Many seniors are at risk for fraud, neglect, and other types of abuse, which can have a negative impact on their overall health and disrupt their quality of life. Here are some tips family caregivers can use to prevent elder abuse.
Hire a Qualified Caregiver
Having someone inside the home to provide care is essential for many seniors, but families should take their time to choose a reputable agency when selecting a professional caregiver. A caregiver will have access to your loved one on a daily basis, including his or her personal and financial information. Don’t choose an agency that does a poor job of screening its applicants. A qualified in-home caregiver should have the training and credentials necessary to provide great care for your loved one, pass a criminal background check, and have good references from past clients. If you take the time to choose a qualified caregiver, you can lower your loved one’s odds of elder abuse.
Families looking for top-rated home care providers can reach out to Heroes Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Visit Frequently
Even if your loved one is capable of living alone, you should make time to visit as often as possible. You can check if he or she is eating healthy meals, staying physically fit, and taking medications as prescribed. While visiting your loved one, you can also go through his or her mail to look for suspicious letters and verify bank statements and insurance bills for accuracy. It’s a good idea to check your loved one’s credit report at least once a year to ensure his or her identity hasn’t been stolen by hackers and scammers.
Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Amarillo, TX, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.
Keep Your Loved One Active
When seniors isolate themselves from their families and communities, they may become depressed and experience mental and physical breakdowns. However, keeping your loved one actively involved with family, friends, and community events could prevent sadness and loneliness and lower the risk of neglect and elder abuse. Make it a point to invite your loved one to family gatherings, events at your child’s school, and family vacations. Spending time with others allows your loved one to expand his or her social network, which could lead to a better quality of life.
Monitor House Guests
Your loved one shouldn’t open his or her door to anyone who is abusive and violent, including family members and friends. People with a history of abuse are likely to repeat those actions, especially when it pertains to someone who is vulnerable, such as a senior. A good way to limit the amount of house guests is to move your loved one in with your family or downsize his or her current living situation. Although it’s good for adults to remain socially active in the senior years, you should monitor the type of people your loved one socializes with to prevent physical and mental abuse as well as financial exploitation.
Receiving professional in-home care from a trusted home care provider can significantly reduce the risk of elder abuse. When researching agencies that provide elder care, Amarillo, Texas, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Heroes Home Care. Call one of our Care Managers at (806) 803-9991 to learn about our customized in-home care plans.