Elder abuse is a growing problem. The sad part is that this is such a big problem because many people committing this crime are completely unaware of just how severe their actions really are. But elder abuse is much more than a malicious act. It can be something as simple as negligence, or just forgetfulness on the behalf of the caregiver. However, the results are still the same. Elder abuse is a serious issue, and preventing it at all costs should be one of your highest priorities when looking for senior care for a loved family member.
First, let’s look at what senior abuse can look like. In many instances, it can appear as just an oversight. Bed sores are a common example. They can be easily prevented, but if the caregiver is unaware of how easily they can form, the problem will never go away. Rather than just take the easy way out, a caregiver should be checking for these every day, moving the elderly person around in their chair or bed as a preventative measure, and treating them immediately–including getting medical attention–if they do occur. If your caregiver is not doing this, the potential for elder abuse is there.
The issue is that it’s not something many people immediately know to check for. This is why going with a respected care service is so important, even if you are simply hiring an in-home caregiver to come and help out for a few hours per day. Luckily, there are many in-home care services that provide a trusted product with their fully trained caregivers. Besides being fully trained, you should always make sure that whomever you hire to come into your home and help your family out is insured. Many independent caregivers do not have this qualification. They may be very capable as caregivers, but accidents are always unforeseen, and if there isn’t some sort of safety net, there may be problems later on. Obviously, you do not expect or want this to happen, but no one ever does. So, by being prepared well ahead of time, you can eliminate this concern later on if it ever arises.
The sad truth is that the vast majority of elder abuse cases happen simply because the caregiver doesn’t know all of their responsibilities. Going with an accredited service can help minimize your chances of this happening. Everyone wants the best for the people that they love, and hiring an outside individual to help with care can be a frightening prospect, especially in today’s unsure world. Rather than take a gamble, do your research and go with a service that has the background to do what you expect them to do. This will give you the peace of mind you need to go about your day, it will give your elderly loved one a safe and satisfying experience with their senior care, and it will help reduce the chances of an emergency situation happening. You can’t predict the future, but you can prepare for much of the unknown. Your caregiver should be able to help with this.
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