Types of Abuse
While no one wants to think that an elderly loved one will be abused by an at-home care professional or in a nursing home setting, these issues can and do occur. And while you might have a clear picture of what you consider abuse, there are actually many different types of issues that your loved one might face. In this section of our website, we outline such issues and give you the tools that you need to prevent, recognize, or stop abuse.
Forms of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is not just physical, though this is one common issue that an aging loved one might face. In addition, consider emotional abuse that might be inflicted on a loved one. Emotional abuse might include demeaning language, yelling, talking down, verbal cruelty, and more. It can have a serious negative impact on your loved one’s self esteem, sleep patterns, eating habits, and more. No one should face emotional abuse in a nursing home or from a care professional. Learn more about spotting this issue here.
Another common issue that we see in elder abuse is financial abuse. The elderly are a particularly vulnerable group of people and can be victims in scams, stolen identity cases, insurance fraud issues, and more. Make sure that you and your elderly loved one discuss their finances frequently, and keep your eye out for any abnormal financial situations. You can learn more about financial exploitation of the elderly on this page.
Next, consider medical issues that your loved one may face such as medical errors or medication errors. Unfortunately, such issues may be prominent amongst the elderly since they generally need so much medical care. Whether it is a doctor, nurse, or some other staff member that makes a mistake, the consequences can be serious and even deadly. Make sure to communicate with your loved one’s medical professionals in an effort to avoid these mistakes.
Sexual abuse is another form of abuse that elderly people may face when they are left alone with supposed care professionals. Women may be particularly at risk for this issue in nursing homes or in settings where they are left alone with care professionals for long periods of time. Those with memory issues such as dementia may also be at risk of being taken advantage of in this way.
Neglect and even self neglect may also become issues when your elderly loved one is placed in a nursing home. The staff may neglect your loved one’s health, hygiene, rights, and needs, but your loved one themselves may also neglect themselves. A period of depression or helplessness may follow admittance to a nursing home, and your loved one may not look after themselves as they should. Keep an eye out for this issue and learn more here.
Get Help
The best way to prevent neglect or abuse is to educate yourself and be proactive in communicating with those who are charged with your loved one’s care. You can learn much more in this section. If you suspect neglect or abuse, we can help. Contact us as soon as possible to learn more.