Caregiver

Aging is something you cannot escape, and it affects all family systems. It can be challenging for adult children to imagine their parents as seniors and to understand and respond to the reality that each parent will age differently. Even if you are in the fortunate circumstance where your aging parents can go it alone for a long time there will come a day when assistance or long term care will be needed. There are things to consider as you help your parents live their best possible aging scenario. Managing their welfare takes time, research, and planning.

When a loved one enters hospice care, the whole point is to provide peace of mind and comfort to the patient and the family. And yet a lack of regulation, oversight, and available information means that isn't always the case.

What is Elder Abuse?

 Elder abuse is a problem that takes many forms. Unfortunately, many seniors are subjected to elder abuse and often times the abuse goes unreported and the abuser goes unpunished. Elder abuse may take the form of physical abuse, include hitting, striking, beating, kicking, and using excessive force. This may also include the overuse of restraints or drugs.

 Emotional or psychological abuse is also a common form of elder abuse.

Every year on June 15th, the United Nations, governments around the world, and legal professionals in communities across the globe gather to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. One of the purposes of this important day is to promote education and help prevent the growing epidemic of abuse occurring against vulnerable older populations.

It is no small problem.

Providing care for an elder family member can be a significant undertaking. On average, family caregivers spend about 24 hours a week providing care to an elder loved one, and nearly 45 hours a week when the family caregiver is the spouse of the care recipient.