Editor’s Note: Merrymeeting Bay TRIAD, a consortium of local elder service, health care, community and law enforcement agencies, will offer periodic “Catch Your Eye” columns in this space. The columns aim to educate readers about TRIAD initiatives and services.

Sisters Maria D’Amicis and Anna D’Agostino are leaving a legacy for the protection of older adults, a result of two area agencies and law enforcement combining their efforts to resolve a threatening lifestyle in their apartment residences.

The women, both in their late 70s at the time, as well as other older residents, were afraid to leave their apartments at night, to ride the elevator alone where they were intimidated by verbal threats, or to walk through the lobby.

They felt threatened by the behavior and actions of some of the younger residents who would walk the halls at night, knocking on doors or trying doorknobs.

Complaints to management seemed futile. Law enforcement intervention would bring brief periods of respite, but there was no long-term resolution in place at the apartment complex.

Enter Merrymeeting Bay TRIAD and Elder Abuse Task Force (ETAF), combined with the efforts of law enforcement.

These organizations, which address issues that adversely affect the safety and security of older citizens, began to hold their monthly meetings at the housing’s community room. D’Amicis and D’Agostino attended the meetings.

Advocacy for the residents was initiated, and conditions began to improve.

“It was a springboard to a better life,” said D’Agostino’s daughter, Lynn.

When D’Amicis died in November 2010, her obituary indicated that donations could be made to TRIAD in her memory. A gift was received shortly thereafter. Then, another gift arrived this past holiday, leading TRIAD to wonder why Maria felt so strongly about these two organizations.

A call and visit with the deceased’s sister, Anna, and niece, Lynn D’Agostino, explained the value they put on the work of EATF and TRIAD.

After these groups and law enforcement officials interceded, the two sisters began to feel safer, and more confident about initiating action when they didn’t feel safe.

“We knew someone was watching out for us; there’s safety in numbers,” said the elder D’Agostino. “As senior citizens, knowing that you can make a difference and make changes in your life gave us self-assurance. We were happier and the feeling was contagious.”

D’Amicis had several conversations with an EATF social worker and “regained her confidence and felt empowered,” said her niece, Lynn D’Agostino.

The social worker “provided guidance and support in how to raise issues of concern and deal with someone who is abusive. Auntie Maria told us she felt that she had a voice again,” Lynn said.

After being provided numerous resources during a “Tea & Tips” program, “residents felt more secure,” Lynn said. “EATF and TRIAD can be the voice of those who may have no other.”

Tea & Tips is a safety and security seminar for older adults conducted jointly by EATF and TRIAD. The program addresses topics and issues of concern and provides information and resources to older adults through a series of presentations and conversations in an environment where people feel safe in raising issues of concern.

EATF is a community partnership to raise awareness of elder abuse and to develop and strengthen systems that support elder victims and their families.

TRIAD is a coalition of senior citizens, law enforcement officials and community service providers working together to ensure and enhance the safety and wellbeing of older adults through education and advocacy.

You may contact TRIAD by calling 443- 3406 or 729- 0757 to leave a message for TRIAD. You may also write to Merrymeeting Bay TRIAD, P.O. Box 924, Bath, ME 04530.

— Submitted by Connie Lewis on behalf of Merrymeeting Bay TRIAD and EATF.

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