Keeping Seniors Safe- The Gutherie Family- A Double Edged Sword?
Are our seniors really safe?
We often think that when we reach a certain age of maturity that we can relax, rest on our laurels, kick back and enjoy life. After all, as seniors, we have earned the right to do so.
Due to this chaotic world we have seemingly inherited, nothing is certain. Many structures, programs and safeguards we counted on are no longer present! This alone makes us more vulnerable in every conceiveable way!
From personal experience, I can tell you that there is nothing that strikes more terror in one’s heart than when a loved one goes missing.
One of the many, many blogs I’ve authored about missing persons -
https://donnagore.wordpress.com/2017/03/02/missing-for-an-hour-or-for-years-my-personal-nightmare/
Years ago, this situation was this nebulous occurrence with no real direction. Law enforcement were ill equipped and either blamed the victim, or wasted precious time labelling them as a runaway, or an autonomous adult, with the instruction to ‘just wait and they would probably return.”
THAT, is not the way missing persons cases are managed today, thanks in part, to the huge efforts achieved by non-profit organizations such as the Community United Effort (CUE) Center for Missing Persons, based in Wilmington NC, with a solid 30+ year track record of assisting missing person families.
The general public has more awareness today. But even so, the numbers are staggering with many root causes. Every time I inform someone that over 600,000 people go missing annually, they are incredulous.
As it relates to seniors, the general perception is that a senior who is missing ,probably has some form of dementia and walked away.
The mere fact that a senior was abducted between 9:50 pm after retiring to bed and 2-2:30 am with the ring camera and pacemaker disconnected is beyond belief!
Ransom notes with deadlines and no communication heighten suspicion ever more!
Let me be clear- There is no manual including all the proper things to be done when a person goes missing. There are procedures followed by local law enforcement and the FBI. But, this strange series of events is not only heartbreaking, but appears amateurish as well in comparison to what happens with abductions.
The family is reeling and trying to strategize with crazy unknown assailants.
How to Keep Seniors Safe-
There is a vast difference between seniors who live in what used to be called institutional settings, such as hospitals and skilled nursing homes. Some persons with intellectual disabilities, physical or cognitive disabilities may in group or congregate home settings. Congregate living means a non-institutional housing model where individuals have private living spaces but share common facilities like dining areas, kitchens, and recreation rooms, fostering community while providing support.
Hospitals and SNF settings have a high structure of routine and scheduling but try to promote autonomy and person centered care. Group and congregate settings have more autonomy but with a set structure for meals, activities, recreation. They combine independent living with shared resources, services, and social interaction, offering an alternative to living alone or in a more restrictive setting.
What Does My Loved One Need to be Safe?
It can be a slippery slope when families face the realization that their parents may need some help, but wish to remain in their own homes alone.
Whether a senior is capable and safe to do all that is required, is highly variable.
I know people in their 90’s with people and financial resources who can do very well independently when living in an ‘all inclusive’ housing situation.
But that is usually not the norm.
Pride and strong emotional attachments play a major role concerning where a senior is living or wants to live.
It can be a slippery slope when families face the realization that their parents may need some help, but wish to remain in their own homes alone.
Whether a senior is capable and safe to do all that is required, is highly variable.
I feel strongly that a senior with good cognitive skills should at least have a say in where they chose to live. Often it is ‘the convenience factor’ of the children that is the biggest priority in placements. Some families erroneously drop off their loved ones at independent living, and think “they” will take care of their family member because of an upscale physical environment with amenities.
This is wrong headed thinking and not fair to the family member, staff or other residents.
For those who have strong family support, seniors with medical issues, such as Nancy Gutherie can do well.
However, the unforeseen may not be planned for, especially something as heinous as an abduction
Savannah Guthrie with her mother, Nancy Guthrie.
A List of Safety Considerations for Seniors if you are living alone in your own home
Medical Alert Systems- including Fall Detection
1) Medical Guardian- I have used this company ( Yearly subscription) for outside of our property.They include a variety of devices. - Pendants, watches or a clip-on button for clothing or purse. (Pendant or clip on is called an MG Mini) https://www.medicalguardian.com/how-medical-alert-systems-work
It really depends on what carrier you have, the type of building you are in and how much vegetation and trees are around the property potentially interfering with signals.
2) With our community rent, they furnish a Lifeline alert button adjacent to the toilet, and give you a pendant or watch to wear.
https://www.lifeline.com/systems/ *** Note these devices may work only within the property or just outside the property, depending upon what type is purchased. I need the other device in addition to the inside watch, as I travel outside of the property fairly frequently and have no people to support me.
The appropriate device- devices for you is individual and amounts to a lot of trial and error. But they can be life saving in an emergency.
Fees- Medical alert system costs typically range from $20 to $60 per month, depending on features like mobile GPS, automatic fall detection (adds $5-$12/month), and in-home vs. mobile setup, with upfront costs for equipment or activation sometimes applying. Basic landline systems are cheaper, while cellular/GPS and added features like wall buttons or spouse coverage increase monthly fees.
In addition, insurance for lost or broken devices is a good safeguard and may reduce some overall fees.
***Other Safety Concerns to be Considered-
An up to date call list of supportive help programmed into the senior’s phone;
Assistive devices kept near the person with limited mobility such as rollators, canes, walkers, grab bars, reachers, low vision devices; hearing aid batteries
Grab bars for toilets and showers appropriately placed (and assessed with a home evaluation by an occupational therapist or physical therapist)
Elimination of clutter, area rugs and cords;
Storage of frequently used items at counter height;
Easy access to light switches
What is a Home Assessment by an OT?
An occupational therapy (OT) home evaluation is
a, usually doctor-ordered, in-home assessment focusing on safety, accessibility, and functional independence for individuals, particularly older adults, to prevent falls and enable aging in place. The therapist evaluates the home environment—lighting, clutter, bathroom, stairs, entrance—while observing the client performing daily tasks to identify necessary modifications and equipment.
Key Components of a Home Evaluation:
Environmental Assessment: The OT checks for hazards inside and outside the home, including flooring, rugs, lighting, and accessibility of rooms, as outlined in AOTA's safe-at-home checklist.
Functional Performance: The therapist observes the client doing daily tasks, such as navigating stairs, getting out of a chair, or stepping into a shower..
Safety & Risk Assessment: Focuses on fall risks, identifying the need for grab bars, improved lighting, or removing trip hazards.
Recommendations: The therapist recommends modifications (e.g., shower chair, stair railings) and provides strategies to improve
Outside Environment -
Lighting such as Bell + Howell Bionic Spotlight | Solar Powered LED Motion Light;
Repair or replace uneven sidewalks, cracks or potholes regarding sidewalks and driveways;
Ensure that porches, stairs and handrails are sturdy and slip resistant;
Safety retrieving mail - **You can change the location of a mailbox for safety reasons, but you must obtain approval from your local postmaster or mail carrier first
. While safety concerns (e.g., dangerous traffic, poor visibility) are valid, the USPS must ensure the new spot remains accessible and efficient for delivery.
Door locks for Seniors (without dementia)
Best for Arthritis/Mobility Issues: Lever Handle Locks are easier to operate than traditional round knobs.
Best for Keyless Entry & Security: Electronic Keypad Locks or the U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock allow entry via code, eliminating the need to manage keys, with some offering automatic locking after the door closes.
Garage door safety- ( without using a lot of smart technology) Install a slide bolt, padlock, or garage door defender (floor-mounted ``arm'' that blocks upward travel). These block door movement even if the opener is activated. - For sectional doors, use a steel locking bar across the tracks or a commercial garage door lock that secures the bottom section.
If you live in a gated community or one with a home owner association, become familiar with the safety measures. Do they have a security guard 24/7? Do they have a neighborhood watch program? Make sure you acquire all safety devices and upkeep necessary for the fees you are paying.
I have been told by a friend who lived many years in Tucson, that Nancy Gutherie’s neighborhood was in a wealthy neighborhood. Apparently, the area is known well for star gazing and therefore, the pitch black nature of the neighborhood at night was requested. Now would be the time to re-evaluate that rule. They could always go to a designated park with security to star gaze as an alternative, perhaps.
What price do we pay for being a celebrity?
Surely Nancy is very proud of all her children. As a journalist and TV celebrity, there are inherent risks with fame for Savannah. It matters not how generous, approachable or wealthy you are. It comes with the territory. Can we even venture a guess as to what is going on with these captors? Why Nancy, Why Savannah? Some in law enforcement may believe this,... whatever it is, is an ‘inside job” i.e. knows Nancy Gutherie, knows her routine, her priorities. Whoever is perpetrating this crime, is a savage, lacking in humanity! May this horrible event be a lesson for all of us to be more diligent in all of the areas I have just outlined!
May she be located unharmed and returned to her family!
Other blogs you might enjoy-
https://donnagore.com/blog/some-basics-long-term-care-ombudspersons-leading-the-way-for-seniors
https://donnagore.com/blog/the-story-of-ginny-b-a-senior-who-never-gave-up
Thank you for reading and commenting!
Donna