Even if you can’t see your senior loved one as often as you’d like, you can take steps to prevent elder abuse. Abuse can be subtle, such as a neglectful caregiver avoiding daily grooming routines. These tips can help you protect your loved one from both subtle and obvious abuse when you can’t be with him or her.
Choose Professional Care
Hiring a caregiver from a professional home care agency allows you to more easily monitor your loved one. Professional home care agencies usually require background checks, and caregivers are subject to oversight that may not be available when choosing a private caregiver.
For many seniors in Mississauga, ON, 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.
Make Frequent Contact
Often, changes in social habits and communication styles are the first signs of elder abuse. For instance, your loved one may begin refusing your calls for no reason in an effort to hide the abuse. Call your loved one often, and set aside time for frequent video chats to monitor his or her overall wellbeing when you can’t be there in person. Video chats are also an easy way to monitor for visible signs of abuse, such as bruises or a persistently unkempt appearance.
Check the Bank
Financial abuse is a major issue for seniors who rely on their caregivers to pay bills and purchase necessities. To prevent financial abuse, check your loved one’s bank records monthly, and address any unusual purchases or unexpected withdrawals promptly. Online bill pay is also an option that ensures your loved one’s basic expenses are covered without the need to access the account personally. Financial oversight is particularly important if your loved one relies on a caregiver to pay bills and make everyday purchases.
Families shouldn’t have to worry about finding reliable elder care. Mississauga Home Care Assistance is a leading provider of elderly home care. We offer a proprietary program called the Balanced Care Method, which uses holistic methods to promote senior health, our caregivers and Care Managers are available 24/7, and all of our in-home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Build a Network
If your loved one lives at home, spend some time getting to know his or her neighbors and other people in the community. Make sure the neighbors have your contact information and are willing to look in on your loved one regularly to prevent caregiver abuse. A strong community support system also prevents depression and boosts overall wellbeing among the elderly. Senior centers and adult day care facilities are both excellent options that offer access to a larger care network with more oversight from a variety of caregivers.
Create a Plan
Prompt action is vital if you suspect your loved one is experiencing abuse. You shouldn’t expect your loved one to tell you about the abuse. Your parent may try to hide the abuse because he or she feels ashamed or doesn’t want you to worry. In the case of physical, sexual, or financial abuse, the best option is to immediately contact the authorities and find a new caregiver. You should also consider setting aside a few vacation days each year in case you need to visit your loved one. A quick visit allows you to evaluate potentially abusive situations so you can make the best choices when caring for your loved one.
One of the best ways to prevent elder abuse is to hire a trustworthy, compassionate home caregiver. Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide homecare services, Home Care Assistance has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years. If you need professional home care for your loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 905-337-1200.