You’ve been noticing bruises on your elderly mom the last couple times you’ve visited her, and she seems more and more withdrawn. She hasn’t told you anything is wrong, but you’re worried. You felt confident that the nurses at the retirement home would take care of her, but now you’re not so sure. What can you do? When people and facilities that should be caring for a vulnerable population exploit their position of power and put your loved ones at risk, they violate their code of conduct and the law. Abuse of at-risk adults (this category refers to elderly and disabled adults) can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglect. Self-neglect can also encompass an at-risk adult’s inability to care for themselves. Knowing the warning signs of abuse can help you determine if it’s happening. In addition to physical indicators, elderly parents suffering from abuse might seem more apathetic, fearful, withdrawn, anxious, or show other changes in their behavior or emotional state. In some cases, they may directly tell you they’re being mistreated. A caretaker’s refusal to let you visit your parent may also be an indication that something isn’t right. WHAT’S THE NEXT STEPWHEN YOU SUSPECT ELDER ABUSE?
The Georgia DHS Division of Aging Services reports that abuse of at-risk adults is one of the most underreported and undetected issues in the United States. While doctors, social workers, counselors, and certain other professionals are mandatory reporters — meaning they are bound by law to report when they suspect a person is being abused — if you notice abuse happening, you may be in the best position to report it. If you suspect that an elderly relative might be abused, it’s time to speak up. Call law enforcement to report abuse that is taking place in any setting. If the abuse is taking place at a community setting, you can also call Adult Protective Services (404-657-5250 for the Atlanta area, 1-866-552-4464 outside of Atlanta). Don’t let abuse go unreported. Once you’ve reported abuse, you and your family may benefit from legal help to make sure this horrible situation doesn’t happen to others. Call the attorneys at Smith, Wallis & Scott to help you find out if legal action makes sense in your case. We’re here for you, and together, we’ll fight against facilities and individuals that take advantage of at-risk adults.
TAKE A BREAK
HOMEMADE CORNED BEEF
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
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2 quarts water 1 cup kosher salt
1. In a large stockpot, combine water, garlic, and all herbs and spices to make brine. Cook over high heat until salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in ice. brisket in a 2-gallon zip-close bag, pour in brine to cover, lay flat in a large container, and store in fridge. 3. Brine for 10 days, checking daily to make sure brisket is fully submerged and brine is stirred. 4. After 10 days, remove brisket from brine and rinse under cool water. In a large pot, cover brisket, onion, carrot, and celery with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 2 1/2–3 hours. 5. Remove, slice across the grain, and serve. 2. Once water temp reaches 45 F, place
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons saltpeter (potassium nitrate) 1 cinnamon stick, broken into large pieces
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
8 cloves garlic
8 whole allspice berries 12 whole juniper berries 2 bay leaves, crumbled 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 pounds ice
1 5-pound beef brisket, trimmed
1 small onion, quartered
1 large carrot, coarsely chopped 1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
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