What Do Our Seniors Need To Watch Out For?
Protecting Our Elders: Shining a Light on Elder Abuse This Holiday Season
Lonely At Christmas; Peoria, Az
As Christmas approaches, we are reminded of the warmth and love that come with family gatherings, shared memories, and the joy of giving. However, this season also serves as an important reminder to protect and care for our most vulnerable family members — our elders. While June 15 is designated as Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the need to highlight this issue is year-round, especially during a time when many seniors may feel isolated or overlooked.
At Mountain View Hospice, we’re dedicated to raising awareness about elder abuse and offering resources to help families care for and protect their loved ones. Elder abuse takes many forms, including physical, emotional, and financial mistreatment, and it’s a heartbreaking reality for far too many older adults. Among these, financial abuse often goes unnoticed, involving the unauthorized or improper use of an older person’s funds, property, or resources.
This holiday season, let’s commit to being vigilant and proactive in ensuring the safety and dignity of our elders. Here’s how you can make a difference:
What You Can Do to Protect Seniors
1. Stay Informed
Learn to recognize the signs of elder abuse, particularly financial exploitation. Watch for sudden changes in financial accounts, unusual withdrawals, or unexpected changes to estate planning documents.
2. Communicate
Keep open and honest lines of communication with elderly family members. Ask how they’re feeling, how they’re managing their finances, and whether they’ve encountered anything unusual or concerning.
3. Take Action
If you suspect abuse or exploitation, act quickly. Report concerns to local Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, or the financial institutions involved. Prompt action can prevent further harm.
4. Discuss Financial Planning
It’s never too early to have conversations about financial planning and safeguards. Encourage your loved ones to create a clear financial plan that includes tools like powers of attorney, wills, and trusted contacts for their accounts.
How Seniors Can Protect Themselves
1. Stay Connected
Isolation increases vulnerability. Encourage seniors to stay socially active by participating in community activities, maintaining friendships, and keeping regular contact with loved ones.
2. Monitor Finances
Seniors should regularly review their financial accounts and statements. If managing finances feels overwhelming, they can seek help from a trusted family member, financial advisor, or attorney.
3. Safeguard Personal Information
Remind seniors to never share sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers or banking details, over the phone or online unless they are certain of the recipient’s legitimacy.
4. Seek Professional Guidance
Major financial, legal, or healthcare decisions should always involve the advice of trusted professionals.
Why Mountain View Hospice?
At Mountain View Hospice, we believe that caring for seniors is a privilege, and part of that care involves protecting them from harm. Our team of compassionate professionals is dedicated to providing not only hospice care but also guidance and resources to families navigating the complexities of elder care. Whether it’s helping you connect with trusted advisors or educating families about financial safety, we are here to support you.
We understand the challenges of caregiving, and our goal is to make the journey easier for families by offering the expertise and community connections that ensure seniors receive the respect and protection they deserve.
If you have questions or concerns about elder abuse or need support caring for a loved one, please reach out to Mountain View Hospice at 623-230-3698 or visit our website at www.mountainviewhospice.com . Together, we can create a safer and more caring world for our senior family members and neighbors.
Let’s Be the Difference This Holiday Season
The holiday season is the perfect time to remind ourselves of the value of community and compassion. By staying vigilant and proactive, we can protect our seniors and ensure they experience the dignity and love they deserve. Let’s make this Christmas a time of not just celebration, but also action. Together, we can brighten the lives of our elders and give them the peace of mind they deserve.
