Long-distance caregivers can help their senior loved ones with managing finances, arranging doctor visits and in-home care, planning for emergencies, and more. Living far away means you’re not there to see what goes on each day, even if you use monitoring devices, video chats, and other real-time options. However, there are steps you can take to spot elder abuse if you live a long distance away.
Poor Hygiene
Hygiene is often a clue as to whether a senior is receiving adequate care, and it includes the cleanliness of the individual’s hair, skin, nails, and clothing as well as the condition of his or her home. If friends or family members stop by to conduct wellness checks, they should look for clues throughout the home, such as dirty dishes in the sink, stacks of laundry in the washroom, or clutter in the hallways and bedrooms.
A family caregiver or home care professional should help your loved one maintain good hygiene and keep the home clean. If you speak to your loved one via video chat, look for signs such as a dirty house or your loved one having a disheveled appearance. These could be warning signs of elder abuse.
For many seniors in Cincinnati, OH, 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.
Bruises
Even if your loved one’s caregiver isn’t physically causing the harm, neglect increases the risk of falls, cuts, and other accidents that put your loved one’s health in jeopardy. You can monitor your loved one via video chat and pictures or by making unplanned visits to his or her home.
The caregiver shouldn’t object to your loved one chatting with you via video. If so, it could be because your loved one is trying to hide bruising or other noticeable signs of abuse. If you have durable power of attorney for your loved one, speak with his or her doctor to receive reports about unusual marks or recent accidents.
Rapid Weight Gain or Loss
Healthy eating can boost cognitive health and prevent many age-related conditions, which is why your loved one should consume nutritious meals and snacks each day. If you notice your parent losing weight quickly, he or she could be experiencing malnutrition. Your loved one’s caregiver may not cook adequate meals, which could cause weight loss.
If your parent is gaining extra pounds, the caregiver may be preparing unhealthy items that increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. When it comes to monitoring your loved one from afar, be aware that rapid weight gain or loss is often a sign of poor nutrition and neglect.
Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated at-home care, you can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
Unusual Spending
Elder abuse also includes financial exploitation, which is why you should monitor your loved one’s bank and credit card accounts regularly to prevent identity theft and scams. Review your parent’s credit report a couple of times per year to search for suspicious activity, such as recently opened accounts or expensive purchases.
One of the best ways to prevent elder abuse is to hire a trustworthy, compassionate home caregiver. Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide home care, Cincinnati, OH, Assisting Hands Home Care has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering hourly and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your parent, give us a call today.
