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What can you do to protect a loved one from elder abuse?

On Behalf of | Jan 24, 2025 | Elder Abuse |

Seeing a loved one move into a residential care home can be difficult, but it is often for the best. The staff there should be able to give them the care and help they need.

Here are a few things you can do to minimize the chances that your loved one will be abused or neglected.

Choose wisely

Don’t just choose the closest care home. Rather, take time to check out the options available. It may be that the closest one is a good choice, but you can only know that by doing some research. Look for reviews on the internet. Google the names of establishments to see if they have ever made the news for the wrong reason or are mentioned in any reports as having had problems. When you visit, try to talk to some of the residents or their visitors, as they might have a different story to tell than the staff member showing you around.

Stay alert

It is important not to blindly trust the care home where a loved one lives. Sometimes these places or particular staff members do not live up to expectations. Look for any physical or mental changes in your loved one that could be a warning sign that something is not right.

Try to visit regularly and consider varying your hours with the occasional surprise visit. Intersperse the physical visits with virtual ones, preferably via video call rather than just a phone call so you can get visual information about how your loved one is doing.

Speak up when needed

Don’t be afraid to be vocal in advocating for the services and attention your loved one needs and deserves. If you suspect something is not right, schedule a meeting with one of the management team. Nipping problems in the bud can reduce the chance they lead to suffering for your family member. Remember, if you suspect abuse or neglect is occurring, you may have legal options available.

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