Best Practices – Community

Practice: Compass Bank, Ocala (Marion County, APD Area 13) has expanded a practice that originated for the benefit of senior citizens who have trustees or family members who have access to or control of their finances. At present it is experimental and reserved for group home residents. A representative brings banking services to the group. The bank rep comes to the home and tutors the residents on everything from using and safeguarding a debit card, to overseeing a caregiver who has access to their funds, even if the caregiver is their financial agent. Compass Bank is obviously not oblivious to the opportunities for and realities of exploitation, and they are taking action by educating and empowering individuals.

Who Benefits? Group Home Residents

How? Group home residents receive individualized support and tutoring to lessen their vulnerability to exploitation, from a community support. This practice may plant the seeds for individuals to expect to have increasing control of their own funds rather than to complacently relinquish the responsibility to caregivers/providers.