7 Noticeable Signs of Elder Abuse
Changes in Appearance If you notice your loved one appears disheveled, dirty, malnourished, or dehydrated, he or she may be experiencing elder abuse. In the event your loved one is confined to bed, dirty diapers, dirty linens, and an unkempt appearance may be signs of neglect. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Naples senior care. Services our caregivers provide include transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Behavioral Changes Abuse can impact your loved one’s mental state. Depression, anxiety, fear, and withdrawal from friends and family are common signs of elder abuse. Your loved one may ask you to stay if he or she is being abused, but signs of distress tend to become prominent when the caregiver is not around.
Missed Appointments Neglect is also a type of elder abuse. Missed doctor’s appointments may indicate abuse, especially if your loved one relies on a caregiver for transportation to the physician’s office. Contact your loved one’s doctor to find out if missed appointments are common, and take immediate action if your loved one hasn’t filled his or her medications or visited the doctor recently.
Isolation by Caregiver Elder abuse can change your normal communication routine with your loved one. The caregiver may give you excuses about why your loved one can’t come to the phone or video chats. Visit your loved one personally if you can’t contact him or her, and find a new caregiver to prevent further abuse. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Naples seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
Financial Difficulties If your loved one is suddenly unable to pay for basic living expenses, financial abuse may be a concern. Look for signs such as abnormal spending and unusual withdrawals from accounts to determine whether further investigation is necessary.
Untreated Illness One of the most common signs of abuse is untreated illnesses or injuries. Physical injuries are often accompanied by behavioral changes such as caregiver anxiety, and odd explanations for injuries are common in abusive situations. If your loved one is confined to bed or a wheelchair, untreated bedsores may be a sign of neglect.
Unkempt Home An untidy or messy home may be a sign of abuse or neglect. Visit your loved one’s home on a regular basis to determine if the clutter is a one-time event or occurs on a regular basis. If you suspect caregiver abuse, switch to a new home care provider immediately. Choosing a caregiver from a reliable agency that performs background checks helps reduce the risk of neglect and abuse. Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Naples seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. Whether your senior loved one needs assistance with daily tasks or intensive 24-hour care, you can trust in Home Care Assistance. Call one of our knowledgeable Client Care Managers at 239.449.4701 today to schedule a no-obligation consultation
Home Care Assistance of Naples • Address: 3605 Tamiami Trail N, • Phone No.: 239-449-4701 • Website: http:// www.homecareassistancenaples.com/ • Thanks for watching