When Holidays are on the horizon, many families will be seeing their members for the first time “in a while.” Some of those family members are aged and in poor health.
Ms. Cotton is a thought partner to CEOs teams, helping manage complexity and change.
You can reach her at Patti@PattiCotton.com.
Patti is also a dynamic writer, public speaker, and corporate consultant. Her post below has been edited by 50%, as it featured several people going through their caregiver roles.
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Resources, Technology Can Combat Elder Abuse
By Patti Cotton
Our article series this month focuses on elder abuse, which is a distressing reality for many senior citizens, manifesting in various forms, such as physical, emotional, and financial abuse.
Past weeks’ columns have focused on the types of elder abuse and how to recognize these.
Today, we’re focusing on the resources available for victims and families and technology’s role in preventing and addressing elder abuse.
Fortunately, there are resources for victims and their families.
Elder abuse is a complex issue, but with the right resources and technological tools, victims and their families can find support and protection.
Hotlines and Helplines
For victims, immediate help can often come from dedicated elder abuse hotlines and helplines. These services offer confidential advice and can connect victims with local resources.
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: Assists with those experiencing financial abuse.
• Elder abuse Hotline: Available in many regions, offering support for all forms of abuse. To learn more about the best resources in your area, you can reach the Eldercare Locator by telephone at 800-677-1116.
Specially trained operators will refer you to a local agency that can help.
• Support services: Support services encompass a range of offerings from counseling to legal aid. These services can guide victims through the process of recovery and ensure their abusers face justice.
• Counseling services: Help victims deal with the emotional aftermath of abuse.
• Legal aid: Legal experts can assist with protective orders and legal proceedings.
• Financial assistance: Financial abuse can leave elders like Martha in precarious situations. Organizations and programs designed to offer financial aid and guidance exist.
• Financial management programs: These programs help elders manage their finances securely.
• Emergency funds: Some nonprofits offer emergency funds for immediate financial relief, ensuring that victims can meet their basic needs while their cases are resolved.
• Shelters and safe housing: In severe cases, victims may need to leave their homes to ensure safety.
• Elder shelters: Provide temporary housing and support services. Martha’s story didn’t require her to move, but many elders benefit from these safe havens.
• Safe housing programs: Offer long-term housing solutions for those who cannot return to their previous living situations.
• Monitoring devices: Technology offers innovative solutions to monitor the well-being of elders and detect potential abuse.
• Wearable devices: Smartwatches can monitor health indicators and send emergency alerts. In-home cameras:
Discreet cameras can help caregivers monitor the safety of their loved ones remotely.
• Online scams and protection: Elders are often targeted by online scams, but technology also provides tools to protect them.
• Anti-scam software: Installing software that filters suspicious emails and websites can prevent financial abuse.
• Education and awareness programs: Online tutorials and community programs educate elders about common scams and how to avoid them.
• Virtual support groups: Isolation is a significant risk factor for elder abuse, and virtual support groups can offer much-needed connection and support.
• Online communities: These are platforms where elders can share experiences and support each other.
• Caregiver support groups: These groups offer advice and support for caregivers managing elder care from a distance.
• Apps for reporting and documentation: Smartphone apps designed for elder safety can be invaluable in documenting abuse and facilitating reporting.
• Reporting apps: Apps like Elder Safety allow users to report abuse directly to authorities. The apps can document incidents and send reports, which leads to a swift investigation and the removal of the caregiver after the person is reported to the home health care agency.
• Health and safety check-ins: Apps that schedule regular check-ins and wellness surveys.
Smart home devices: Smart home technology can enhance safety and independence for elders.
• Voice-activated assistants: Devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home can help with daily tasks and emergency alerts.
• Automated lighting and security systems can make homes safer and more comfortable.
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