10-25-2020 Aging Resource Guide - Flipbook - Page 33
• Are there signs of poor self-care (selfneglect)? Is a caregiver intentionally
withholding care (neglect) or engaging
in other forms of abuse (physical,
psychological, or sexual)? Sadly, statistics
show that most perpetrators of elder
abuse are related to their victims.
Signs of self-neglect
For older adults who live alone, self-neglect may
become an issue. Signs of self-neglect include
when an older adult:
• is no longer able to handle meal
preparation, bathing, bill paying, etc.
• shows signs of depression or confusion
• appears undernourished, dehydrated, or
not getting appropriate medical care
• shows signs that they may be abusing
alcohol or drugs
• experiences frequent falls
Abuse or neglect by others
If an older adult lives with others, or has
someone coming in to provide assistance, keep
an eye out for these signs of abuse or neglect:
• Presence of “new best friend” who is
willing to care for the older adult for little
or no cost
• Recent changes in banking or spending
patterns
• The older adult is isolated from friends
and family
• Caregiver has problems with drugs,
alcohol, anger and/or emotional instability
• Caregiver is financially dependent on the
older adult
• Family pet seems neglected or abused
• Senior seems afraid of the caregiver
• Senior has unexplained bruises, cuts, etc.
• Senior has “bed sores” (pressure sores
from lying in one place for too long)
• Senior appears dirty, undernourished,
dehydrated, over- or under-medicated, or
is not receiving needed care for problems
with eyesight, hearing, dental issues,
incontinence
What should you do?
• If you suspect an older adult you know is
at risk and he/she lives in the community,
call the local Adult Protective Services
office at 410-386-3434. If the person lives
in a licensed facility, call the local LongTerm Care Ombudsman at 410-386-3800.
• Introduce yourself to responsible
neighbors and friends. Give them your
address and phone numbers in case of an
emergency.
• Directly ask the older adult if they are
afraid of anyone, if anyone is taking
things without their permission; if
anyone is asking them to do things they
are not comfortable with, or if anyone
is humiliating them. These screening
questions may reveal hidden anxieties
caused by abuse or neglect.
Plan for the future
Make time to talk privately with the older adult
to discuss future planning. Some older adults
may not be aware of a gradual decline or may
be reluctant or unable to plan for needed
care. Support and guidance from a loved one
can help prevent serious accidents and future
health complications. Allow time for the older
adult to express anxieties and needs. Together,
you can decide what needs to be done and who
can help.
Gail Gannon, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Experience and Expertise
with Helping Seniors.
Chris Ciccarelli
Licensed in MD and PA
609-558-6437
Email: ChrisC@homesale.com
www.CallChris.com
Carol Fertitta
Licensed in MD and PA
443-600-6001
Email: cfertitta@homesale.com
www.carolfertitta.com
Jeanne Vargo
Licensed in MD and PA
443-487-7945
Email: jvargo@Homesale.com
https://jeanne.vargo.homesale.com
1030 Baltimore Blvd, Suite 150
Westminster, MD 21157
410-876-3500 | Homesale.com
A member of the franchise
system of BHH Affiliates, LLC
2020 – 2021 Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities Resource Guide
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