On the front of my favorite T-Shirt is the phrase “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
I thought of that cliche as I was speaking to a lady from a neighboring senior community. She claims that she is constantly being harassed by a man living close by.
I tried to get a mental picture as to the type of person who would bully an elderly lady, 4’10”, weighing no more than 75-80 pounds “soaking wet.” I must say those images conjured up visions worthy of a John Wick film.
I spent the better part of that week researching the Nevada laws on elder abuse. Sadly (or typically) her HOA was worthless as it brushed her off by claiming “it is a neighbor against neighbor issue and there is nothing we can do”
Nothing? What about any mediation, or any calm way of keeping the peace?
There are various statutes regarding harassment. I know that there are laws to protect HOA employees, board members, and residents, so shouldn’t they also cover and protect neighbor from neighbor?
Speaking about elder abuse and (not) caring for others, did you know that the City of Henderson’s transportation service does not have any “common sense” paratransit service for the elderly or infirm residing in Sun City Anthem, Solera and Terra Bella at the “mountain top?”
There is a service by appointment only that will pick up the infirm at their home. The service will take you to health appointments, but those riders must be on a given route (inclusive of other disabled riders) thus the trip could take from 9:00 am until a 4:00 pm return to each to their homes.
It seems to me that considering the number of residents that now live in these senior communities, and are not able to drive, walk and even climb on a normal RTC bus without disabled lifts, a route could be worked out with reasonable schedules for the elderly and infirm.
Why can’t it be done? After all, we’ve only been begging the “powers that be” for these accommodations for the last 20 plus years.
I’d like to place these issues of thoughtfulness and kindness toward our fellow men and women in this February, Valentine issue. If this month is theoretically for lovers, why not adopt the phrase “be kind” to all people?
And if we “turn that frown up-side-down” and pass along a smile or two, it might make our world a little kinder day-by-day.
