What Can Be Done To Prevent Elder Abuse?

Elder people today are more independent, more visible, and more active than ever before. They are living in better health and longer as well. But as the population of senior Americans increases, so does the hidden problem of senior citizens abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Every year an estimated 4 million senior American population are victims of emotional, sexual, physical, financial or other types of abuse and neglect. Those figures may not narrate the real story. For every case of abuse reported to concerned authorities, experts estimate that many cases go unnoticed.

The quality of life of elderly persons who experience elder abuse and neglect is severely jeopardized, as they often experience worsened financial status, poor self-rated health,increased emotional distress, progressive dependency, and loneliness. Research also indicates that elders who have not been neglected or abused tend to live longer than those who have been abused, even in the presence of life-threatening disease or chronic conditions.

Now, you might be wondering: What can be done to prevent elder abuse?To prevent elder abuse, you must know the warning signs of elder abuse and neglect.

Clues That May Signal Elder Abuse- You may notice the person-

Seems irritated, confuses or depressed

Gains or loses weight for no reason

Acts stressed or tense

Has trouble sleeping

Displays signs of pain, like biting nails, rocking back and forth

Has burned or rope marks, unexplained injuries

Stops taking part in activities she/he enjoys

Looks shabby, with unwashed clothes or dirty hair

Develops ulcers, bedsores or other preventable conditions

How to prevent elder abuse?

Be selective about care facilities.

Look for any state assistance available to the elderly for life planning.

Find competent elder abuse attorney in Orange County who can help you advocate for an aging family member.