Home    Service & Programs    Domestic Violence    Elder Abuse    Sexual Assault    Volunteers    Thrift Stores    Events & News    A Cape Fear Area United Way Agency. CALL: (910)754-5726     Do You Need Help?   |    Can You Help?    |    Staff   |   Board Of Directors   |   Contact Us About Elder Abuse… Family abuse of senior citizens is a pattern of behavior in which your spouse, partner, adult child (or grandchild), caregiver or other member of the household treats you in a way that causes you physical, emotional, sexual or financial harm. THIS IS AGAINST THE LAW! Some Of The Ways Family Members Can Hurt You: Control what you do, who you see or where you go Make threats (such as to leave or put you in a nursing home) Call you names Manipulate your medication Steal money or things from you Hurt your pets Hit, shake, push, burn or choke you Force you to perform sexual acts Isolate you from friends or family Here are some ways to avoid being a victim of abuse: 1. Plan ahead for possible future physical disabilities. (a) Get legal help to prepare a "Durable Power of Attorney" naming the person you want to make your business decisions when you are not able to. (b) Write an "Advance Health Care Directive" describing your important health care desires and naming the person to act on those desires if you are unable to. (c) Write a will. Leave a copy with a trusted friend or associate. 2. Maintain friendships with people outside your house. Invite outsiders in to visit you and go out to visit others. Stay in touch with friends, neighbors and clergy by telephone. Ask someone to check on you regularly and offer to do the same in return. Checking on each other should include both phone calls and visits. >> Continue On Page Two ©Copyright 2005 Hope Harbor Home, Inc.