Why, oh why, would anyone abuse our "Greatest Generation" and "Baby Boomers," or any helpless soul-- young, old or in-between?

Maybe simply, "Cuz they can." That answer begs for change.

Sadly, huge opportunities to inflict abuse upon helpless, trusting elderly people exist and perpetuators hide behind a mask of goodness.

He/she is one big chicken-hearted bully behind closed doors motivated by criminal greed. They may be a professional, trusted friend, neighbor, yes, even son, daughter, or husband. The mighty buck rules.

Frustration from physical challenges overwhelms defenseless victims. Even hope is gone when no caring person visits regularly.

Subject then to abuse, victims just shut up and pray to maintain sanity and life, unaware their bank accounts and personal possessions are in jeopardy. Real caregivers resent those thieves.

Locating compatible caretakers is challenging. Yet, these generations are gentle people, easily agreeable and "not wanting to be a bother."

Tragedy is too often discovered after many physical, emotional and financial scars exist.

Wayne Corey of the Des Moines' Enhanced Public Safety Committee said, "Elderly people need closely monitored care, whether from care-givers or family and it's up to us to see this happens. We cannot leave that for someone else."

In concert with that theory, this is the story of a golden life ring - one that could save a life, maybe yours.

Don Harper of the Des Moines Senior Center Advisory Committee and Corey created the "Elder Watch Advocacy Program" in a joint effort with Sue Padden, Des Moines senior services manager. The program is supported by South King Fire & Rescue as well as the Des Moines and Normandy Park police departments. Website: www.publicsafe.org/elderwatch.

South Fire Chief Al Church said, "When Don and Wayne approached us for support we were eager to help citizens of the district. We've set up an Elder Watch at Station# 26 in Des Moines."

Des Moines Police Chief Roger Baker said, "Wayne Corey and Don Harper responded to a great need within our community and have networked a variety of community resources together to form Elder Watch. We look forward to the success of the Elder Watch program."

Elder Watch serves both Normandy Park and Des Moines citizens.

Yet, this good help is useless until abuse/neglect is known. Someone must speak up for the helpless. Suspected signs of abuse and/or neglect must be reported. Watch for: unexplained injuries, patient fear of caregiver or surroundings, decline in physical appearance, outdated/unmarked prescriptions, disappearance of possessions, sudden transfer of monies, patient difficulty walking or sitting, and significant weight loss or gain.

If it's an emergency situation, call 911. For 24-hour assistance, call the Washington State Hot Line at 1-866-363-4276.

This story would be incomplete and this writer irresponsible if the good and loving care that is ministered within our communities was not noted.

Professionals and family alike set their life desires aside to care for loved ones. Life partners willingly fulfill their vow, "Until death do we part."

In state-approved facilities, quality care rests largely in the hands of one-on-one nursing, administrative consulting and cooperation of the patient's family.

For 15 months, the folks at Hallmark Manor in Federal Way worked together with me to bring my precious sister from a time of desperation to contentment and a smile before she passed on.

When private individuals discovered a likely windfall of money for taking elderly into their private homes, many unlicensed groups went into business and remain under the radar of state law. Check for state licenses when considering such services.

The key to controlled quality care is to have a representative who is plenty visible to both patient and caregiver and can visit at odd times. With no one to speak/act for victims the unsupervised control is a breeding pond for abuse.

Thanks to volunteers Harper and Corey, Elder Watch help is a telephone call away. Yet someone needs to make that call. Volunteers are needed and full training is provided.

Printed materials are at city offices, libraries and www.publicsafe.org/elderwatch Call 253-946-7338 (not 24 hr) or DM/NP Senior Center 206-878-1642.

Care giving is unequivocally one of the most challenging, frustrating, energy draining, health threatening, yet rewarding, and memorable deeds of a lifetime.

Mourning a loved one's death is miserable. Having "no regrets" is priceless.