Your parents and other older relatives spend their lives protecting you. As your loved one ages, you have the opportunity to help keep them healthy, happy, and safe. In fact, safety becomes increasingly important especially if your loved one is vulnerable because of loneliness, dementia, or if he or she is physically frail.
The following are four strategies to help protect your loved one:
Protect Your Loved One from Scams
Anyone can fall victim to a scam. Even if you are knowledgeable about common scams, scammers aim to make you panic and then offer a solution that offers a false sense of security. Elders can be especially vulnerable to financial scams because they are unaware of the technique scammers use and because they are trusting of others. Many people are lonely too, which can make them more vulnerable to scammers who reach out via telephone, to build a trusting relationship, and scam elders out of money or other resources. You can help to protect your loved ones from scams by educating them about what to look out for, helping with communications and managing money, and staying in touch with them.
Watch Out for Signs of Abuse or Neglect
You trust individuals to take good care of your loved one. However, whether your loved one is in a professional care setting or receiving care at home, there is always a risk for abuse or neglect. If you want to avoid the need for an elder abuse attorney, keep a close eye on the care services your loved one is receiving, as well as any family members or friends who are providing care. Regularly talking to and visiting your loved one will help you spot any signs of abuse early.
Assist with Mobility Issues
Losing mobility is a common problem for some elders. Falling presents a significant risk, especially for those with conditions such as osteoporosis. Helping to prevent accidents by adapting your loved one’s home or helping them move to a more accessible residence can protect them from injury. You might help by installing bars to hold onto in the bathroom or installing a walk-in bath, or perhaps you might ensure that your loved one has the right mobility aids to use both inside and outdoors to help them get around safely.
Secure your Loved One’s Home
Security at home is another important factor in staying safe. If you want to protect your loved one, you might check to ensure their windows and doors are secure. Installing an alarm system or servicing an existing one is a good idea. You could also install some new technology, such as security cameras or a camera doorbell. This could allow you to keep an eye on your loved one.
Protecting your elder loved one from the things that could harm them will help to put your mind at rest.
