From a distance, it can be hard to assess the quality of your parent’s caregivers. Ideally, if there is a primary caregiver on the scene, he or she can keep tabs on how things are going.
In This Article:
What is Elder Mistreatment?
Signs of Elder Mistreatment & Abuse
Self-Neglect
Elder mistreatment is the intentional or unintentional hurting, either physical or emotional, of an older person.
A geriatric care manager can help. You can stay in touch by phone and take note of any concerns that might indicate elder neglect, abuse, or mistreatment. These can happen in any setting, at any socioeconomic level. They can take many forms, including domestic violence, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and basic neglect.
The stress that may happen when adult children care for their aging parents can take a toll on everyone. In some families, abuse continues a long-standing family pattern. In others, the older adult’s need for constant care can cause a caregiver to lash out with verbal or physical abuse. In some cases, especially in the mid-to-late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the older adult may become physically aggressive and difficult to manage. This might cause a caregiver to respond angrily. But no matter what the cause or who is the perpetrator, abuse and neglect are never acceptable responses.
If you feel that your parent is in physical danger, contact the authorities right away. If you suspect abuse, but do not feel there is an immediate risk, contact someone who can act on your behalf: your parent’s doctor, for instance, or your contact at a home health agency. Suspected abuse must be reported to adult protective services.
If your parent is in a long-term care facility, the facility must take steps to prevent (and report) abuse. Nursing homes, like hospitals, are subject to strict State licensing requirements and Federal regulations. Even so, neglect and abuse can occur. If the situation is serious, threatening, or dangerous call 911 or the local police for immediate help.
If the elder lives in another state, call the protective services agency where the elder lives. In some states you can call a hotline toll-free. Many states also have online directories that list local reporting numbers.
Information and referral is also available from the National Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. Call toll-free 1-800-677-1116. This number is available from Monday through Friday 9 AM-8 PM (except U.S. federal holidays).
Signs of Self-Neglect
Self-neglect describes situations in which older people put themselves at high risk. People who neglect themselves may have a disorder, which impairs their judgment or memory. They may have a chronic disease. Knowing where to draw the line between self-neglect and a person’s right to independence can be hard.
Other Related Articles:
Copyright © 2022 SeniorCareHomes.com. All Rights Reserved.
Catharine “Kate” is a Certified Administrator for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and an Expert Senior Care Advisor. Kate’s grandmother battled Alzheimer’s Disease and Kate personally understands what millions of families are going through. Kate and her team are very passionate in empowering Seniors and their families by providing them with the Best Available Senior Care Options based on Senior’s care needs, preferred location and family’s budget.
One of the Leading Operators of Senior Living Communities in the U.S. (Click…
My elderly father is now 90 years old, and my mother is just three years…
The "Next Level" Medical Alert System FACT: The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states…
Alzheimer's Disease Frequently Asked Questions with Dr. Fortanasce, Neurologist / Alzheimer's Expert Why is Alzheimer’s such a huge…
Assisted living costs are getting more and more expensive. In fact, the average annual…
Residential Care Home vs Assisted Living Community Being in the Senior Care Industry for…