One in every ten Americans aged 60 and older experiences some form of elder abuse, according to the National Council on Aging. Such situations may include neglect, emotional or physical abuse, withholding of financial resources, isolation, or deprivation of essential needs such as food and medicine. Identifying signs of abuse is the first step in seeking assistance and protecting a vulnerable senior loved one.
1. Sudden Secrecy
One of the most common signs of elder abuse is increased or sudden secrecy. This can include avoiding certain personal topics, refusing to let others see emails, or suddenly getting more calls from the same person.
2. Increased Isolation
The abuser often seeks to form a codependent relationship by convincing a senior that he or she is the only one the senior can trust. Signs of such an arrangement can include a slow withdrawal from social situations and increased isolation.
If you notice these signs, hire a caregiver for your loved one. For families living in Tucson, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
3. Lack of Upkeep
A possible sign of some type of financial abuse, which can come in the form of a family member making an elderly loved one feel guilty if he or she doesn’t help the individual, is a sudden lack of upkeep. This may include canceling yard services, not going to regular hair appointments, or settling for lower-quality products.
4. Change in Attitude
Biological changes that occur with age can create a change in how a senior sees things over time, but a sudden change in natural attitude or mood is different. If your loved one is being consistently subjected to some form of abuse, he or she may become increasingly pessimistic or exhibit a sense of hopelessness.
Make sure your loved one has a trusted and compassionate caregiver to assist him or her with daily care needs. When considering elderly home care, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
5. Sudden Closeness with One Person
Most families have some members who are rarely a part of gatherings and keep their distance from everyone. When such a person suddenly gets chummy with your loved one, it should at least be a red flag. Another telltale sign of this type of abuse is efforts by this person to discourage contact with other family members and friends.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to keep your loved one safe from elder abuse while ensuring he or she receives high-quality in-home care. When searching for reliable Tucson senior home care agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Home Care Assistance, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (520) 276-6555 to schedule a free consultation.