Facing elder abuse is one of the most common challenges of aging. Regularly visiting your senior loved one can help you identify signs of abuse so you can take action to protect him or her.
1. Changes in Appearance
If you notice your loved one appears disheveled, dirty, malnourished, or dehydrated, he or she may be experiencing elder abuse. In the event your loved one is confined to bed, dirty diapers, dirty linens, and an unkempt appearance may be signs of neglect.
Families shouldn’t have to worry about finding reliable senior home care. Home Care Assistance is a leading provider of elderly home care. We offer a proprietary program called the Balanced Care Method, which uses holistic methods to promote senior health, our caregivers and Care Managers are available 24/7, and all of our in-home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
2. Behavioral Changes
Abuse can impact a senior’s mental state. Depression, anxiety, fear, and withdrawal from friends and family are common signs of elder abuse. Your loved one may ask you to stay if he or she is being abused, but signs of distress tend to become prominent when the caregiver isn’t around.
3. Missed Appointments
Neglect is also a type of elder abuse. Missed doctor’s appointments may indicate abuse, especially if your loved one relies on a caregiver for transportation to the physician’s office. Contact your loved one’s doctor to find out if missed appointments are common, and take immediate action if your loved one hasn’t filled his or her medications or visited the doctor recently.
For many seniors in Highland Park, TX, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.
4. Isolation by a Caregiver
Elder abuse can change your normal communication routine with your loved one. The caregiver may give you excuses about why your loved one can’t come to the phone or participate in video chats. Visit your loved one personally if you can’t contact him or her, and find a new caregiver to prevent further abuse.
5. Financial Difficulties
If your loved one is suddenly unable to pay for basic living expenses, financial abuse may be a concern. Look for signs such as abnormal spending and unusual withdrawals from accounts to determine whether further investigation is necessary.
6. Untreated Illness
One of the most common signs of abuse is untreated illnesses or injuries. Physical injuries are often accompanied by behavioral changes such as anxiety around caregivers, and odd explanations for injuries are common in abusive situations. If your loved one is confined to bed or a wheelchair, untreated bedsores may be a sign of neglect.
7. Unkempt Home
An untidy or messy home may be a sign of abuse or neglect. Visit your loved one’s home on a regular basis to determine if the clutter is a one-time event or occurs on a regular basis. If you suspect caregiver abuse, switch to a new home care provider immediately. Choosing a caregiver from a reliable agency that performs background checks reduces the risk of neglect and abuse.
One of the best ways to prevent elder abuse is to hire a trustworthy, compassionate home caregiver. Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide elderly home care, Highland Park, TX, Home Care Assistance has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call at (214) 363-3400 today.