Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s every year, many Pennsylvania families take the time they do not regularly have to visit elderly loved ones living in nursing homes and care centers. Such visits are the highlight of residents’ holiday season and after everyone says their goodbyes, seniors gather round to share all of the news and achievements of their kids and grandkids with their friends.
Nevertheless, for some families, their holiday visits end up being a shocking realization that something more menacing may be going on with their loved ones. However, no one wants to take the chance of falsely accusing a worker and risk harming his or her reputation. So, what do you do if you think that your elderly family member has been neglected or abused? A recent article offered some things to watch out for.
It is estimated by the National Center on Elder Abuse that up to 2 million senior citizens 65 or older have been the victim of abuse or neglect. Knowing this, it is very important that whenever you visit your loved one, to keep your eye open for any suspicious behaviors or physical problems. For example:
If you noticed any of these things while you were visiting recently, it is time to step in and get Adult Protective Services or an elder abuse attorney involved to protect your loved one and hold those who are supposed to be taking care of him or her accountable for their actions.