Do you have a parent, grandparent or other relative who lives in a care facility or has in-home caregivers? If so, you will understandably be concerned about the quality of care that he or she is receiving. With reports of elder abuse and neglect all too common, it is important that you know some of the signs that may indicate the presence of a problem.
According to NextAvenue, there are some very obvious physical indicators of potential neglect of an elderly person. One of these is the cleanliness of the place in which your relative lives. Are the floors and counters kept clean? Is the living space vacuumed and wiped down? Is there a poor smell in the rooms? Basic sanitation should be considered a standard and maintained at all times.
Akin to this is the manner in which your relative’s personal hygiene is tended to. Does the caregiver ensure that your loved one is routinely bathed and put in clean clothing? Is hair brushed and fixed every day? Are toenails and fingernails trimmed to a safe length to avoid scratches or cuts on delicate elderly skin? Toothbrushing and flossing is another essential part of daily hygiene that must be tended to and this includes proper care for any dentures.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but is instead meant to give Alabama residents an overview of some signs they should watch for in order to help keep their elderly relatives safe from abuse or neglect at the hands of caregivers.
