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BCIFV Perspectives: Preventing Elder Abuse
Some of the key issues of aging involve our increased dependency
on others for help in our daily living, finding what services
are available to us and their cost. We need to clarify our
expectations of the help we might get from our family and
plan on how to best manage whatever financial assets we might
have. These are hard things to do at a time when we least
want to think about future dependency, and yet are vitally
important to ensure that whenever possible we make the decisions
that are right for us, and are not pressured into making hurried
decisions that might serve the best needs of others rather
than ourselves.
The American Association of Retired Persons in their publication,
"Domestic Mistreatment of the Elderly" published in 1988,
set out some important prevention tips for those of us who
are older and beginning to think about our future lives.
They make the point that it is important that we become
educated as to the problem of abuse and neglect of older persons,
and the various factors that can contribute to it. It is important
that we plan ahead and make our family and friends aware of
the concerns we have.
This means we as individuals taking some responsibility
for planning our future care. While it is hard to see ahead
to assess our future needs, we can talk with our families
about the future, assess who in the family might be best able
to help us, and assess what financial resources are available
to provide adequate care.
W need to anticipate situations in which there is the possibility
of mistreatment. There is security in maintaining our friendships
and indeed increasing them. The AARP suggest developing a
"buddy system" with a friend or friends outside one's home
to check up on each other and provide mutual reassurance.
It is important, they stress, to keep regularly scheduled
medical, dental and social appointments. These professionals
can be helpful, and in special cases can be used to attest
to one's level of competence. Another suggestion is to ask
friends and relatives to regularly visit where you live. Even
a brief visit allows friends to check on your environment
well-being and attitude.
They note also the importance of having your own telephone
and post box, and to always open your own mail. If you do
suspect that your mail is being intercepted, then call the
postal service. Of primary importance, they suggest, is to
make sure that everyone you know understands you are keeping
track of your own affairs and you know where everything is
supposed to be. Finally, they suggest that it is important
to let others know that you expect your personal records,
accounts and property to be available for examination, either
by you, or someone you trust.
Jill Hightower
BC Institute on Family Violence
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