There comes a time in our lives as we get older, so do those loved ones in our lives who have always been there to support us. They become older and more in need of care than ever before as their health begins to decline and they are less able to look after themselves.
The natural step when your own life gets in the way of providing round the clock care for your loved ones is to enlist the help of carers or place them in a care home so that your elderly loved one can enjoy their later years while still being able to have access to the medical attention that they need.
However, this solution is sadly not always the best one as some elders fall victim to forms of abuse that can leave them all the more vulnerable.
When this happens, make sure to follow the necessary steps to get the support you and your relatives need.
Pexels-CC0 licensenecessaryith Other Service Users Families
When you’re concerned about how a relative is being treated, the first thing you should do is to speak with other residents’ families. There is a high chance that they may also be feeling concerned about how their loved one is being treated. If they don’t right away, they can always act as an additional pair of eyes to keep an eye on the situation so it doesn’t get any worse. If they are, then you can act as allies and begin to formulate plans of how you will deal with the issue together.
- Visit Regularly
Make sure to try and visit your elderly relative at least once per week, but multiple times a week to be on the safe side. If caregivers see you visiting regularly, then they are far more likely to give your relative better care. Visiting regularly helps the care community staff to get to know you better, as well as making sure they know that you care about your older adult and their wellbeing. This also allows you to note any concerns that make themselves evident.
- Document Everything
Use your notes and any of the notes from other families that are also concerned. Take thorough notes of what you witnessed including the dates and times that the incidents occurred as well as which staff were on duty at the time.
- Report the Concerns you Have
Write to the board of caregivers in your local area. With the right information, they can choose to file an investigation to ensure that all residents are given the appropriate and safe level of care needed for them. All of the information you previously gathered can be provided to the police or if you choose to get legal support from RIL to represent victims of elder abuse. It’s always best to have qualified and experienced people to support you during times of stress where the care of an elderly relative is a cause for concern.
Don’t let your older relatives and loved ones suffer for more than neccessary. Get the help you need as soon as possible.
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