Research. That is the key word when embarking upon choosing a perfect <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href= >nursing home</a> or one of the many <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href= >assisted living facilities</a>. With the unfortunate reality that we live in an imperfect world we must understand that all nursing homes will not keep our loved ones safe. In 2001, over 470,000 cases of elder abuse were reported in the United States, according to the Committee on Aging. Other research estimates that only about 16% of cases are ever even reported. This is an alarming number of abusive situations.

The biggest problem stems from the fact that many of those that are being abused are relatively isolated. They aren’t exposed to the rest of the world or to the people around them as frequently so it may be difficult to see that something is wrong.  Other victims may not be capable of complaining or they are simply embarrassed or afraid. Far too often in society we find victims hiding the fact that they have been victimized and they may even go so far as to place the blame on themselves.

An alarming rate of abuse is taking place in homes. As a result, the abuse usually isn’t reported because the elder involved does not want to be placed in a nursing home. Generally as stress levels raise so does the chance of abuse. When family members are jugging the difficult task of giving care and also the general duties of daily life it can become difficult to cope.  Other times the abuse is not done to be malicious or even on purpose, it is simply that the caregiver doesn’t have the necessary skills to take care of the person in need of the care.

There are many ways in which you can make sure you are not placing your loved one in an abuse situation. Ask a lot of questions and look at the surroundings. Evaluate and interview the people that will be involved in providing the care, whether it is in your home or in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Senior citizens should keep in touch with each other, check in often and never choose to live with family members or other people that have a history of violent behavior. Finally, if the elderly care is become stressful and burdensome within a household, it is essential that you take breaks and understand that you may not be equipped to handle the situation in the same way a professional might. Ask for help and don’t be afraid to compare the costs associated with home-health assistance.

We should take care of our family. If this means caring for them at home then be prepared for the time, energy and stress involved. If this involves getting them settled into an assisted living facility or nursing home then make sure you know the facts. Not only do we need to keep our loved ones safe, we need to hold facilities accountable. Check in often, make your presence known and make sure that you are always on the look out for things that might be out of the ordinary. Build relationships with those on staff and continue to keep communication lines open between you and the person receiving the care. Don’t go into it unprepared and make sure your loved one has the best, most loving, reliable care possible.