Active caregivers don’t let living a long distance away and other obstacles stand in the way of keeping their senior loved ones safe and secure. However, they do need to come up with strategies to manage their roles and prevent problems such as neglect. Continue reading to learn what to look for as a long-distance family caregiver to spot elder abuse from afar.
Bedsores
These pressure sores are one of the most common signs of neglect. They’re often due to improper medical care and lack of assistance. Seniors who live sedentary lifestyles or are left in their beds or wheelchairs for most of the day can develop bedsores. The unrelieved pressure on the skin is what causes the sores, and they increase the risk of infections and life-threatening illnesses. Ask your siblings and trusted family members who live nearby to make unplanned visits to your loved one’s home to check for bedsores and other signs of elder abuse.
For many seniors in Naples, FL, 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 Assisting Hands Home Care, we extensively screen all of our 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.
Unexplained Changes in Spending Habits
It’s common for seniors to make individual purchases from time to time, such as buying a handbag or splurging on a bigger television or new smartphone. However, regular changes in spending habits could be a sign of elder abuse. Some family members and friends could pressure your loved one to purchase items for them and their children or cover the costs of their rent, utility bills, or college tuition. Monitor your loved one’s spending habits from afar. You may need to press charges against the person who’s exploiting your parent’s finances to prevent it from happening again.
Poorly Groomed Appearance
Dirty hair and clothing could be a warning sign your parent isn’t properly groomed. Maintaining good hygiene can reduce the risk of infections and various diseases. Taking regular baths, washing his or her hair, and putting on clean clothes could also boost your loved one’s mental and emotional health. Your loved one’s shirts, pants, and accessories should fit properly. Wearing too little clothing could cause discomfort and other health issues.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide elderly home care. Turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Isolation
If your parent is withdrawing from family and friends who live nearby or not answering your phone calls, he or she could be experiencing elder abuse. Your loved one’s primary caregiver should give you daily reports and encourage your loved one to answer your calls and attend social outings with others, as these are things that can prevent neglect and abuse.
If your loved one is living with another family member and not answering your phone calls, have a wellness check performed by local authorities. It would also be a good idea if you considered moving your loved one in with you or another trusted family member to prevent isolation and neglect.
If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Naples families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
