Caregiver neglect is a form of abuse that may not be intentional, but still can have long-lasting effects on a person. Like abuse, neglect can cause a plethora of physical problems, especially if the person is not receiving necessary medical attention. Neglect also can create emotional and psychological issues, changing the way they view themselves and others around them. Some of the more surprising ways caregiver neglect could cause harm include:

1. Self Neglect or Harm

When a caregiver fails to care for a person properly, persons who need assistance may begin neglecting themselves. TheNationalAdultProtectiveServicesAssociation defines self-neglect as “an adult’s inability, due to physical or mental impairment or diminished capacity, to perform essential self-care….” If no one is assisting in daily tasks, this could mean living in unclean quarters, compulsive hoarding, poor personal hygiene or wearing unsanitary clothing.

Self-neglect also could include not caring for themselves physically, like refusing to take medications or poorly managing prescriptions. Some cases of self-neglect include failing to eat or eating poorly where they do not receive the proper nutrition. Signs of this type of self-neglect could include lack of adequate food in the home, dehydration or malnutrition.

2. Lack of Trust for Others and Emotional Stress

Neglect from a caregiver, especially a family member, can lead to severe distrust, anxiety and isolation. The elderly person could become disconnected from others. If an elderly person who already suffers from mental health issues is neglected, the lack of trust and other psychological damage could be much worse.

The emotional and psychological abuse that can develop could cause an immediate impact on a person’s mental state, and it can develop into long-term physical and emotional problems. Victims of neglect have had significantly higher levels of psychological distress and lower perceived self-efficacy than older adults who have not been victimized, according to theNationalCenteronElderAbuse.

3. Financial Strain and Irresponsibility

If a caregiver is responsible for managing a person’s finances but neglects those duties, this could lead to months or even years of financial strain. For example, if the caregiver neglects to pay the person’s rent or mortgage in a timely manner, he or she could be without a home. If the utilities are not paid, the person could be forced to temporarily live without power. If the caregiver fails to pay for home care services or medication, it also could be damaging.

4. Wrongful or Accidental Death

Accidental or wrongful death can be caused by some of the most extreme types of neglect, as well as abandonment. If a person is unable to feed themselves, get the medical help they need or maintain a safe and clean home, it could have a tragic ending. Additionally, unexplained injuries and accidents can happen in nursing homes when patients are neglected or when people who live at home are neglected. If these injuries aren’t treated, they could lead to death. Neglect is also often a precursor to emotional and physical abuse.

About the Author

Sarah Blanchard is the marketing manager for Winburn Bequette and Odom Law Firm, two personal injury and nursinghomeabuselawfirms dedicated to representing victims of nursing home abuse in Arkansas. Connect with her on GooglePlus andYouTube.

Caring for the elderly and making a career out of this requires some professional training. In order to become a caregiver, it is important that you develop a set of skills first. The healthcare setting can be an incredibly challenging work environment. Since you’ll be working in situations that require understanding, patience is a trait you’ll just have to master. A respectful, tactful, and gentle manner is fundamental.

Even though there are no specific educational requirements for becoming a general caregiver for the elderly, most employers want to hire candidates with at least a high-school degree. If you have an authorized healthcare certificate though, then your chances of getting a job in this domain are even better.  There are specific requirements to become a licensed or certified nursing assistant or home health aide, but these vary by state.

Elder care career description

Elder care employees have the job to provide top quality assistance, support services and personal care for people that need ongoing or short-term care. Those without a degree in a healthcare field often work under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. The personal assistance of elder care employers usually includes help with daily chores such as dressing, bathing, and meals. Caregivers are responsible for preserving as well as gaining the confidence of their client, but also their client’s family members and relatives. Additionally known as health care aides, nursing attendants, and home support workers, these people make sure that your loved one’s independence is maintained for as long as possible.

Caring for elder parents

Sooner or later, we will all become caregivers. But then again, that’s a choice we have to make and not a demand. Some people don’t want to be (or can’t be) caregivers for their aging parents. Being a full-time caregiver for a relative, particularly if he or she suffers from a significant illness (Alzheimer’s, dementia, impairment, etc.), is time consuming. It is important to be prepared, both emotionally and financially.

In the past fifteen years, the average number of individuals choosing to be caregivers for their parents has increased tremendously. Roughly 10 million adults above the age of 50 care for their aging parents. Back in 1994, seniors didn’t have much help from their adult kids; only 9% or women and 3% of men chose this job. In 2008, the percentage grew to 28% in women and 17% in men. Some families help their parents to move to assisted living. If the care need is great, 24 hour per day residential living assistance is available at a variety of places.

Before quitting your daily job to become a caregiver, think carefully!

Most people can’t just quit your daily job to care for parents 24/7. This is a decision that needs a bit of time to materialize. First of all, you need to be aware that you’ll lose your steady income, which will damage your own retirement savings. Second, if you leave your current job, the odds of finding another after you are done with caregiving may be decreased. Would your skills be enough to prospective employers if you stopped working for 5-10 years?

The best thing that you can do in this case is to make caregiving a career. If you’re 100% certain that you want to look after your parent, then do it. But think about your own future too. Consider obtaining a nursing assistant certification, and your chances of finding work in the future are greatly enhanced.

Stay informed

Prior to making any major lifestyle decisions, make a plan. Check your finances and see whether or not caregiving is something you can afford to do and maybe still have a part-time job in the same domain. Make a detailed list with your parent’s financial income and then make a final decision.

There are plenty of websites that can offer assistance. The National Council on Aging features a benefits checklist service, while the National Association for Area Agencies on Aging can help you with extensive information on care giving tips and online support in your area. It is also good to get more information on Medicaid and Medicare.  The more informed you are the better chances your aging parent has of living a happy, comfortable lifestyle.

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Adults in their senior years should start eating healthier than usual to have an increased mental acuteness and become more resistant to illness and other diseases. As we get older it is important to stay balanced, nutritionally and emotionally. Believe it or not, eating healthy doesn’t need to be about sacrifice, and regardless of your age, you should know that healthy food can be delicious. Here are 5 amazing tips to help maintain a nutritious diet in your senior years.

1. Choose the right foods

In order to preserve their general health seniors should include a lot of fruits and vegetables into their daily diets. Whole foods contain vitamins and fiber, which are essential to a healthy digestive system. Berries, melons, bananas and apples are excellent choices. Also, you should include calcium-rich foods to have strong bones. Dairy products should be part of your daily diet.

2. Smoothies

A lot of seniors don’t feel thirsty, so they don’t drink water. Drinking water is important do avoid dehydration and constipation. If you don’t drink water, try a choice of delicious smoothies. Blend coconut water with a banana and some berries and serve for breakfast.

3. Cut back on red meats

Some people just can’t give up eating meat-based foods on a daily basis. As a senior, you should at least try plant-based protein. Apart from being less expensive than meat, they’re healthier too. Lentils, chia seeds, nuts and beans are excellent choices. They can be added to your daily salad, or included in cooked recipes.

4. Enjoy good fats but reduce sodium

Seniors should enjoy good fats because they’re excellent for their general wellbeing. Salmon, olive oil, coconut oil softgels, flaxseeds, walnuts and other fats that are monosaturated should be included into your daily diet. This way you protect your sensitive heart against harmful heart diseases.

5. Cook smart and avoid bad carbs

Vegetables should be sautéed or steamed versus fried. Instead of vegetable oil use olive oil, and thus preserve the good nutrients. Don’t boil food in order to preserve nutrients. Stay as far away as possible from bad carbs; these are commonly found in refined sugar, white flour, and white rice. These foods can cause weight gain and spikes in your blood sugar levels.

Most elderly care situations will consist of at least one instance for rehabilitation after a major illness such as a stroke or heart attack.  Other needs for this include knee or hip replacement,“post-surgery” care, or “wound healing” among others.

How do you make sure your family member gets the best rehabilitation scenario possible?

There are three things that will get you started for this inevitable obligation.

First:

It is imperative that you get advice from your physician.  He or she can assist you with detailing the specific medical plan for after-care your elder will require.  It needs to be determined what the overall goals are for their continued health and how to itemize and prioritize these objectives.

Second:

You need to do some research for an excellent rehabilitation center and/or home care specialist.  The professionals who work in the senior health fields are trained to cover many kinds of rehab needs including dementia care, pain management, cognitive impairment and more.

This kind of ongoing medical supervision can help you attain two major aspirations: regain the abilities for daily living and reduce the rate of returning to the hospital.

Senior home care can help your loved one transition back to their own residence and be as actively mobile as possible.  This is where the third item on the list comes into play.  By obtaining a medical alert system for the senior, it will help stave off possible emergency situations.  It would be detrimental for a patient to fall after having joint replacement surgery and lengthen their convalescence.

A medical alarm can notify emergency personnel when the person cannot call for help by conventional means.  A senior living alone and recuperating from a medical condition has enough difficulty managing the day to day functions and may panic in an unforeseeable situation that dictates emergency care.

When the level of anxiety is decreased by using a home medical alert system, prompt attention can save that person’s life.  Simply depressing a button on a device worn to mimic a piece of jewelry, such as a pendant or bracelet, will summon assistance for a myriad of emergency situations.

A medical alert system can work in emergency and non-emergency situations and help the recuperating senior feel better as they move forward in their rehabilitation, thus securing a more positive outcome.

Reviews Bee is here to help you evaluate the systems and aid in choosing the right one for your loved one’s needs. This will help alleviate the fear associated with your family member’s recovery.  Visit our site today and feel more confident about the rehabilitation process for your senior!

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