Prevention

Prevention of Maltreatment

For Yourself  |  For Others

For Yourself ...

There is no guarantee you or someone you love will never experience maltreatment. You can lessen the likelihood of maltreatment, however.

• Maintain social contacts and cultivate friendships;
• Take care of your health through regular medical and dental checkups, and be honest with your medical advisers about any problems you experience;
• Stay active, both physically and mentally;
• Learn about the changes that are part of the normal aging process;
• Be thoroughly familiar with your financial status, and have a plan in place for someone you trust to handle your finances should you become unable to do so, making sure your income and assets will be available to meet your needs;
• If a relative, especially one with a troubled life, wants to live with you, think it through and make sure you and your assets will be safe before agreeing; and
• If you need help, ask for it from someone you trust to help - a family member, doctor, lawyer, clergy, other helping professionals or a friend or neighbor
  Remember that life’s circumstances can change in an instant, and be prepared to change with them.

For Others ...

There is no guarantee you or someone you love will never experience maltreatment. You can lessen the likelihood of maltreatment, however.

• Be aware of vulnerable adults with whom you have contact - relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers, employees of stores where you shop;
• Don’t allow friends, relatives, or neighbors to isolate themselves;
• Encourage older relatives and friends to make plans for financial management and care should they become unable to take care of themselves;
• Don’t volunteer to provide care or services you’re not sure you can handle; and
• Learn to recognize the warning signs of possible adult maltreatment, including self neglect, and report suspicious situations to the police or Adult Protective Services as soon as you’re aware of them.