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.

Celebrating Grandparents' Day with Your Senior

The calendar is marked with multiple holidays that are meant to celebrate the various people in your life. Mother's Day and Father's Day are two of the most popular, but there are many other designated dates upon which to voice your appreciation for your loved ones. Eldercare professionals know that Grandparents' Day, is a wonderful time to recognize your seniors and all that they do for you and your family.

Understanding Your Relationship with Your Loved One
Celebrating Grandparents' Day is a wonderful way to show your love for your seniors. But the truth is that every elderly individual will not appreciate the same recognition on this holiday. Some love large gatherings with family and friends, and they will enjoy a party that allows them to socialize with loved ones and spend the evening eating, talking, and enjoying one another's company. Others may prefer a more intimate gathering with just a few people, or even one on one time during which they can spend a quality afternoon with a particularly important family member.

Understanding the dynamic of your relationship between yourself and your senior will help you to determine the best way to mark this important day. Make sure that you tailor your method of celebration to what your loved one will enjoy, not to what you want, as it is their day, after all.

Activities to Build Relationships and Have Fun
Whether you opt for a large party or a small gathering, Grandparents' Day is a wonderful time to mark and strengthen familial relationships. Having the right activities planned is crucial, so put some thought into how to best honor these bonds. The professionals of eldercare, Always Best Care Burlington-Greensboro remarks, know that there are several different ways to celebrate your seniors' lives that will help other family members to better appreciate them.

Senior care providers encourage families to engage in the activities that their grandparents love on this special occasion, from simply sitting around talking to going for a walk to visiting a favorite park to hosting a dinner for friends and family. Additionally, listening to your senior talk about their childhood and your family's roots can help build stronger relationships and strengthen familial bonds.

Managing Caregiver Burnout and Depression: Protecting Your Mental Health

Caregiving is a highly rewarding task, particularly if you are looking out for your elderly loved one. But when it comes to eldercare, Burlington-Greensboro professionals know that the heavy responsibilities associated with this activity can prove damaging to your mental health. Caregiver burnout and depression are quite common among family members and professionals who work to ensure that elderly individuals are safe, healthy, and have everything they need to live the highest quality life possible. Eldercare professionals offer the following tips for maintaining positive mental health so that you can best take care of your loved one.

Take Advantage of Respite Care 
Respite care occurs when a caregiver needs a few days or weeks off and has another individual take over the care of an elderly loved one during this time period. Whether you call upon a family member, friend, or professional, it is important to give yourself a break as needed in order to keep yourself from becoming burned out.

Talk to Professionals
Caregiving is a very demanding task, one that forces you to face the mortality of your loved one—and yourself—head on in some cases. This is an incredibly emotional experience, and talking to a professional can help you sort through those emotions in a healthy manner. If you feel as though you are starting to develop depression, or if you want to prevent this from happening, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with a professional to keep yourself healthy. Remember, you cannot take the best care of your loved one if you don't first take care of yourself.

Don't Abandon Your Own Life
All too often individuals dedicate every waking hour to their elderly loved ones, leaving them socially isolated. It is important that you keep up with friends and other family members and that you take time to get out of the house and enjoy their company. Make sure you engage in your favorite hobbies to keep your own life going as you help your senior do the same.

Ultimately, caregiver burnout and depression are natural responses to the responsibilities of eldercare. But with the right approach, you can address and prevent these issues before they become serious concerns.