How to Determine if it's Time to Change your Caregivers
Busy families often trust their loved ones to caregivers and elder care service providers to take good care of them. This case is inevitable due to the demand of earning for a living. But how sure are we that they do the best safekeeping?
There are many complaints about elder abuse which are often noticed late. It is one of the most common issues concerning home care agencies. But understanding and knowing the signs of fraud and abuse is the best intervention. Here are the most common signs when you need to look for a new caregiver.
Signs when you need to change your caregiver
1. Emotional habit changes
Don’t be mistaken with the emotional signs of your loved one such as sudden change of mood, sleep patterns, and other nonverbal cues. Emotional abuse can do great damage compared to physical abuse. Abused patients may manifest withdrawal, agitation, unusual quietness, or fearfulness of others.
When these signs are noticed, ask your senior if the caregiver yell, use hurtful language or manipulate him. Stress caused by abuse could cause sleepless nights and weight loss. One study showed that 9.5% of seniors experience emotional abuse or neglect. It is important to have a keen eye for these changes because when overlooked, it might even lead to depression.
2. Answers are lacking
Caregivers should be expected to be honest when answering questions. But when you ask,and you get an “I don’t know” answer consistently, it might mean something's not right. Observe his gestures and if he tries not to answer the questions, or being defensive or dismissive, he might be guilty of abuse. See to it that every time you ask, you’ll get a definitive and exact answer. If your caregiver does not conform to it, he is not fit to give senior home care services.
3. Physical marks
The most common and visible sign of abuse is the physical marks. A recent study revealed that 15% of seniors are victims of abuse while 58.5% are neglected. When your senior have unexplained bruises, scrapes, cuts, pressure sores and change in appearance, investigate your caregiver. Pay attention to every single detail on how he acquired such marks and take the proper measures of checking the senior care provider.
4. Mismanagement
Be mindful when looking for help at home senior care agency. If there are feedbacks like poor communication, billing errors, high staff turnover, and other related problems look for other agency. A well-managed agency like Living Assistance Services guarantees safety and effective senior care services. Search for their website and scan through all the reviews and assess whether they are reliable or not. Hiring a senior home care means entrusting the well-being of your loved one to them. The wrong choice might lead to a worse and serious problem later on.
5. Listen when they complain
Always take time to listen to what your aged loved ones say. If they express concerns about their care, do something. When they want a new caregiver, consider and hear them. After all, what you really want is to keep them safe and healthy. Retaining the current service provider might stress them and might suffer emotionally.
Don’t take elder abuse lightly. They might be skeptical or afraid to tell the abuse done to them so pay attention to the signs mentioned above. Show that you truly love and care for them. Choose only the best and trusted senior care provider. Protect them and stop the abuse!
