Elder abuse is a rising concern for older adults and the families caring for them. Not only can a vulnerable person be at risk for physical and financial abuse, but neglect and emotional abuse are also common. These actions can be devastating for the victim. Therefore,  families must be engaged and proactive about designing the right checks and balances to avoid abuse.

Is Your Loved One at Risk of Elder Abuse?

People of all ages can fall victim to abuse, but elder abuse is most common in these situations:

  • People over the age of 80
  • Women
  • Seniors living alone
  • People staying in care facilities

When the person is facing physical or mental challenges, it opens the door for a perpetrator to take advantage. Often, these perpetrators are people you’d never assume, such as the victim’s adult children or spouse.

Create a System to Prevent Elder Abuse

Don’t assume that your loved one is safe from abuse. Instead, families need to actively monitor the person’s wellness as well as the activities taking place in the home.

Here are a few ways you can reduce the risk of elder abuse:

  • Multiple Caregivers: Instead of relying on one person to provide 100% of the caregiving, divide these responsibilities among multiple people. This approach gives caregivers a chance to notice potential signs of abuse occurring during other shifts.
  • Financial Accountability: When it comes to finances, it’s important to have regular reconciliations and audits. Again, multiple people should review financial statements to watch for discrepancies or missing money.
  • Scheduled Visits: Even if you aren’t the primary caregiver, schedule regular visits to see how your loved one is doing. Life can get busy, which often results in time passing before you visit again. Instead, talk on the phone often and set a schedule so you have a chance to see the person’s living conditions regularly.

A little bit of proactive care can go a long way toward reducing the risk of elder abuse. When families are involved in a person’s life, it decreases the likelihood of someone taking advantage of the situation unnoticed.

At Senior Safe and Sound, we are here to share information to help your family reduce the risk of elder abuse. If you would like additional information, feel free to contact us at any time. You can reach our team by email at info@SeniorSafeAndSound.org or call 858-480-7551.

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.