Reducing Risks (continued)

5. Economic difficulties – Reduce by

• Realistically evaluating what your limits are to work extra hours and taking on an additional job
• Seeking financial counseling, such as consumer credit counseling
• Evaluating your ability to increase pay and/or to move up in your field

6. Drug or alcohol use/abuse – Reduce by

• Seeking outside help. Agencies and peers can provide help and support to those who have substance abuse problems by supporting their recovery and getting into treatment

7. Gender (male/female) – Reduce by

• The reality is that anyone can be at risk for abusing or harming a vulnerable adult. However, data suggests that the primary offenders of vulnerable adults are adult female children. Reducing this risk means understanding the signs of abuse and becoming aware of who are the people in the vulnerable adult’s life and how they work, interact and treat the vulnerable adult