Senior Care at Home: Deciding If It’s Right for Your Family

A caregiver from A Place At Home and a senior in a wheelchair are looking out into a garden together.

Watching a loved one age can be a challenging experience, especially when you’re faced with deciding how best to care for them. Compare your options for elderly care. Find out the pros and cons of senior care at home to decide if it’s the right choice for your family and elderly loved one.

How to Know If It’s Time

Noticing signs that a senior needs assistance is crucial. Sometimes the symptoms are obvious, such as a health issue like a stroke or fall. Other situations might be more subtle such as noticing they’re struggling with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or personal care. Both are indicators that it might be time to consider help. The Mayo Clinic discusses these five warning signs:

  1. Self-care management: If you’re seeing a decline in personal hygiene, an unkept house, or bills going unpaid, it could be a sign of declining health.
  2. Memory loss: Are they forgetting to take medications, misplacing commonly used items like the TV remote, or repeatedly asking the same question? The Mayo Clinic defines all of these as signs of some type of memory loss.
  3. Home safety: Unexplained bruises or injuries is a suggestion that they might be having falls. Is the home safe for your loved one to navigate independently, such as climbing stairs or walking over loose rugs? Are daily items easily reachable, such as dishware? Senior care at home might be necessary if they can’t navigate their home safely alone.
  4. Unexplained weight loss: The Mayo Clinic says unexpected or unexplained weight loss is a sign of mental and/or physical health complications. Struggling to cook on their own, losing their sense of taste or smell, being overwhelmed by grocery shopping, or other health conditions are signs that intervention is needed.
  5. Mood changes: Has your loved one withdrawn from social activities or become increasingly isolated? This could indicate depression, and your senior could benefit from companionship care.

Types of Senior Care

When considering the best care option for your loved one, it’s essential to understand the distinctions of each choice. Let’s explore the social opportunities, medical facilities, and psychological impacts of senior care at home, adult day care, and retirement homes.

 Social OpportunitiesMedical FacilitiesPsychological Impact
In-Home Senior CareAt-home care primarily offers one-on-one interaction between the senior and the caregiver in the comfort of familiar surroundings. Families can easily visit, and seniors can maintain their neighborhood connections. However, it might require additional effort to ensure diverse social interactions.At-home care can accommodate basic medical needs, with caregivers assisting with medications and some therapies. For more specialized medical attention, additional arrangements might be necessary.Staying at home can offer emotional stability due to the familiarity of the environment. However, there’s a risk of feeling isolated if proactive steps aren’t taken to ensure regular social interactions.
Adult Day CareAdult day cares offer group settings where seniors can interact with peers. They often have scheduled activities, games, and group sessions that encourage socialization.Many adult day cares provide basic medical monitoring and have healthcare professionals on-site. They can handle routine medical needs but might not be equipped for specialized care.Attending an adult day care can provide a change of scenery and routine, which can be stimulating. However, the transition between home and the facility might be challenging and tiring for some seniors.
Retirement FacilitiesRetirement homes offer a community setting. Seniors have neighbors of their age, and there are often organized events, clubs, and activities to foster community bonding.These homes can handle a broader range of medical needs, from routine care to specialized attention. Some even have on-site medical facilities.Moving to a retirement home is a significant transition. While it offers a sense of community, it also means leaving behind a familiar environment. It can come with a very challenging adjustment period.

Costs of Senior Care

Senior care costs vary based on the type and duration of services needed. Genworth, a life and long-term care insurance company, created a cost-of-care survey in 2021. Here’s a breakdown of the national median costs for monthly senior care:

  • In-home senior care: (40 hours/week): $4,506
  • Home health aide: (40 hours/week): $4,680
  • Adult day care: $1,690
  • Assisted living facility: $4,500
  • Private nursing home room: $9,034

Senior care at home might seem expensive initially, but it can be more affordable compared to the costs of retirement homes or long-term care facilities. While adult day care is the cheapest option, it doesn’t prevent falls or other medical risks from occurring in your loved one’s home. You’ll have to figure out how to get them to the care facility daily.

If you’re concerned about paying for home care costs, here are some methods to manage these costs:

  • Long-term care insurance: If your loved one has this insurance, it might cover some costs of in-home care.
  • Veteran benefits: Veterans might be eligible for home care benefits.
  • Medicaid: Depending on your state, Medicaid might cover some home care services.
  • Personal savings: Setting aside funds for senior care can ease the financial burden when the time comes.

Pros and Cons of Senior Care At Home

In-home senior care offers a more personalized approach compared to other care options. You will be provided with one-on-one attention tailored to your loved one’s needs, ensuring they receive the best possible care in a familiar environment. Plus, your loved one can remain in their own home, surrounded by cherished memories and personal belongings, creating a level of comfort and familiarity. Some in-home care companies, like A Place At Home, offer customizable care plans. So, care schedules can be adjusted based on your family’s needs, whether a few hours a day or round-the-clock care. This allows you and your family to be more involved in day-to-day care and decisions for your loved one.

In contrast, adult day cares provide care during specific hours, often in a group setting. On the other hand, retirement homes offer a more permanent solution with 24/7 care but may require a significant lifestyle change.

Some cons to consider with home care include the cost, space limitations, or potential isolation. Depending on the level of care needed, at-home care can be expensive. Some homes may not be equipped to handle advanced medical equipment or mobility aids. Lastly, without regular social activities, seniors might feel isolated.

Find Help with A Place At Home

Those cons are nothing you should worry about when creating a care plan with A Place At Home. We offer compassionate and personalized at-home senior care services tailored to your loved one’s needs. Find a location near you and take the first step towards ensuring your loved one’s comfort and well-being.

Aging in Solitude: The Risks of Loneliness in Seniors

Risks of Loneliness in Seniors senior woman looking out window alone

Loneliness in seniors is a pervasive problem that can lead to negative effects on their mental health and overall well-being. According to research, nearly one-third of seniors experience loneliness and isolation, leading to a host of emotional and physical issues. In this blog, we’ll discuss the effects of loneliness and provide insights on how in-home senior care with A Place At Home can help reduce mental health problems.

Loneliness is a feeling of isolation or disconnection from others. As we age, we may experience the loss of loved ones and physical limitations that can make it difficult to maintain social connections. Seniors may also experience loneliness when they retire or move to a new location where they are unfamiliar with anyone. While loneliness is natural and can be experienced by anyone at any age, research indicates that seniors who experience loneliness are at risk of developing mental health problems.

Mental health issues associated with loneliness in seniors include depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Depression is a common problem among seniors who experience loneliness as they may feel lethargic, sad, and have a loss of interest in activities that they once enjoyed. Anxiety is another problem that can develop from loneliness, leading to worries about their health, social interactions, and finances. Cognitive decline is also associated with loneliness as seniors who feel disconnected from others may not engage in activities that stimulate their mind, leading to cognitive decline over time.

In-Home Senior Care

In-home senior care with A Place At Home is a great way to combat loneliness in seniors. By having access to caregivers and companions, seniors can feel more connected to others and have meaningful social interactions. Companion care can help seniors build relationships with caregivers who can provide emotional support and engage in activities with them, leading to a better quality of life. Moreover, A Place At Home provides an opportunity to connect seniors with others who are going through similar experiences, leading to a sense of community that can combat feelings of isolation.

Loneliness in seniors can have negative effects on their mental health and well-being. However, in-home senior care is an effective way to address loneliness in seniors by providing companionship, emotional support, socialization opportunities, and overall assistance in their daily lives. At A Place At Home, we understand the importance of mental health and strive to provide seniors with the support they need to live fulfilling lives.

To learn about current options for in-home care for yourself or a loved one, give us a call at your nearest location or browse our website to discover more about our senior care services. We provide compassionate at-home care services that make it easier and safer for seniors to maintain their independence and continue to live at home.

Signs of Dementia to Look for During the Holiday

Signs of Dementia to Look for During the Holiday

The holiday season is the most momentous time of the year as families, both near and far, gather to celebrate and rejoice in the festivities. As we roll from Thanksgiving into the holiday season, more and more time is spent with family. However, while this time may be full of joy and merriment, it can also show apparent changes with your loved ones — changes that may be early signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

As we continue to gather with family, it is important to familiarize ourselves with the early signs and symptoms of dementia. Dementia is defined as a loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life — Alzheimer’s being the most common form of dementia. 

Signs of Dementia to Look for During the Holiday 

Memory loss

While forgetting someone’s name from time to time is normal, forgetting important events or recently learned information is a sign of memory loss. Asking the same questions or repeating a story multiple times are signs as well. The primary indicator is if your loved one is unable to recall the information later on. 

Struggle with Familiar Tasks 

Getting lost in familiar areas, forgetting to turn off the stove, neglecting to brush one’s teeth, or inability to recall the ingredients to the famous family recipe show struggle with tasks that were once handled gracefully and with ease. 

Uncharacteristic Distancing

Engaging in conversation, hobbies, and social activities becomes a struggle for those living with dementia, as remembering names or the rules of a game or simply holding a conversation becomes difficult. As a result, a person living with dementia tends to withdraw from social interaction.  

Misplacing Items

Alongside memory loss, losing or misplacing items may become more frequent. For example, a loved one may pick up an item and place it in an unusual or wrong place without being able to retrace their steps. 

Difficulty with Words

The inability to think of the correct word or continue their sentence is often a telltale sign of dementia. You may find your loved one struggling with vocabulary or referring to something with the wrong name. For example, referring to wine as “pressed grapes” or a watch as a “wrist clock.” 

Poor Judgement

As dementia affects logical decision-making, your loved one may experience a decline in judgment, which is a concern for safety. Crossing a busy road without checking to see if it’s safe, falling victim to a phone scam, neglecting to pay bills, or careless spending are significant signs of a decline in judgment. 

Shifts in Personality  

Individuals living with dementia may experience a shift in mood and personality. Your loved one can become confused, anxious, suspicious, and irritable as regulating and controlling emotions become more difficult.

Early detection of dementia is crucial to getting the proper care and treatment for your loved one. A Place At Home has supported families and individuals living with dementia for over a decade. Our professional and compassionate caregivers are empathetic and educated in the mental and physical care needs of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your situation or are seeking senior care, please reach out to us. We are here to help. 

Related Articles: 
The Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s Association Facts & Figures
The Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease – Dr. Reisberg
8 Ways to Help a Loved One With Alzheimer’s
4 Tips for Reducing Alzheimer’s Stigma
9 Signs Your Loved One Needs Memory Care
Understanding the Potential Link Between Stress and Alzheimer’s Disease
10 Tips for Navigating the Holidays and Alzheimer’s 

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Honoring the Anniversary of the Attack, the Lives Lost, and Dorie Miller

President Roosevelt proclaimed December 7th to honor the anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the lives lost that day. 

The attack on Pearl Harbor ushered in the United States’ active involvement in World War II. The attack itself lasted just a bit over an hour but killed a total of 2,403 US citizens, 68 of whom were civilians. This day is relevant, not only because of its historical significance. 

Dorie Miller was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross – the highest award given in the Navy.

During the attack, Dorie attended to his wounded captain, moving him to safer cover, and broke racially motivated protocol at the time to man a machine gun, taking down two Japanese aircraft. After the attack, Dorie was one of the last men to leave his ship as it went down. He spent this time pulling injured sailors out of the water and to safety. In 2019, the Navy began building a supercarrier, christened the “USS Dorie Miller.”

Dorie’s actions exemplify what it truly means to honor your country, despite the odds against you. 

A Place At Home honors all veterans, whether they served during wartime or not. All across the country, our caregivers are helping veterans stay in their homes safely and independently. It’s the least we can do to thank them for their time and service. 

Veterans spend their careers serving so we can stay safely in our homes; we are honored to do the same for them when the time comes.

For veterans specifically, there are financial resources available to help pay for in-home care, should the need arise. These benefits can cover homemaker services as well as personal care. Veterans need only speak with their team at the VA. Their physician can write an order for up to nine hours a week of care, with no out-of-pocket expense for the vet. As well, a benefit called Aid and Attendance exists for not only veterans but their surviving spouses. This particular benefit has eligibility guidelines but will pay for care either in the home or in a senior living community, up to $27,195 per year.

We are proud to ensure these American heroes have the care and security they need when they need it most. If you are a veteran or know someone who is, reach out to us today. We will help you navigate the options and benefits available.

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Honoring the Anniversary of the Attack, the Lives Lost, and Dorie Miller

President Roosevelt proclaimed December 7th to honor the anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the lives lost that day. 

The attack on Pearl Harbor ushered in the United States’ active involvement in World War II. The attack itself lasted just a bit over an hour but killed a total of 2,403 US citizens, 68 of whom were civilians. This day is relevant, not only because of its historical significance. 

Dorie Miller was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross – the highest award given in the Navy.

During the attack, Dorie attended to his wounded captain, moving him to safer cover, and broke racially motivated protocol at the time to man a machine gun, taking down two Japanese aircraft. After the attack, Dorie was one of the last men to leave his ship as it went down. He spent this time pulling injured sailors out of the water and to safety. In 2019, the Navy began building a supercarrier, christened the “USS Dorie Miller.”

Dorie’s actions exemplify what it truly means to honor your country, despite the odds against you. 

A Place At Home honors all veterans, whether they served during wartime or not. All across the country, our caregivers are helping veterans stay in their homes safely and independently. It’s the least we can do to thank them for their time and service. 

Veterans spend their careers serving so we can stay safely in our homes; we are honored to do the same for them when the time comes.

For veterans specifically, there are financial resources available to help pay for in-home care, should the need arise. These benefits can cover homemaker services as well as personal care. Veterans need only speak with their team at the VA. Their physician can write an order for up to nine hours a week of care, with no out-of-pocket expense for the vet. As well, a benefit called Aid and Attendance exists for not only veterans but their surviving spouses. This particular benefit has eligibility guidelines but will pay for care either in the home or in a senior living community, up to $27,195 per year.

We are proud to ensure these American heroes have the care and security they need when they need it most. If you are a veteran or know someone who is, reach out to us today. We will help you navigate the options and benefits available.

Caregiver of the Month: Wanda Walker

Caregiver of the month, Wanda Walker, has been a caregiver with A Place At Home for almost four years.

If you were to meet Wanda in person, it would be obvious why the team chose her as caregiver of the month. You can hear her boisterous laughter through walls, and her smile will light up a room. She’s been a favorite among A Place At Home clients over the years, and it’s no wonder.

“She’s always smiling and laughing. She has a great attitude anytime you see her, and she really cares for her clients. She rarely calls out, and she’s always willing to help.” – Rebecca Matthews, Care Coordinator

Wanda has been caring for others since she was nine years old. At the time, her mother was diagnosed with Lymphoma, which ultimately took her from this world. Wanda promised her mother before she passed that she would always help those that need help. It wasn’t an empty promise. Caring for others is something that Wanda holds dear.

“It’s in my heart – like when I cared for my mom, it makes me feel good.”

Wanda’s clients feel the same way about her – she has a profound impact on the lives of the people she cares for. One of her current clients, Mr. Hartwell, expressed his appreciation for Wanda’s time with him. Mr. Hartwell is legally blind and shares that Wanda does outstanding work for him. She takes care of his meals, makes sure his apartment clean, and orders his groceries.

“I can trust her with everything… I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

Wanda has a special gift of getting her clients to open up and engage with life. Part of that might have to do with her cooking. Every single client Wanda has cared for has shared their appreciation for Wanda’s cooking. To that, she says, “When I see my clients, there’s a smile on their face, I can get them to open up, and they eat!”

While Wanda has been caring for people since she was a child, she’s been a professional caregiver for 25 years. With all that experience under her belt, the best piece of advice she gives to new caregivers is to treat their clients like they would treat one of their family members. That outlook has served her and her clients well over the years. That, and her love of caring for others, which she says she plans on doing forever. “I enjoyed caring for others when I was younger, I enjoy doing it now, and I’ll do it until my dying day.”

If Wanda’s passion for caring for others resonates with you, apply to work with us today. Experience what it feels like to positively impact the lives of seniors in the metro area!

A Place At Home Honors First-Ever National Caregiver of the Year

The 2020 Caregiver of the Year went the extra mile in providing exceptional care.

The 2nd Annual A Place At Home Franchise Convention was held in late September. This event marks a time for franchisees to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the past year. This year also marked the first-ever recognition of the National A Place At Home Caregiver of the Year. Franchisee’s submitted nominations from all over the country for one caregiver that went above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to delivering quality care to clients and their families and lives the “We are CARE” philosophy.

“We received many nominations from all over the country and each one was inspiring. It was difficult to choose just one winner,” said Jerod Evanich, President and Co-Founder of A Place At Home.

However, there was one nomination that painted a detailed picture of how one person went above and beyond the call of duty. The nomination read:

“Dave came on with A Place At Home after decades of working in the insurance business. He wanted to do something more “rewarding” in his 60s. He got his CNA/CMA and began working to make people’s lives better. 

Dave treats all clients like family. He creates a unique bond with each client he works with. He is always on time, never calls out, and makes sure everything is done to his best ability. 

Dave has worked for the past year with a very high acuity client. He instantly bonded with the young client (49) who due to a rare set of circumstances went from a successful businessman to a barely communicative paraplegic overnight. 

He has spent countless hours working as the main caregiver for this client and his family. Not only does he transport the client to his MANY weekly therapy appointments but works one on one with him in his home. Dave is consistently cheering this client on to make his next personal best in his daily bike exercises and always makes notes when a personal best has been reached. 

Dave has worked with therapists at Madonna to learn this client’s individual therapies and continues them at home as well as trains other caregivers working there in how they can help him gain strides. 

When he heard their anniversary was approaching, he took it upon himself to plan a romantic dinner out so the client could surprise his wife. He took the client out to get a card, made reservations at a nice restaurant, planned for a special dessert, and took time out of his off time to transport them over there in the client’s wheelchair van so they could surprise the wife. 

Dave does everything he can to try to relieve some stress off the wife who is also a mother of four and a doctor. Life for her is crazy and Dave makes sure there is always one less thing for her to worry about in his care for the client. Dave’s level of commitment to not only the client but also to our company goes above and beyond anyone I have ever seen.”

Dave walked into A Place At Home – Papillion shortly after they opened their doors in 2019. Dave interviewed for a CNA position and said he was looking for something that would fill his heart. He had retired from insurance and was now searching to do something more meaningful with his time.

“I remember thinking where the heck did this guy fall out of the sky from?” said Rick Perkins, Owner of A Place At Home – Papillion.

Dave was placed with Don in August of 2019 and the two found an instant connection. They not only share common interests but are also from the same town and attended the same college. It was an unfortunate set of circumstances that brought these two together. But citing six degrees of separation,  Dave said, “There are no coincidences. I’m blessed to be a part of Don’s life.”

As blessed as Dave feels, Don and the A Place At Home team consider themselves equally fortunate to have Dave fulfilling his personal mission: to touch as many lives as possible as a caregiver.

Dave is firm in his belief that you must have a servant’s heart to work in this industry; you must have empathy, and be able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. It’s this mindset that awarded Dave Caregiver of the Year. While he was happy to be awarded this honor, it’s his internal compass that drives his actions.

“At the end of the day, I lay my head on my pillow, and I know I made a difference.”

A Math Major, a College Roommate, and a Twist of Fate

Caregiver of the Month Alex Swanson didn’t start her college career thinking she would be working in senior care.

Majoring in Math with a minor in Business and French at UNO, Alex stays busy, studying hard and preparing for a future in data science. When she started classes, her roommate, Maddie, worked in senior care as a caregiver for A Place At Home. Maddie had been caring regularly for a long-term client. When the time came for Maddie to transfer to a different school, she had reservations about leaving. That’s when she approached Alex about applying with A Place At Home to take over caring for her client. At the time, Alex had been looking for a part-time job to make some money over the summer. That was two years ago, and Alex is still caring for the same woman every week. She’s a regular caregiver for another client, as well.

“It’s impossible now to think that it was just going to be a summer job.”

While Alex didn’t initially see herself working in senior care, she said that she was intrigued when Maddie first approached her. She shared that she didn’t have grandparents close to her, and she welcomed the opportunity to learn from an older generation. Her experience so far? Incredibly rewarding. “You care about their well-being so much that it feels like they’re your family.” Though she does admit, it can be emotionally taxing, especially when the person you’re caring about is having a bad day. Even so, the bond that’s been built between her and her clients is something Alex loves. She can anticipate what their needs are before they even have to ask her for something.

“I had no idea – you make a difference for them, but they really make a difference for you.”

Regarding her employment with A Place At Home, Alex is thankful that everyone is so accommodating about her schedule as a full-time student. “I can’t imagine any other job that would get me through college that I would love this much.” Her advice for new caregivers coming into the field? “Expect to get attached to people.”

Be aware of their kindness and the fact that you are a stranger that is being welcomed into their home.

Alex says that it will be hard for her to leave A Place At Home when she graduates. She expects in the future that she will find herself working with seniors again, likely on a volunteer basis. Working in senior care was unexpected, but she says now, “It felt like fate.”

If you or someone you know is looking for a rewarding career, apply with us today. It may be one of the most rewarding things you do!

Pearl Miller – One of a Kind

From War-Torn Liberia to Omaha Nebraska, Pearl Miller is one of a kind.

If you ask Cheryll, who Pearl Miller cares for through A Place At Home, you’ll have no doubt about why she was chosen as Caregiver of the Month for May. Pearl has been caring for Cheryll full time for nine months, and the impact she’s made on Cheryll’s life in that short time is evident.

“I appreciate everything about Pearl. She’s an angel, she looks after you, every little detail. She has a sense of humor. She pushes you when you need to be pushed.”

While Cheryll is the most recent person Pearl has cared for, she is far from the first. Pearl’s experience as a caregiver started when she was a young girl in Liberia. She and her siblings took care of their grandparents, and great aunts and uncles. Helping those that couldn’t do for themselves. “At the time, I didn’t know anything about ‘caregiver’. I was just helping a family member.”

Pearl’s caring nature comes to her honestly; her mother was the town doctor. Pearl shares that her mother went to medical school but didn’t finish. Instead, she used her skillset and knowledge to serve the people in their community. No one at that time could afford to go to a hospital. And when war came to Liberia, at the age of 13, Pearl followed behind her mother, caring for the sick and wounded. It was then Pearl decided what she wanted to do in life.

“From there, I started learning how to care for people when they are hurt, when they are wounded…and so I started thinking, this would be a good thing to do, to help people.”

Pearl came to the US when she was 17, to escape the war. She started her CNA career in Maryland, and started medical school, but didn’t finish. She got married, and gave birth to her son, who is now in his fourth year of college studying cyber security. In Maryland, she worked in a nursing home for years. When she came to Nebraska, she went back to school for phlebotomy, and travelled with the American Red Cross. The traveling was difficult for her son, who was young at the time, so Pearl started working in homes as a CNA.

Pearl has been working with A Place At Home since the first year they opened their doors. While she’s taken time away over the years, they are grateful that she keeps coming back. Pearl says that she’s encouraged working for A Place At Home, because the employers “are very friendly and kind, they talk with me like we are on the same level.”

“They make me feel like I am a part of it. And that plays a major role.”

Pearl says her favorite thing about being a caregiver is seeing the results of her work. She’s worked in all kinds of settings, including caring for people in a mental health facility. And when she sees progress in those individuals, she feels satisfaction. “When I’m working, and I see results, I’m like, okay, I’m doing something.”

Her advice for those just getting into the field? Patience, and empathy. “If you put yourself in their shoes, and you also have patience, you will work forever, and everything will go well for you. I always put myself in the patient’s shoes. And by doing that, we are loving ourselves and taking care of ourselves more.”

For Cheryll, Pearl is definitely producing results. Not just physically, but in a way that means even more: “I consider her a friend, too. She’s one of a kind.”

If Pearl’s advice on patience and empathy strike a chord with you, apply to be a caregiver with A Place At Home today!

 

 

 

 

Elder Abuse – Do You Know What to Look For?

Elder Abuse Awareness

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

This day was conceptualized in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse to promote awareness and understanding of the prevalence of elder abuse across the globe. In this blog, we explain some signs of abuse, and what you can do if you see or suspect it’s happening.

Each year, an estimated 5 million older adults suffer some kind of abuse.

Some signs of abuse can be obvious and easy to spot. When an aging adult is being physically abused, you might see things like broken bones, bruises or welts, or cuts and scrapes. But there are less obvious signs of abuse in a lot of cases. Financial abuse or exploitation is a perfect example of this. There may be signs such as large sums of money missing from bank accounts. Or the senior may be “gifting” monetary compensation in exchange for companionship. Perhaps the senior no longer has access to their financial records and accounts. This particular type of abuse is one of the most common.

On average, older Americans lose 2.6 billion dollars a year to financial abuse and exploitation.

Along with financial abuse, neglect is another of the most common types of elder abuse. Physical signs of neglect include bed sores or pressure wounds, or a lack of necessary medical equipment. You may also notice a case of neglect if the senior has poor hygiene, or weight loss due to a lack of proper nutrition. Dehydration and unsafe living conditions are also indicators of neglect in aging adults. Neglect isn’t always intentional. If the individual doesn’t have a support network, the neglect may be circumstantial, but it still needs to be addressed.

Another type of abuse that doesn’t present physically is emotional abuse.  If you notice your loved one’s caregiver speaks to them in a demeaning, dismissive, or aggressive way, if they don’t allow you to be alone with your loved one, or over explain concerns about injuries or social withdrawal, don’t brush it off. Be concerned. If you notice something, say something.

You might question what’s going on behind closed doors if your loved one seems hesitant to speak freely to you, if they seem withdrawn, or express new anxiety, depression, or fear.

If you find yourself questioning whether or not an aging adult is safe in their situation, there are things you can do to help. First, if the abuse or danger is immediate, call 911. If you’re not sure, but suspect abuse or neglect, call your local Adult Protection Services agency. You can make your report anonymously, and they will follow up with you once they’ve investigated the situation.

None of us ever want our loved ones to be in a situation where they are vulnerable to abuse. While it’s generally not possible to be with our parents or grandparents 24 hours a day, we do have the option of bringing in a caregiver to help. But you want to be sure that person is someone you can trust. At A Place At Home, all of our caregivers are fully vetted with background checks and drug testing, and are bonded and insured to ensure you can be confident in the safety and well-being of your loved one. To learn more, visit us here.