Elder abuse has always been an issue but has increased over the last decades.  We can only guess at the number of elders who are being abused every year. The cases that are being reported are making a difference, it means that more people are aware of the issue.  But for every case that is reported there are many that go unreported.  Caregivers need to be diligent in their role as a caregiver. Take initiative, speak up.. so that you can take care of your client and yourself….

Ways to protect yourself from being charged with :

• Follow your client’s care plans making sure all their request and needs are met
• Report any signs of abuse or neglect immediately, if you don’t, you might be charged for neglect
• Listen to your clients carefully especially when your client is of a different culture. A slight misinterpretation might cause problems for your client’s needs. 
• Take care of yourself  and if the work becomes too much, seek help right away. You are no good to your client if you aren’t fully rested.
• Stay calm & relax. Your client is relying on you to take care of them. Take a deep breathe and count to ten. Repeat the exercise if you have to.
• Communicate with your Supervisor if you don’t feel comfortable with the task.  If you feel that you need more training tell your supervisor so that proper training can be given.
• If a client refuses to do anything i.e.  eating, bathing drinking report it to your supervisor right away.  If you don’t you might get charged for neglect abuse.
• Be professional don’t take personal issues to work
• Treat your clients with respect and kindness.  Patience goes a long way when working with a difficult client.   

Don’t forget what is important…taking care of someone is a very important job.  Your client needs you!!

Neglect is another type of abuse that seniors face and it is one that is a serious problem in our communities.  People are most at risk when they get older and become sick and aren’t able to take care of themselves. The job of care giving usually falls on their loved ones or a hired caregiver. While most families will do whatever it takes to make sure their loved ones are taken care of, not all agree.  Most are left with feelings of resentment, burden and in some cases don’t feel that they have to take care of their parents at all. The hired caregivers are often overworked, stressed out or poorly trained. It is important to learn about neglect so that we know the signs of abuse to protect our loved ones or patients.

What is neglect?

Neglect is when someone refuses or fails to take care of someone for whom they are responsible.

Examples of neglect:

• Refuses to take an elderly person to the bathroom.
• Leaves an elderly person in the same clothes for a month.
• Leaves an elderly person in a dirty and unsafe environment that smells of urine or feces.

 Signs of neglect:

• Stays in an environment that has health or safety hazards such as no heat or no running water.
• Have rashes, sores or lice.
• Don’t have enough clothes to stay comfortable or warm.
• Seem poorly fed or dehydrated.
• Have a medical condition that is going untreated.
• Don’t have the medications they need.
• Have a dirty appearance.
• Have ripped clothing.
• Are lying in soiled bed linens when you arrive.
• Complain of not getting enough sleep.
• Never seem to have to urinate. They may be dehydrated.
• Beg for food constantly.
• Have muscles that are contracted.
• Have bed sores, especially if the sores don’t seem to be getting treated.  

Ways to prevent neglect:

• Keep a close eye on your loved one or client. Report any suspicions of neglect to the proper authority.
• Encourage your loved one or client to be as independent as possible but never refuse help if they ask you for assistance.
• Follow your loved one or client’s care plans carefully.
• Listen to your loved one or client’s needs. They depend on you for their most basic needs.

Follow these suggestions and you will help your loved one or client live a happier and more comfortable life.

 Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Director Charles D. Johnson today launched the fifth annual statewide “Break the Silence” campaign and announced that July is Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Illinois, with a proclamation from the Governor. It is estimated as many as 80,000 older adults in Illinois are elder abuse victims each year. Elder abuse is defined as neglect, physical injury, mental, sexual, or financial exploitation to an adult 60 years of age or older.

 If you are a victim, know or suspect someone who is being victimized, pick up the phone to get them some help. No one should have to go it alone.

Signs of elder abuse:

• Untreated injuries, sprains or dislocations, scratches and cuts
• Sudden changes in behavior and/or withdrawal in social settings
• A caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors
• Dehydration, malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, untreated health problems, hazardous or unsafe living conditions
• Sudden changes in bank account or banking practices, the inclusion of additional names on a victim’s bank signature card, unauthorized withdrawal of the victim’s funds using the victim’s ATM or credit card and abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents.

 If you are a victim, know or suspect someone who is being victimized, pick up the phone to get them some help. No one should have to go it alone.

 Information provided by Illinois Dept. on Aging