County attorney an advocate for elder justice through state council

On Sept. 14, 2022, County Attorney Naomi Leisz began her term, appointed by Governor Gianforte, as a council member on the Western Elder Justice Council. This one-year appointment was presented to Leisz, along with six other appointees, to expand the existing Montana Elder Justice Council. Due to the rising population of senior citizens, the governor saw a need to create the four regions across the state. Region 3 consists of Flathead, Granite, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Ravalli and Sanders counties. The Council receives confidential information as a Criminal Justice Agency. The Council is administratively attached to the Department of Public Health and Human Services.

Leisz and the council work with public and private sectors to promote the health and well-being of senior citizens. Their work took on specific significance recently on June 15, for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The United States Attorneys Office and Adult Protective Services gave educational presentations at the Polson Senior Center. They discussed financial exploitation, abuse, neglect, and how to report to APS.

“Yesterday went well, but not a lot of people were there,” Leisz said when asked about the event’s turnout. “We need to explore planning ahead over longer periods of time. One big annual event to increase an audience.” Her ideas are to coordinate with the other counties to improve knowledge and participation.

Commissioner Troy Downing, the State Auditor of Securities and Insurance who oversees the criminal justice agency, gave a presentation about the growing concerns regarding seniors and abuse. Leisz said she was impressed with his knowledge and information. “There has been an increase in service needs due to the increase in the aging population in Montana.” Leisz recalled from Downing’s presentation.

Many seniors fall victim to phone, internet and mail scams. This has led to a growing need for services. Leisz listed issues such as the romance scam which targets single elderly women and men. Predators make a connection with the victims by playing on their sympathies and loneliness. Money is the motive that incites the abuse.

“Often the victims are too embarrassed to report the incident to anyone.” Leisz explained. “Since we only hear about what has been reported, violations against seniors are greater than we know.”

Also, “People often do not report.” she said “ because they feel that they wont get their money back.”

The appointment to this council ends in September. But Leisz says that it is a volunteer opportunity that she enjoys.

“I love doing this kind of work and answering questions. I wish I had more time to devote to this work.” The council members will report to Gianforte and it is her hope that she will be able to continue with this assignment.

Other plans in the works to resolve these issues are to set up a restitution fund so people can report abuse and get reimbursed, statewide education on how to get help, such as brochures from Downing's office, and presenting powerpoints at seniors centers across the state.

A local resource is Tom Wolf at the Adult Protective Services in Missoula, (844) 277-9300. Elder abuse of any kind can be reported anonymously. For immediate assistance or in case of an emergency always call 911. To reach the Elder Care Locator, call 1-800-677-1116.