We all need to make sure that we’re taking better care of ourselves, but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that there are some people who are more vulnerable than others. These are usually the already vulnerable and there’s no group that comes to mind more than the elderly in care. If you have an older loved one, be they your mom, dad, grandparents, or otherwise, then now is the time to check on them and make sure they are being treated with the care that they deserve.
Stay in touch
There’s no denying that it has been difficult for many of us to keep in touch with those we love due to the enforced social distancing in many places throughout the pandemic. However, it’s important to work with your elder’s caregivers to take the opportunity to see and contact them more often. Helping them use Zoom calls can be a big benefit, both in keeping an eye on them but also in helping keep their social connections strong. We should all be more aware of the increasing problem of isolation in elder care and what we can do to combat it.
Start with skeptical eyes
If you do get the opportunity to visit your loved one in person, then you should also make sure that you have chosen the right care facility for them. It may have sold itself well earlier, but you should keep an eye out for red flags of neglect of the facility, such as any obvious safety hazards, signs that the residents do not get the attention that they need, a lack of working resources, or equipment, and so on. If the place is messy and ill-kept, then you should begin to get concerned about how these slipping standards can affect your loved ones.
Keep their wellbeing as a first priority
The unfortunate reality is that both neglect and abuse in care facilities are more common than any of us would like. As such, you should be aware of the risks as well as the signs. Aside from physical bruises or wounds, you should also keep an eye out for if your loved one seems afraid or otherwise worried. Get in touch with a nursing home abuse specialist if you have any inkling at all that harm is being done to them. You are their advocate, so you need to stand up for their rights.
Identify an exit strategy
Whether it’s due to abuse, neglect, or slipping standards in the facility, you may decide that you are no longer comfortable with them staying there. As such, you should have alternative plans at the ready to get them out of there. This can include looking at other facilities, but you should also consider whether or not you could offer care for them yourself. Of course, you need a good work/life balance to consider adding that responsibility to your life.
Most care facilities do make an effort to provide the care that your loved one needs. However, that doesn’t mean you should be blind to the risks. Just as you would expect the best standards for your child care services, you should expect the same from elder care.