As we grow up, we tend to rely on the support of our older relatives, such as our parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. It is an unavoidable fact of life that we all age, and there may come a time where the roles are reversed. Ensuring that your elderly relatives have the highest standard of life available requires a lot of planning and consideration.
While the later parts of life can be a rewarding chapter for elderly people, they are also more vulnerable in some areas. Sadly, many elderly people across the U.S. are subjected to various forms of abuse each year, some more so than others. Recognizing the factors that could increase the chances of your loved one facing abuse could assist with prevention.
People over 80 are especially vulnerable
Generally, the older a person gets, the more reliant they will become on receiving care and assistance. Studies indicate that people over the age of 80 are at a heightened risk of facing abuse. Abuse can take many forms, such as physical, verbal and financial. It can also occur in the victim’s own home or a residential facility. It is also important to note that while abuse may come from an employee, occasionally it can come from within the family or friend circle.
Being isolated increases the risk of abuse
Elderly individuals are often not as mobile as they once were. This means that they might not be able to get out and see other people. In fact, research suggests that as many as 13 million elderly people in the U.S. live completely on their own. Older people who are withdrawn from society may be especially vulnerable to manipulation and different forms of abuse.
Your elderly relatives deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in the later stages of their life. If you suspect that abuse has taken place, you should gain an awareness of the legal protections offered to elderly people in Colorado.
