Preventing Elder Abuse: How Can You Keep Your Senior Safe?

Unfortunately, senior care professionals know that elder abuse is a problem in many situations. From financial abuse to physical abuse to emotional abuse, elderly individuals are treated horrifically in numerous ways. The good news, though, is that there are steps that can be taken to prevent this type of mistreatment; however, it is important to note that all situations are not preventable and that, if your senior has suffered from this type of abuse, you are not necessarily at fault for failing to keep it from happening. This said, here are a few ways that eldercare professionals encourage supporting senior health by trying to avoid the occurrence of elder abuse.

If your loved one lives in an assisted living, nursing, or other senior facility, keep in contact with them. Consistently call and visit to make certain that they are healthy and happy—and that they are being treated well by the staff members and other residents. Likewise, keep open lines of communication with the professionals running the facility and take all suspicions seriously.

Should your loved one require the assistance of a home care specialist, interview the candidates and choose one that you believe will best meet your senior's needs. If you are going through an organization, pick a company that only hires licensed, insured, and experienced professionals who have passed the necessary background checks and have a clean record.

If you have any suspicions about the management of your senior's finances, investigate the problem. For instance, you might suspect that a family member is being dishonest in their dealings. If necessary, hire a lawyer to oversee the financial assets that your elderly loved one possesses in order to make certain that they are handled properly.

Pay close attention to your loved one's behavior. Any sudden changes in personality, physical health, etc. may be indicative of an abusive situation. Make sure, though, that you investigate all possibilities before making accusations.

When it comes to eldercare, Always Best Care Burlington-Greensboro professionals know that you hold a great deal of responsibility when you are undertaking the health and wellbeing of your loved one. Preventing elder abuse is not always possible, but with these steps you can minimize the risk that your senior faces.