Elder Abuse, Don’t Let Yourself or Someone you Love Fall Victim.

In 2011 the Orange County Adult Protective Services received 7,238 reports of adult abuse; 72% of the cases involved seniors 65 or older.

Elder Abuse is not just physical it includes financial, sexual and emotional abuse as well and mostly occurs within the family. It is due to this fact that experts believe that for every report filed there are 23 cases that are unreported.

Those suffering from dementia are usually the targets for most of the abuse. There was a case in Orange County where a daughter was asking her mother to pay her $500 everyday for “rent”. Her mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, was unaware that this was happening and with in a few weeks had no money left in any of her bank accounts.

How do you protect yourself and the ones you love? If your parent or loved one has a disability and a family member or nurse is living in the home, check in often to make sure no physical or emotional harm is being inflicted. You should also have someone outside of the home monitoring your loved ones financials. That way if anything looks suspicious you will know about it.

If you discover abuse of any kind, or if you are experiencing abuse REPORT IT!  The phone number to call is 1-888-436-3600. Stay safe and live happily.

Make Sure You Are Earthquake Ready

Earthquakes have been shaking Californian’s and their homes quite a bit over the last few months. It is important to be prepared. Especially if you live in a mobile home, as stated on the American Red Cross website, “Mobile homes and homes not attached to their foundations are at particular risk during an earthquake.”

First you need to make sure your home is properly insured. Many things can happen to your home because of an earthquake including damage from fallen trees, fire and flooding from cracked pipes.

Next you must prepare a plan to keep you and your loved ones safe.  Choose a safe place in your home to ride out the earthquake far from any windows or other objects that could fall on you. According to the American Red Cross, “Doorways are no stronger than any other part of a structure so don’t rely on them for protection! During an earthquake, get under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on. It will help shelter you from falling objects that could injure you during an earthquake.”

Bolt down all larger items including bookcases and china cabinets. Make sure you have an emergency kit with water, food and clothing.

Have a plan for after the earthquake stops. Know where you will go if there is damage to your home.

For more information about Earthquake preparedness download this checklist provided by the American Red Cross, or visit their website http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/earthquake.

Click here for a list of California’s Mobile Home Residency Laws.