Many of us are faced with the decision at some point in our life to put a loved one in a long term care facility or the hire a private caregiver to take care of them in the privacy of their own or even our own home. The decision is never easy and never one that we want to make. Most of us would like to be able to provide all the care our loved one needs without help from other caregivers. The reality, however, is that many times we just can not do it alone. As the population of seniors in America grows exponentially, so do the care options available for them. Sadly, the incidents of elder abuse have also grown in number over the last few decades. Estimates are that well over a million elders are physically, mentally, emotionally or financially abused every year in the United States. So what can you do as a family member or loved on to try and prevent your loved one from becoming the victim of elder abuse, or if the worst happens and you suspect they have been abused what can you do?
When hiring an in-home private caregiver try the following tips:
1. Always get references and contact them before an interview.
2. Do a thorough interview of the applicant with prepared questions.
3. Check academic records.
4. Do a criminal background check.
5. Introduce the applicant to your loved and watch the interaction.
6. After you have hired the caregiver, stop in at unexpected times to see how your loved one is being cared for.
When considering a long-term care facility, consider the following tips:
1. Check with local and state regulating agencies for complaints that have been filed against the agency.
2. Ask about the credentials of the staff and the patient to staff ratio.
3. Make an unscheduled visit and ask to tour the facility.
4. Talk to some of the patients and get a feel for how they are treated.
5. Talk to some of the staff and physicians to get an idea of what their philosophy of care is.
6. After you have placed your loved one in the facility, continue to make unscheduled visits.
After you have made a decision to hire a caregiver or place your loved one in a long-term care facility, watch your loved one closely for signs of abuse. These can be physical signs such as bruising, restraint marks or unexplained injuries or they can be more subtle psychological signs such as withdrawal or a change in behavior or personality.
If you suspect that your loved one has suffered any type of elder abuse, whether it be by a private caregiver or a long-term care facility, contact a lawyer immediately. Abuse, neglect or mistreatment of an elder may be the grounds for an elder abuse personal injury lawsuit. Contact an experienced California elder abuse attorney to find out what you can do to hold the caregiver or facility responsible for any abuse your loved one has suffered. An elder abuse attorney is available to answer any of your questions and would be happy to give you a detailed evaluation of your case.
