Do not be a victim. Do not let others be victims. It
is very important for the elderly, their family members
and friends to be part of the solution to the problem of
elder abuse.
The best way to make sure that an aging family member
or friend will be well cared for in the future is to plan
ahead. As people age, they often become more dependent
and may need help with many of the tasks of daily living.
By understanding the aging process, seniors, their family
members and friends can prepare themselves for the physical
and emotional changes and make plans that will ensure the
elderly person receives the best possible care.
What You Can Do
You can help stop elder abuse by reporting it. Learn
the signs of abuse and report them to protection agencies
or law enforcement. They can often intervene before serious
injury occurs to a vulnerable elderly man or woman.
It does not take any special effort. But it does mean
caring enough to notice something out of the ordinary --
changes in the elder’s appearance of behavior, deteriorating
health or personal hygiene, missing possessions or money.
Report what you see, what you hear or what you smell.
The responsible authorities will take it from there.
Prevention . . . for Individuals
Do’s
- Stay sociable as
you age; maintain and increase your network of friends
and acquaintances.
- Keep in contact with old friends and neighbors if
you move in with a relative or change to a new address.
- Develop a “buddy system” with a friend
outside the home. Plan for at least a weekly contact
and share openly with this person.
- Ask friends to visit you at home; even a brief visit
can allow observations of your well being.
- Accept new opportunities for activities. They can
bring new friends.
- Participate in community activities as long as you
are able.
- Volunteer or become a member or officer of an organization.
Participate regularly.
- Have your own telephone; post and open your own mail.
If your mail is being intercepted, discuss the problem
with postal authorities.
- Stay organized. Keep your belongings neat and orderly.
Make sure others are aware that you know where everything
is kept.
- Take care of your personal needs. Keep regular medical,
dental, barber, hairdresser, and other personal appointments.
- Arrange to have your Social Security or pension check
deposited directly to a bank account.
- Get legal advice about arrangements you can make now
for possible future disability, including powers-of-attorney,
guardianships, or conservatorships.
- Keep records, accounts, and property available for
examination by someone you trust, as well as by the person
you or the court has designated to manage your affairs.
- Review your will periodically.
- Give up control of your property or assets only when
you decide you cannot manage them.
- Ask for help when you need it. Discuss your plans
with your attorney, physician, or family members.
Don’ts
- Don’t live with a person who has a background
of violent behavior or alcohol or drug abuse.
- Don’t leave your home unattended. Notify police
if you are going to be away for a long period. Don’t
leave messages on the door while you are away.
- Don’t leave cash, jewelry, or prized possessions
lying about.
- Don’t accept personal care in return for transfer
or assignments of your property or assets unless a lawyer,
advocate, or another trusted person acts as a witness
to the transaction.
- Don’t sign a document unless someone you trust
has reviewed it.
- Don’t allow anyone else to keep details of your
finances or property management from you.
How You Can Report
Reporting suspected elder abuse is simple. Call the local
Long-Term Care Ombudsman or local law enforcement to report
abuse in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home
or board and care home. The telephone number of the local
long-term care ombudsman is required by law to be prominently
displayed in every long-term care facility. (Local long-term
care ombudsman listed on page 22.)
Abuse occurring anywhere other than a long-term care
facility should be reported to the local or state Adult
Protective Services agency (APS). (Local Adult Protective
Services listed on page 22.)
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, DIAL
9-1-1.
