Still, for every denounced case, five more go entirely unreported. Elder abuse includes physical, sexual, financial, and emotional harm, and it’s often a private caregiver or a nursing home employee who’s involved.

It’s difficult to prevent these situations, and, as your parents get older, you may be challenged to make decisions about their care that can potentially lead to them. Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to help protect your mom or dad from elder abuse, including:

Encouraging physical activity: Regular exercise and activity will keep their body healthier, stronger, and independent spirit, which reduces the likelihood of abuse.

Keeping them connected: Isolation can lead to depression, loneliness, and sadness, which leaves a senior open to abuse or neglect. If your loved one has become socially isolated, encourage them to stay engaged with others whiting their community.

Stay in touch: If your parents need daily living assistance, try to care for them yourself for as long as possible. If you can’t, and a caregiver has to step in, stay in touch with your parents.

Supervise their money: Ask your parents to name you as custodian on their bank accounts, and even offer to manage their monthly bills for them. That way, you will watch their accounts for signs of unusual activities like financial fraudsters.

Look for physical or behavioral changes: Be constantly aware of any changes in your parent’s appearance or behavior that might indicate abuse or neglect.

Warn them about solicitors: Warn your parent about speaking to solicitors, including “long lost” family members who are offering to move in and take care of them. Instead, politely ask them to notify you when any suspicious parties contact them via email, phone, or door-to-door solicitations.

If your elderly loved one shows signs of abuse, share your concerns with a trusted family member, bank manager, attorney, clergy member, or law enforcement official. The attorneys at Gharibian Law are here to help defend Elder Abuse victims’ rights and hold the abusive or negligent party accountable for any illness you or a loved one may have suffered due to their actions. Contact us at 888-288-0091 or schedule a free consultation now.