It is estimated there are around 3-1/2 million victims of abuse.
They are sacred, shamed, told to "shut up", and ignored.
And they quite often suffer in silence.
Here's 7 things you can do to prevent this tragedy from affecting your loved ones.
1.
Get all the basic legal documents ready.
Living Will - so everyone knows what their end of life wishes are.
From their desires about being resuscitated if they have a heart attack, to making final decisions for them if they can't.
General Power of Attorney - so the person they choose can make financial decisions for them if they're not able.
Health Care Power of Attorney - so the person they choose can make medical and health care decisions for them if they're not able.
HIPAA Authorization -this authorizes the person they choose to be able to speak to medical professionals who are treating them.
2.
Be sure mom is watching her health.
Mom becomes more vulnerable due to health issues when she is more dependent on others.
The more capable she is, the less she relies on help.
3.
Keep dad connected with friends and family and active.
Bring him to family, community, and church activities.
Help him get to his local senior center.
Isolation and disconnection is fertile ground for abuse to start.
4.
Be alert and stay in touch.
Listen to mom, dad, and caregivers, and take what they say seriously.
Be sure to call and visit often.
If you are there for her, mom will be less likely to reach out to a stranger for help.
If it's a challenge for you to visit, ask a local church or senior center for any volunteer visitors.
Ask a neighbor to be alert and let you know if they see something they don't like.
The key is keeping an eye on the situation.
5.
Check their prescriptions to be sure the quantity they have matches the quantity prescribed.
You don't want mom being over administered or having her medications stolen by someone.
6.
Check all Bank and Credit Card Statements often.
Look for changes in spending habits.
Watch out for any forged signatures and changes in wills, trusts, and beneficiaries.
Ask dad about any suspicious purchases.
7.
Intervene - early and often.
There are plenty of help options available in your area and they are not hard to find.
If you suspect abuse, speak up! Loudly! Remember - mom and dad are afraid and ashamed.
You may be the only one who can speak up for them.
They are sacred, shamed, told to "shut up", and ignored.
And they quite often suffer in silence.
Here's 7 things you can do to prevent this tragedy from affecting your loved ones.
1.
Get all the basic legal documents ready.
Living Will - so everyone knows what their end of life wishes are.
From their desires about being resuscitated if they have a heart attack, to making final decisions for them if they can't.
General Power of Attorney - so the person they choose can make financial decisions for them if they're not able.
Health Care Power of Attorney - so the person they choose can make medical and health care decisions for them if they're not able.
HIPAA Authorization -this authorizes the person they choose to be able to speak to medical professionals who are treating them.
2.
Be sure mom is watching her health.
Mom becomes more vulnerable due to health issues when she is more dependent on others.
The more capable she is, the less she relies on help.
3.
Keep dad connected with friends and family and active.
Bring him to family, community, and church activities.
Help him get to his local senior center.
Isolation and disconnection is fertile ground for abuse to start.
4.
Be alert and stay in touch.
Listen to mom, dad, and caregivers, and take what they say seriously.
Be sure to call and visit often.
If you are there for her, mom will be less likely to reach out to a stranger for help.
If it's a challenge for you to visit, ask a local church or senior center for any volunteer visitors.
Ask a neighbor to be alert and let you know if they see something they don't like.
The key is keeping an eye on the situation.
5.
Check their prescriptions to be sure the quantity they have matches the quantity prescribed.
You don't want mom being over administered or having her medications stolen by someone.
6.
Check all Bank and Credit Card Statements often.
Look for changes in spending habits.
Watch out for any forged signatures and changes in wills, trusts, and beneficiaries.
Ask dad about any suspicious purchases.
7.
Intervene - early and often.
There are plenty of help options available in your area and they are not hard to find.
If you suspect abuse, speak up! Loudly! Remember - mom and dad are afraid and ashamed.
You may be the only one who can speak up for them.
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