Older adults may face a higher risk of getting treated improperly. They may be frail and unable to stand up for themselves. Some don't think as clearly as they used to. Or they may depend on others to manage their bills.
All these things can open the door for people to take advantage of seniors. This could include physical abuse, emotional mistreatment, neglect or financial scams. Sometimes it is the result of a caregiver facing extra stress, but this is still not a reason to abuse you.
If you are a senior, don't let yourself be a target. Protect yourself from being abused in these ways:
1. Don't let yourself become isolated. Abusers know they can avoid getting caught if you have little contact with others. So, stay connected with people who are concerned about you. If you need to, find a well-respected organization that sends volunteers to visit the elderly.
2. Know the warning signs of abuse. Have there been large withdrawals from your bank account? Are physical restraints being used on you? Are you being fed properly? Talk to a doctor, nurse, friend, relative or hotline if you think you are being abused. Call your ombudsman if you live in a facility.
3. See a doctor regularly. Health care providers may notice signs of abuse and get you help. It's important that you answer the doctor's questions honestly. There is no reason to feel shame or to deny someone else's bad behavior.
4. Beware of troubled relatives or friends. People with histories of substance abuse, mental illness or violence are more likely to be abusers. Insist that the person get treatment or stay away from you. Note that abusers are most often relatives, caregivers or others who are close to you.
5. Get your financial and legal affairs in order, and in writing. Prepare a Living Will and give someone Power of Attorney, or appoint a guardian. This is someone you trust to make medical and financial decisions for you if you ever become unable to do so. Have someone else you trust review any legal documents before you sign them.
6. Protect your assets.
Monitor your credit card and bank statements to make sure no one else is stealing or misusing your money.
Arrange for direct deposits of income or automatic bill payments. This is safer than creating a joint bank account if you need help with bills.
Be wary of scams that target the elderly. Seek advice from someone you respect before you part with cash or give out your credit card, social security or bank account numbers.
Limit access of others to your affairs. Send and open your own mail if you can, and have your own phone.
Keep valuables in a safe place when others are in your home.
7. Choose an outside caregiver carefully.
Try to hire a caregiver through a trustworthy agency. A case manager should oversee your services and assess your care regularly.
If you hire someone on your own, check his or her references and do a background check.
If you are unhappy with your care, speak up. It is your right as the client.
Encourage people to stop by. Having unannounced visitors is a great way to check up on a caregiver. The visitor can advocate for you if there is a problem.
Make your personal safety a priority as you age. That means talking to a lawyer now if you don't have a Will or Power of Attorney. Contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1-866-999-9085 to talk to an experienced elder law and abuse attorney.
