• Physical abuse — rough treatment, unnecessary restraint, hitting.

• Emotional abuse — mocking, harassing, intimidating or threatening.

• Neglect — denies proper nutrition, medicine or personal care.

• Financial exploitation — misuse of or stealing resources.

SIGNS OF CAREGIVER STRESS

(If signs appear, get help)

• Anger.

• Social withdrawal.

• Anxiety, depression.

• Exhaustion, sleeplessness.

• Irritability, moodiness.

• Inability to concentrate.

• Health problems.

• Denial of the elder's disease.

TO BE A HEALTHY CAREGIVER

• Get early diagnosis for loved ones.

• Use resources, such as adult day care or Meals-on-Wheels. Learn skills. Get help from family or others.

• Care for yourself, manage stress, accept change.

• Do legal and financial planning.

• Be realistic — enjoy happy times and grieve losses.

• Give yourself credit.

WHO TO CONTACT

• In an emergency: 911.

• Dane County Elder Abuse Helpline: 608-261-9933. For a list of county lead elder abuse agencies: www.dhfs.state.wi.us/aging/elderabuse/agencies.htm.

• If abuse occurs in a state-licensed facility, the state Division of Quality Assurance: 608-266-8481, or the state ombudsman program: 800-815-0015.

• For information, United Way 211.

• For information on caregiving, Area Agency on Aging of Dane County, caregiver program: 608-261-5679.

• For support, the South Central Wisconsin Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association: 608-232-3400 or 800-272-3900; Respite Care Association of Wisconsin: 608-222-2033 or 866-702-7229.

• To check for abusive caregivers, the Wisconsin Caregiver Registry, dhfs.wisconsin.gov/caregiver/misconduct.HTM.

SOURCES: Alzheimer's Association, United Way of Dane County, Area Agency on Aging of Dane County, National Alliance of Caregiving, Respite Care Association of Wisconsin