APS reports December calls and public‑health nurse urges radon testing and masking during seasonal illnesses

Adult Protective Services staff and public‑health personnel briefed the ADRC on recent casework and public‑health outreach.

APS reported 61 calls in December, of which 28 were assigned to case managers. Staff said seven of those cases involved individuals diagnosed with dementia; during the month APS carried out one emergency protective placement, three guardianships and four welfare checks. "We had 61 calls. 28 of those were assigned out to a case manager," APS staff reported. APS staff also noted a recent increase in financial‑exploitation cases and said they had six financial cases in December.

APS staff said they submitted an APS direct‑services application to support elder‑abuse funds (programming for people age 60 or older) and that they are recruiting to fill a disability‑benefit specialist position after a recent retirement.

Public‑health staff described seasonal messaging and services: radon test kits are available through the health department (pick up the kit, leave it in a low-level area for about a week, then mail it in for analysis); the county’s "Well Women" program facilitates cervical‑cancer screening for underinsured people; and wellness classes (StrongBodies, Tai Chi) continue under a winter schedule. The public‑health nurse emphasized simple precautions for flu, COVID and RSV including handwashing and staying home when ill. "If you sing happy birthday... that's a really good way to, like, really wash your hands," the nurse said.

A committee member added a personal caution about COVID symptoms and urged people to mask and isolate when appropriate after a recent illness. The APS and public‑health updates were presented for information; no committee action was taken.

What happens next: APS and public‑health staff will continue outreach and programming and will provide materials and referral brochures to committee members for distribution in the community.