Tips for Stopping Elderly Abuse

Do you have an aging or ill loved one who depends on a caretaker for their basic needs? Did you know there are seniors who are too scared to report the abuse or the abuser? Many are dependent on them for all of their daily care, so they are suffering silently. But, for many helpless victims of elderly abuse, no one will answer their call for aid and protection. However, you have the power to protect your loved one from suffering, while depending on others for basic care.

First, you must learn more about this epidemic and know the types of abuse to watch for. The entire family must work together and take turns as needed. By becoming their caretaker, you are stepping into a stressful and overwhelming role. So, remember don't do it all by yourself, try to involve everyone as often as you can. This way, the entire family can ensure your loved one's safety and well-being. Plus, they will be able to make sure they are cared for on a daily basis.

Second, in order to stop this epidemic, we must spread awareness about a silent problem that is affecting seniors daily. Additionally, we must get more families involved, in their loved ones health care and daily care. Unfortunately, there are thousands of frail seniors that are being abused or neglected daily by family member with addictions. According to the Administration of Aging (2007), most of the perpetrators are adult family members or full-time caretakers.

Third, be sure the family member is trustworthy and responsible, before you leave them to care for your loved one. Many of them will carry this secret to the grave or suffer silently, since they depend on this person to help them. So, be sure to have lots of help from other safe family members, who care for the loved one as much as you do. Only recently, has the world's organizations been raising awareness for an epidemic that is sweeping our nation.

Types of abuse:

a. Physical: Slapping, hitting, pushing, jerking, or roughness.
b. Emotional: Name-calling, verbally degrading, screaming or cussing.
c. Sexual- Unwanted touching, forced sexual advances, rape, or molestation.
d. Financial- Stealing money, stealing credit, or harassing them for money.
e. Neglect- Lack of food, clothing, warmth, medicine, or their basic needs.
f. Abandonment-The caretaker leaves the person, without daily caretaker.

Fourth, some loved need more care than we can provide, so you will need to look into rehabilitation centers. be sure to do your home work, before placing your loved one in a nursing facility or rehabilitation center. Talk to the staff and the patients about their experiences so far and check with the local hospital. Check for information on the internet and call the Better Business Bureau, in order to see if the facility has a record of complaints.

Fifth, be sure to visit them, at least three or more times a week. So, won't feel alone or be vulnerable to an abusive caretaker. Try to pick a nursing home or rehabilitation center, which is close to their work or home. On each visit, visitors should look for unusual bruises or other signs of abuse or neglect .on their loved one, every single time they visit. But, so be observant and always ask questions, especially when something doesn't seem right.

Always investigate and address any problems or concerns, which you might have concerning your loved ones care. This way, you will be able to visit often and detour abuse from happening to your loved one. However, if you find a problem, move your loved one immediately and report them to the police. Become an advocate and warn other families about the faculty's behavior. Therefore, by following these tips, you will be able to protect you loved from becoming a victim.

Reference:

Administration on Aging (2007) Elders Rights and Resources

Retrieved on the World Wide Web on December 16, 2007
http://www.aoa.gov/eldfam/Elder_Rights/Elder_Abuse/Elder_Abuse.asp