June 15: Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Every year, more than two million cases of elder abuse occur. National franchisor My Elder Advocate works to prevent abuse by advocating for elders’ rights. In honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 15, the company’s founder, Jack Halpern, a leading elder abuse advocate and champion of elder care rights, is sharing common signs of potential elder abuse.

5 Tips for Spotting Elder Abuse

1.    Understaffed Nursing Homes: More than 75 percent of all U.S. nursing homes are understaffed. This is the number one factor in preventable nursing home falls. Residents of understaffed facilities often receive less attention from qualified caregivers.  

2.    Weight Loss: Sudden weight loss can be a sign of being starved, underfed or malnourished. A good indicator is loose clothes that once fit properly.

3.    Bruises, Bed Sores, Broken Bones: These are all indicators of serious neglect or physical abuse. It’s important to routinely visit with elders and examine them for these signs.

4.    Overmedicating: More than 35 percent of nursing home patients receive antipsychotic drugs. Although necessary for some patients, one in five is given the drug solely as a way to control them. Dizziness, depression, lack of interest or appearing “out of it” can be signs of over medication.

5.    Refusal to Speak: If an elder refuses to speak in front of a caregiver, it could indicate he/she fears them. This can be a sign that physical or emotional abuse is happening when no one else is present. Sadly, it’s not uncommon for care givers to retaliate against patients who file complaints.

Halpern has personally helped thousands of elders gain the best care possible and has prevented more than 200 nursing home evictions from happening. He has more than 41 years of experience in elder care, including executive management at nursing homes. My Elder Advocate franchisees will guide families and their aging loved ones through the complex elder care system, fight for their rights and solve care-related crises.

For more information on My Elder Advocate or to inquire about franchise opportunities, please visit www.MyElderAdvocatefranchise.com.

About My Elder Advocate

Founded in 2008, My Elder Advocate is a first-of-its-kind overarching elder care franchise that solves immediate and long-term health crises. Headquartered in New York City, My Elder Advocate plans to open locations throughout the country through a newly launched franchising strategy. My Elder Advocate’s service areas include: Advocacy, long term care planning, long distance caregiving, elder monitoring service, home care management, nursing homes and assisted living facility placement, hospital, nursing home and home crisis intervention services and nursing home eviction services.  For more information about My Elder Advocate or to inquire about franchising opportunities, please visit www.MyElderAdvocate.com