Protect loved ones from nursing home abuse

June 18, 1:57 PMCharlotte Christian Living ExaminerPamela Lipscomb

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                               Make Suer She's Safe

We live in a very different world today then years ago, when elderly relatives were an intracal part of the family, living at home until their deaths.  Now we live life at break neck speed and husbands and wives work to care for their younger children, making it difficult to keep elderly parents at home.

It is hard to have to put a parent of loved one in a nursing home. They are away from everyone and everything familiar to them, and it can be a very frightening experience.

Elder abuse in nursing homes, is a very real and  ver frightening to deal with. There are some very practical things you can do to make sure your family is safe, while in a nursing home.  

Be present: The best way to make sure that your love ones are safe while in a nursing home, is to visit often. It is a fact that clients who have regular visittation from family and friends are less likely to be abused.

Be vigilant: Elder abuse can be physical or emotional. As how they are being treated, or examine them physically. Learn to recognize symptoms of elder abuse. This could verify neglect or abuse.

Establish relationships with staff: Getting to know staff will lessen the possibility of elder abuse. Take time to get to know the people who are caring for your sick or elderly loved one.

Reporting abuse: Do not neglect to report and suspected elder abuse immediately. There are organizations and governmental agencies that will follow up on these claims. Consider hiring an elder abuse layer for advise. 

Participate actively: When visiting the nursing home, notice if there is something that needs to be done.  Wash their face, comb their hair if needed, read a story or show  family pictures to encourage and remind them of great times they had in the past.

Have a visiation schedule:  Get together with family members and set of a schedule of visitation, so that the burden is not place all on one person.  The will also be a great show of support to nursing home staff.  

Help Aging Parents to Stay Healthy