California residents trust professional facilities to care for your elderly loved ones. Unfortunately, instances of elder abuse are on the rise in recent years. You should know how to recognize potential signs of abuse. Knowing how to report cases is also important.
But today we will discuss how you can tell whether an elder is at risk of abuse. After all, abusers often gravitate toward people in certain situations over others. It is crucial to know if your loved one falls into that category.
Risk factors in caregivers
First, we look at The National Center for Biotechnology Information. They discuss risk factors for the mistreatment of elders. They point out what impacts chances for abuse to happen. This often includes the needs of an elderly person and the demands of a caregiver. For example, elderly care is a stressful field. What if a caregiver cannot handle stress well? They may develop poor coping mechanisms that involve lashing out at residents.
The background of a caregiver may also impact their likelihood of abusing. This includes substance abuse or a history of domestic violence in the home. Lacking support from other caregivers may also factor into this.
What abusive caregivers look for
But sometimes, other factors may make elderly residents into targets. People who are abusive on purpose tend to target victims who are less credible. This includes residents who do not have their full faculties. Residents may have trouble speaking clearly. They may have a history of emotional agitation. In this way, even if they complain, other staff members will not believe them with ease. In some cases they may have memory problems. This makes it difficult for them to identify their abuser.
Unfortunately, abusers take advantage of the weakness of the people depending on them. If your loved one seems agitated or upset for no reason, a staff member may have targeted them for abuse.
