Elder Care 101

Identifying Elder Abuse

All around the country, there are thousands of senior citizens that are under constant abuse, and often the abusers are the ones tasked with taking care of them. It is a horrible truth that cannot be denied. In a given year, 500,000 elder abuse cases are reported to the authorities; these are just the instances of reported cases.

According to the collective consciousness, the only place that elder abuse occurs in is within the nursing home; however, you can experience elder abuse at home or during a doctor’s appointment. The number of ways in which the elderly can be abused almost outweighs the number of places in which it can happen.

Elder abuse can happen sexually, emotionally, spiritually, physically, and financially as well. More people than just in the medical industry abuse the elderly. Lawyers, Salespeople, men of faith, and even caretakers and family members can be instigators of elder abuse in many cases.

A lot of the time elder abuse occurs at the residence of the senior, and is perpetrated by the adult children of the abused, or their spouses, even grandchildren sometimes. Elder abuse can also occur in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and institutions.

You might also be surprised at the sheer number of financial elder abuse cases that exist. This can constitute financial fraud, as well as physical harm or emotional taunting inflicted on the elder. Before you take on any caregiver for an elderly relative, get a background check on them. If you are planning on hiring a caregiver, heed these simple guidelines to prevent elder abuse.

At the first sign of elder abuse, get the caregiver out of the situation immediately and get help from the National Center on Elder Abuse, which can help you figure out what to do next.

Elder Abuse Reports

If you find yourself being exploited or abused make sure you convey that to a trusted confidante. Confide in a trusted family member or doctor about your issue. You can definitely get help from others. Dial 1-800-677-1116 to reach the Eldercare Locator. You’ll be able to get in touch with the closest agency that’s able to assist you. Hours for the Eldercare Locator are Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 8 pm EST