Many seniors rely on other people to help them complete a variety of daily tasks as they grow older, which puts them at risk for being mistreated and taken advantage of. Here are some of the ways family caregivers can reduce their senior loved ones’ risk of various types of abuse.
1. Try to Boost Brain Stimulation
Seniors with good memory and critical thinking skills can do most of their daily activities independently, especially financial tasks, which could reduce the risk of financial abuse. Instead of relying on someone else to pay the bills, make withdrawals and deposits at the bank, or handle other financial duties, your loved one can do these things independently. Your loved one should continue to store his or her personal and financial information in safe places others don’t have access to.
2. Prevent Isolation
Some scammers convince seniors they need to shut out their family caregivers and other trustworthy individuals. This is known as emotional elder abuse, and it often results in isolation and depression. Visit your loved one as often as possible. Encourage other trusted family members to check in with your loved one as well, or hire a professional in-home caregiver to keep him or her socially active and report his or her daily activities to you and other family caregivers.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional home care service seniors can trust and rely on.
3. Choose a Trustworthy In-Home Care Provider
Do some research into the provider’s previous clients in addition to its hiring process. A trustworthy in-home care agency will give you access to its credentials, including licensing and other important details. Make sure to ask how the agency screens its applicants and if they require background checks, as this could reduce your loved one’s risk of elder abuse in the future.
For many seniors in Lincoln, CA, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.
4. Conduct Random Visits
If your loved one is receiving in-home care, check in from time to time without scheduling a visit with the caregiver. If your loved one lives with you but receives care while you’re away at work, come home for lunch one day without informing the caregiver. Random visits give you the opportunity to find out if your loved one is being neglected while under the care of a professional caregiver. While conducting an unexpected visit, you can verify the caregiver is handling his or her obligations and putting your loved one’s needs first.
5. Monitor Medications
Seniors who are overmedicated are at risk for being abused physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. Monitor your loved one’s medication and make sure he or she is taking the right dosage at the right time. Consider using medication management apps that keep track of your loved one’s activity, including his or her body’s response to the prescriptions.
6. Check Healthcare Bills
Some doctors, nurses, and medical staff are unethical and commit fraud against seniors. They may do things such as charging for services they didn’t perform or overcharging for their services. Monitor your loved one’s bills to verify the charges are correct, and report any inaccuracies.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior home care. Lincoln families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at (916) 226-3737.