Assisted living centers can provide much-needed relief for family caregivers. Sometimes it makes sense to move a loved one to an assisted living home because the family simply can’t provide the required level of care.  When this decision is made, it is imperative that families vet and select the right team to care for their loved one’s physical and mental health.

Elder Abuse in Assisted Living Centers

Even though most assisted living homes are safe and secure, there is always a risk of elder abuse. Family and friends should be involved and have systems in place to not only detect signs of abuse, but also to proactively prevent elder abuse.

Too often, families don’t maintain enough contact with their loved one when a person is living in an assisted living facility. It’s easy to fall into the mindset of false security. Even if the support team has a good reputation, it only takes one unscrupulous staff member to take advantage of the situation.

How to Reduce the Risk of Elder Abuse

Whether your loved one is under in-home care or in an assisted living center, there are a few proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of elder abuse:

  1. Don’t assume that everything is all right. It’s important that you remain actively involved in a person’s life. Whenever possible, visit in person to observe the living conditions and overall health of the individual.
  2. Communication is key to detecting potential signs of abuse. Not only should you maintain communication with the elderly family member, also stay in communication with caregivers.
  3. Be proactive in screening all caregivers and support providers.
  4. Don’t allow your loved one to become isolated, which can increase the risk of elder abuse. Lack of social contact and interaction can also foster loneliness and depression. This in turn can make the person more vulnerable to elder abuse.

Elder abuse is more common than you might think, which is why you need to be proactive in protecting your loved ones. For more information, email info@SeniorSafeAndSound.org or call 858-480-7551. Access our online resources at  Senior Safe and Sound.

This information is intended to inform the public at large about this important issue. It is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice.