VULNERABLE ADULTS: INTERVENTION, SUPPORTS, & SERVICES
By Maajiitaaziibiikwe, Mary Sam
According to Health and Human Services Commissioner Nicole Anderson, adults who meet the criteria of vulnerable adults has risen to an epidemic level in our community. Anderson stated “this is tragic, preventable, and not who we are as Anishinaabe people.”
Health and Human Services Department staff shared the urgency to talk about this crisis, as they too are impacted by the enormous neglect and abuse that has occurred in our vulnerable adult community. Staff have experienced secondary trauma which occurs to those who witness violence and neglect or are exposed to disturbing descriptions of trauma by a survivor. Secondary trauma is also a real factor in hiring and maintaining staff. Staff cited daily to weekly reports of adults declared as vulnerable being taken advantage of by family members. Anderson said, “This is difficult work and it takes a toll on one’s emotional health. In a small community, it is hard to find Band members who want to work under these conditions, sometimes knowing or being related to the families who are in crisis.” Health and Human Services departments aim to navigate back to cultural ways and values of caring for those most vulnerable and not accepting this harmful behavior as acceptable.
What is a vulnerable adult? Victim Services Director Kristen Allord defined it as “anyone with reduced mental or physical capacity to make decisions or have the ability to take care of one’s self.”
Elderly Disability Services Supervisor Peter Charpentier included “anyone with impaired cognitive functioning, traumatic brain injury, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, etc. Some adults appear to be normally functioning, appearing to not be vulnerable. This can add to their vulnerability, as others take advantage of them.”
Any adult in a facility setting is considered vulnerable, whether that be treatment or a medical facility, jail, prison, where staff are attending to the adult's needs while they live in the facility. The issue and concerns present themselves due to the power dynamic between the patient/inmate and the person in authority.
The cycle of neglect and abuse of those vulnerable in our community is real. Painful examples, which need to be named, include:
• Individuals in wheelchairs being neglected to the point of physical illness and disease.
• Adults with seizure disorders. Family exploitation increases seizures sometimes showing up as violence where the victim is viewed as the problem.
• Vulnerable, low-functioning adults moving in and out of family homes only at per-cap distribution then being asked to leave once the adult's money was used and exploited by family members.
To be declared as a vulnerable adult, one needs two separate statements from physicians (medical doctor) stating the adult is unable to make their own decisions on behalf of their safety and welfare, which combines both mental and physical health.
Tears dropped as employees carefully provided stories of those taken advantage of and those hurt at the hands of family members. The teams continue looking for answers to try and help individuals speak up, to feel safe, loved, and supported, not having to be or live alone, when they do speak up. Breaking the silence continues to be that first courageous step.
Across Minnesota, systemic changes are also needed. Local supportive housing, rather than living outside the area in group homes, could make a difference for some. Group homes can reinforce negative stigmas and living far away from family and culture can be lonely. Establishing independent living, with built-in supports and structure can create safety for those most vulnerable.
One anonymous family member shared, “We know how to take care of those most vulnerable, our Elders, but we don’t at times and it’s a painful tragedy. When abuse and neglect of our loved ones continue to happen, it allows abuse to thrive in the silence, and nothing, nothing will change.”
Establishing a climate where it is safe to speak up, where people will listen, support and services will be in place takes courage, policy, laws. Staff’s hands are tied when the vulnerable adult recants their story, and the adult refuses to make changes, or laws do not address the needs of vulnerable adults.
As noted last month, a family member can then request to serve as a Tribal Court appointed Legal Guardian or Conservator.
WHO TO CONTACT
Who to contact if you are concerned about a vulnerable adult being taken advantage of, neglected, or abused, and start the process to be or get declared as a vulnerable adult:
• MLB Victim Services, Kristen Allord: 320-532- 7793
• MLB Adult Guardianship Social Worker Supervisor, Pete Charpentier: 320-292-2283
• MLB Waivered Services Benefits Coordinator, Shelly Day: 320-362-1914
• Tribal Police Department to request a Welfare Check on the Elder: 320-532-3430
• Band Member Legal Aid: 320-532-7798
• MN Adult Abuse Reporting: 1-844-880-1574 (confidential reporting).
• StrongHearts Native Hotline: 844-762-8483