Aging adults are vulnerable to several elder abuse which ranges from physical and verbal, to financial abuse. Abuse can also take the form of neglect from a caregiver, whether intentional or not. Elder abuse can leave the victims with serious physical injury, premature mortality, depression, cognitive decline, financial devastation, and other forms of emotional trauma.
Unlike when left to stay alone, aging adults who stay in retirement communities stand a higher chance of being protected from the dangers of elder abuse, this is because they are under the care of trained professionals who offer security, look after them, and provide necessary assistants as needed. Here are ways independent living in Baytown, TX protects you from elder abuse.
- Provision of a Standard Security System
In Retirement communities, the residents enjoy a standard security system that protects them from external attacks or any form of abuse. You can be sure of being under the care of trained security personnel, and enjoy safety from a series of elder abuse while you live a comfortable and peaceful life.
- Well-Trained Professional Caregivers
The team members who work with aging adults in independent living are well-trained in how to manage aging adults and meet their needs. They have hands-on experience with ways to prevent and manage elderly abuse.
The independent community also put measures in place to ensure the right practices are maintained among the team members. This can include conducting background checks, providing training on how to recognize and report abuse, and establishing policies and procedures to prevent abuse in the community. Another way this is established is by establishing clear communication channels between the residents and the team members. This can include providing aging adults with a way to report concerns or incidents of abuse and making sure that team members are available to listen and respond to the residents’ concerns.
With these in place, you get to enjoy a safe, peaceful, and abuse-free lifestyle.
- Availability of Amenities to Foster Engagement
Self Neglect, though not a direct form of elder abuse, is also a detrimental issue that can affect the well-being of aging adults. Sometimes, older adults also choose to neglect themselves. They may refuse to go to the doctor when they clearly need to be seen, choose not to eat, or overdose on drugs and alcohol, for example. As people get older, they may naturally feel more isolated. Attending community events helps them keep their social life active and stay in touch with things that are important to them. Independent living offers aging adults a series of amenities that provides them with activities that boost their social lives and keeps them engaged.
- Monitoring Residents’ Well-Being
Retirement communities also have systems to monitor the residents well being and to easily detect signs of abuse. This can include conducting regular health assessments and check-ins and keeping an eye out for changes in the residents’ behavior or appearance that may indicate abuse.
The communities also provide support and resources for residents who have experienced abuse. This can include offering counseling and other mental health services, providing legal assistance, and connecting them with resources and support services.
