The Beginnings\u2026.<\/strong><\/h3>\nAs we become senior citizens, we have to contend with becoming more and more dependent on those around us. As such, it is\u00a0even more important to make sure that these people are worthy of our trust.<\/p>\n
According to the NYS Elder Abuse Prevalence Study of May 2011<\/a>, Elder Abuse can take the form of:<\/p>\n
\n- Neglect by a responsible caregiver<\/li>\n
- Financial exploitation<\/li>\n
- Emotional abuse often termed psychological abuse<\/li>\n
- Physical abuse (including sexual).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
While most elder abuse happens to women, there are male victims as well. Sadly, perpetrators prey on those with disabilities such as dementia and memory problems; anyone who depends on others with the activities of daily living (ADLs). It can occur in your home, a family members home, or an institution such as a nursing home or assisted living facility. It doesn\u2019t even have to be in person since it can happen via the phone, email, or internet these days, though that is mainly with respect to financial abuse. Perpetrators can be family members, friends, or strangers.<\/p>\n
Signs of Elder Abuse\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\nInfographic<\/strong><\/p>\n
There are several tell tale signs that abuse is occurring. It is critical everyone connected with a senior be alert to these signs since many seniors are too<\/p>\n
![\"elder](\"https:\/\/davidyorkhomehealthcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Elder-Abuse-Infographic-800x2000-px-88x300.jpeg\")
<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\nembarrassed to report abuse when it happens to them.<\/p>\n
\n- Becoming withdrawn or upset<\/li>\n
- Showing signs of trauma<\/li>\n
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or scars<\/li>\n
- Bedsores<\/li>\n
- Unsanitary living conditions<\/li>\n
- Unkempt grooming and dirty clothes<\/li>\n
- Missing essential items such as glasses, walker, cane, hearing aide, or dentures<\/li>\n
- Sudden loss of income or financial assets<\/li>\n
- Odd new friendships<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This list is by no means exhaustive. You know your loved one or friend best. There could be dozens more signs that you may be able to pick up. If you feel something is going on and it does not appear on this list, by all means check it out. The problem may be that you are not near enough or around enough to see the signals.<\/p>\n
Fighting Elder Abuse<\/strong><\/h3>\nTracking and combating elder abuse is difficult due to a lack of centralized ownership of these cases. Unfortunately, they are referred out to disparate departments such as housing, law enforcement or fraud. There has been a call to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a resource center for elder abuse information. As a result,\u00a0Elder Abuse Victims Acts<\/a>\u00a0have been introduced in Congress to dedicate more resources and improve response to these unfortunate events.<\/p>\n
Other agencies to call include:<\/p>\n
\n- Adult Protective Services<\/strong>\u00a0programs help protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The National Adult Protective Services Association provides phone numbers for programs in each state on its\u00a0website<\/a>\u00a0or by calling\u00a0202-370-6292<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- The National Center on Elder Abuse<\/strong>\u00a0provides guidance on how to report abuse, where to get help, and state laws that deal with abuse and neglect. Visit the Center\u00a0online<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0855-500-3537<\/strong>\u00a0for more information.<\/li>\n
- Long-term care ombudsmen<\/strong>\u00a0advocate for the needs of people who live in assisted living facilities, board and care homes, and nursing homes. They are trained to help resolve problems. Find a long-term care ombudsman in your state\u00a0online<\/a>\u00a0or by calling\u00a0202-332-2275<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Most important, if you think someone is in urgent danger, call 911.<\/strong><\/h3>\nWho Can Help Monitor?<\/strong><\/h3>\nThere are many state and local laws with respect to alerting the authorities of elder abuse. In fact, many doctors, lawyers, and professionals are required to report this abuse if they become aware of it. Not doing so can lead to negative consequences for them.<\/p>\n
Closer to home, if loved ones leave a distance away, they may ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye out and visit unannounced on a somewhat regular basis. You can also call your loved one frequently from wherever you are to keep track of their moods and happenings.<\/p>\n
Another proxy could be a home healthcare agency or geriatric care manager. Those are both professionals that deal with the elderly and can be hired to make as many visits as you believe are necessary to feel comfortable your loved one is well cared for and safe. The more eyes watching, the more accountability there is and the better the chance that abuse and neglect will NOT occur.<\/p>\n
Building Staff as Part of the Army<\/strong><\/h3>\nAn interesting idea has been implemented in New York. Doormen are now being enlisted to fight the\u00a0growing problem of elder abuse and neglect<\/a>. The\u00a0Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Center<\/a>\u00a0for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale has devised an ingenious idea to combat elder abuse by utilizing those friendly attentive people that greet you each day. Interestingly, they train New York City doormen, porters, and concierges so that they can keep a watchful eye on the people they see, or should see, each day.<\/p>\n
Home Healthcare Agency As Partners<\/strong><\/h3>\nDavid York Agency aides participate in\u00a0ongoing in-service classes<\/a>\u00a0to keep them abreast of the latest trends and things to watch for. We are in constant contact with them. Furthermore, we stress that they must report any concerns they have about their clients to us. Additionally, we are available 24 hours a day to the client, their family and the aides for emergencies and any problem that arises. We send out our nurse to make home visits on a regular basis and can schedule them on an as needed basis as well.<\/p>\n
At David York Home Healthcare Agency, we are always on the lookout for our clients. Our home\u00a0health aides are thoroughly interviewed and rigorously screened<\/a>\u00a0including a criminal background check. Likewise, our homecare agency is licensed, bonded and insured.<\/p>\n
David York Agency Homecare Helps Seniors in Brooklyn Heights<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\nAt David York Agency<\/a>, we understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and elderly. We are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and downs. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies in Brooklyn Heights<\/a> that provide in home healthcare services.<\/p>\n
DYA we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about\u00a0David York Agency<\/a>\u2019s qualified,\u00a0compassionate caregivers<\/a>, contact us at (718) 376-7755. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you\u2019d like to hear more from us, please like us on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0or follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a> or\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>.<\/p>\n
For more helpful tips and information,\u00a0check out our blog<\/a> or contact us<\/a>\u00a0today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"