Commissioner proposes monthly Pelletier community safety series focused on eldercare, caregiver screening and disaster preparedness

Commissioner Walter Vincent told the board July 6 he would like the town to begin a monthly 'Pelletier community safety series' aimed at helping residents protect elderly family members. He framed the proposal around caregiver screening, fraud prevention and hurricane preparedness and said the town could provide monthly information and resources.

Vincent, who described past experience conducting background investigations as a federal investigator, emphasized that a criminal‑records check is not the same as a full background investigation and urged families to interview caregivers, verify references and, where practical, consider monitoring (he said he uses cameras in his home). He recommended asking caregivers direct questions and obtaining full identifying information, and he suggested the town distribute preparedness checklists (referred to in the meeting as refrigerator 'vial' packets) and publicize resources on the town website.

Vincent said he had discussed the idea with Officer Jensen, who would look into a county wellness‑check practice that might be replicated locally. Other commissioners and residents voiced agreement and also raised concerns about elder abuse and the reliability of rehabilitation providers.

No formal program funding or timeline was adopted at the meeting; staff were asked to follow up and share resources at a future meeting.