abuse.
What's the difference? No wonder some of our elderly people choose suicide over being "cared" for by family or other strangers who give a damn only about the money they can collect.
Wake up, people. Some day this situation may be your own, and if you don't want to make the front page, you'd better do something now to prevent it. You may not be as fortunate as Shirley Ryan. WARREN W. HOLDREN ROANOKE
by CNB