Elder Abuse is Everyone's Concern

Written by Hope Robbins    
22 March 2012

Elder abuse is a very sad and very real problem in America that all too often goes undetected. However, there are often signs to look out for that can help family members notice or prevent abuse. Family members and caregivers should be aware of the following risk factors:
•    Dependency: A senior dependent on others for care may be reluctant to speak up about any abuse because he or she does not feel safe reporting the abuser due to the dependency.
•    Decreased physical health and mobility: Dementia, Alzheimer’s and/or increased dependency for assistance with the activities of daily living may raise an elder’s risk of being abused. The elder may not be capable of explaining or verbalizing the abuse.
•    The elder was at one time an abusive parent or spouse: In many cases the perpetrators of elder abuse were once abused themselves, creating a cycle of abuse.
•    Social isolation: Isolation is often the result of deaths of contemporaries, spouses, siblings and friends. Abusers often try to keep an elder isolated by:
o    Refusing to apply for economic aid or services
o    Resisting outside help
o    Changing social and healthcare providers frequently to make it difficult to assess the elder's situation
o    Keeping family and friends from having contact with the elder
•    Caregiver burnout: An overworked caregiver can become depressed and stressed, causing him or her to lash out at the elder he or she is caring for.
If you are the family member or friend of someone who is being cared for, be mindful of these risk factors, call and/or check in on the senior as often as possible, and play an active role in his or her care. As a caregiver, be aware of signs of burnout—frustration, depression, despair—and seek help for ways to safely deal with these feelings.
Freedom Home Care of Dothan, Montgomery and Opelika, Alabama can help you and your loved ones learn about and prevent elder abuse. Our respite care program can also assist caregivers, giving them the break that they need, while providing quality care to their loved ones. Contact us in Dothan, Alabama at 334-803-8078 or Opelika, Alabama at 334-745-7308 for more information on how to spot and prevent elder abuse.

 SOURCE:       Freedom HomeCare
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