Orange County Homecare Agencies Help Prevent Senior Abuse
Senior abuse affects thousands of elderly adults every year
, often in their own homes, relatives homes, or long-term care facilities. Seniors can become victims of abuse for a wide variety of reasons. Since they are typically not as strong and may not see, hear, or think as well as they once did, they are especially vulnerable to both active and passive attacks. One of the best ways to prevent senior abuse in our area is to hire a trusted Orange County homecare agency to care for your loved one and watch out for the tell-tale signs of senior abuse.
Signs of Senior Abuse:
These are the most common types and warning signs of senior abuse:
Physical senior abuse: Physical abuse can range from unexplained scars or bruises to sprains and even broken bones. Other signs of physical senior abuse include the improper use of prescribed medications as indicated by having too many or too few pills remaining, and evidence of restraint such as having rope marks on wrists.
Emotional senior abuse: Psychological abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse, and can be both verbal and nonverbal. Verbal senior abuse can include intimidation through constant threats and yelling to the use of humiliation and ridicule. Nonverbal emotional senior abuse can include isolation from family and friends or ignoring basic needs. An Orange County homecare agency can provide the type of daily support many seniors need and help prevent emotional abuse.
Financial senior abuse: Since most seniors are on a fixed income, financial abuse can be especially devastating. Signs include suspicious changes in insurance policies, wills, titles, and power of attorney; large amounts of cash missing from the seniors bank accounts or home; and payment of unnecessary good, services, or subscriptions.
Healthcare fraud and abuse: Medical identity theft and healthcare fraud are prevalent in every part of the population, but seniors are especially vulnerable. Signs of healthcare fraud and abuse include abnormal activity on credit reports, inaccuracies in insurance statements or explanation of benefits (EOBs), overbilling or duplicate billings for healthcare services or devices, incorrect info evidence of insufficient care when healthcare bills have been paid, and evidence of being either undermedicated or overmedicated. If you are not available on a regular basis, an Orange County homecare agency can be a vigilant protector against senior healthcare fraud and abuse.
Sexual senior abuse: This type of senior abuse is particularly unconscionable. Signs include unexplained anal or vaginal bleeding, bruises around genitals, and even venereal diseases.
Neglect: Signs that Orange County seniors are being neglected by a caregiver include untreated bedsores, unexplained weight loss or malnutrition, unsanitary living conditions, being unbathed or improperly clothed, and even living in a home without heat or running water.
Preventing Senior Abuse:
There are many things you can do to help prevent senior abuse, starting with recognizing there is a problem and reporting it right away. Pay close attention to the behavior of seniors and their caregivers, be on the lookout for the various types and signs of senior abuse described above, and consider hiring an Orange County homecare agency to be your eyes and ears. All seniors deserve an advocate to protect them from any kind of abuse.
Remember that you can report senior abuse by calling the 24-hour Orange County Adult Protective Services (APS) abuse hotline at 800.451.5155.
If you feel overwhelmed by caring for a senior and are seeking help, or simply want to learn more about the services provided by an Orange County homecare agency, visit www.CambrianHomecare.com or call 877.422.2270.
by: Rhiannon Acree
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