Help Restore Dignity and Safety for an Elderly Neighbor in Carson City, Nevada

Save to Favorites

We are urgently calling on the community of Carson City, Nevada, to come together to assist Evelyn, an elderly resident and a victim of severe elder financial exploitation and neglect by a former caregiver. Evelyn's heartbreaking situation was only discovered after she courageously reached out for help at the end of January. Since then, gracious neighbors have made substantial improvements to her home, including replacing non-functional toilets, installing a new hot water heater after ten years without hot water, repairing damage from long-term leaks, and removing four thousand pounds of accumulated trash with the help of neighbors.

However, the needs are still great. Evelyn’s home, neglected for over 20 years, requires extensive updates to ensure it is safe and comfortable for her to continue living in. Her windows are outdated, single-pane, and do not properly seal, making weatherization a critical next step to both enhance her comfort and reduce her utility bills. Additionally, despite the progress, Evelyn remains on several waitlists for local charities which provide essential services and repairs for those in need.

Evelyn's plight was confirmed by Adult Protective Services and is currently under investigation by local authorities. The severity of her situation was appalling; she was left to manage her basic needs in dehumanizing conditions, using yogurt containers for defecation and cans for urination due to the lack of a functioning toilet, a situation that persisted for 2-5 years. This neglect came to light only after she reached out to my husband and me for help. Our point of contact (a neighbor) has since obtained general durable power of attorney to advocate for her and manage her affairs.

Here’s how you can help:

• Volunteer: We need hands-on help with ongoing home repairs, weatherization, and upkeep. Your skills, whether in carpentry, plumbing, or general handywork, are invaluable. Even if you can offer time to assist with organization or administrative support, every bit helps.
• Donate: Monetary donations are crucial in purchasing necessary materials for repairs and updates. Contributions also help furnish Evelyn's home, which lacks many basic comforts.
• Advocate: Assist in managing Evelyn’s applications to various support programs, help cut through red tape, and increase awareness of her plight to garner more community support.

Evelyn's financial situation is precarious, with her monthly Social Security income barely covering her expenses, and she faces the real risk of losing her home once her savings are exhausted. Your participation can profoundly impact Evelyn's quality of life, ensuring she can live out her years with the dignity and safety she desperately needs.

Please reach out if you can offer any assistance or require more information on how to get involved. Together, we can transform a life marked by neglect into one surrounded by community care and support. Thank you for considering this opportunity to truly make a difference.