GOOD DAY SUN SPOTS: Once again, your expertise is needed. A group of prominent community members is the governing body of a health care facility. They have been presented with evidence and information of inappropriate actions and probable elder abuse by the management, yet will not fully investigate these facts. The first report of this was over a year ago. Who is the next person, group or organization to contact to get these residents the help they truly need? — No name, no town.

ANSWER: If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or the local police for immediate help.

Elder abuse is any of the following types of abuse: neglect or exploitation against a person age 60 or older, domestic violence, physical abuse including confinement and stalking, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, neglect and self-neglect.

Reports of abuse should always be taken seriously and investigated fully.

If the seniors involved can’t or won’t seek help for these concerns, you can report to Adult Protective Services by calling 1-800-624-8404. You do not have to prove anything when you make the call; you just have to report what you are seeing and explain why you are concerned. If your suspicions are confirmed, the authorities will help get the senior to a safe place or set up the appropriate support services.

According to Legal Services for the Elderly, a nonprofit organization in Maine committed to protecting the independence and dignity of older persons, it is important to offer your support and be respectful, understanding that these situations can be incredibly complicated. It may be difficult for the seniors involved to recognize that they are being mistreated, but legal advice is available to them. Call the Legal Services for the Elderly Hotline at 1-800-750-5353. Services are provided free of charge to people who are 60 or older.

Another thing to consider is that licensed facilities are regulated by professional boards with the authority to discipline practitioners for incompetence or unprofessional conduct. To file a complaint against a licensed facility, report to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services, 1-800-383-2441. The department will accept complaints from any person about alleged violations of licensing regulations.

For additional information and resources call SeniorsPlus at 1-800-427-1241 or visit its website, seniorsplus.org.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there anyone or any place that might like old encyclopedias? One set is from the 1950s and the other set is from the 1980s. My number is 207-743-5875. Thanks. — No name, Norway.

ANSWER: Encyclopedias can be difficult to get rid of, even for free. Much of the information is out of date and does not have much use in an educational setting.

They may help people learning English or be helpful in a home-school setting. They may also be useful to an artist or crafter.

If any readers have an interest in or know of an organization that could use these encyclopedias, please contact this person directly.

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