Warning Signs Of Elder Abuse
When you suspect elder abuse may be occurring against your loved one, you may frantically search for information about how to verify that the abuse is happening. That may be what brings you here, to this article. After all, these abuses are not just simple acts of punching or hitting in all cases. The abuse may be enacted in many ways that can be almost invisible unless the abuser is caught in the act.
However, if you know some of the many signs of elder abuse you can gain greater confidence toward reporting your loved one’s case. With the help of an experienced elder abuse attorney, you can be guided through the reporting process to recovery of your loved one’s damages.
Warning Signs of the Primary Types of Elder Abuse
If elder abuse seems to be happening or your gut instincts are telling you to investigate your loved one’s care, you should listen to these instincts. They are often correct. Although the below-listed descriptions may not lead you to clear proof of abuse, exploitation or neglect, they may help you pull together enough detail to alert authorities such as Adult Protective Services, nursing home administration or law enforcement officers.
Physical Abuse Warning Signs
Physical abuse of elders takes many forms. It may result in pain, injury and physical marks. These injuries may be the result of physical actions or restraint, legally defined as criminally negligent acts or unlawful imprisonment.
Signs:
- Unexplained marks, welts, sores, bruises, cuts or abrasions
- Bruises on upper arms
- Multiple fractures over time, from multiple injuries
- Bruising in odd shapes, such as from restraint or beatings with objects
- Burns, such as mechanical or cigarette burns
- Rope burns from improper restraint
- Uncared-for injuries
- Pain during light physical contact
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Changing coloration
- Unexplained medication shortages or excess medication use
- Sunken facial features
- Soiled bedding or clothing
- Multiple doctor visits among multiple medical facilities
- Forced isolation
- Lengthy time periods after injury and before treatment
- Fearful behavior
- Depression, non-responsiveness, ambivalence
- Excuses or contradictions regarding injuries
- Confusion
Sexual Abuse Warning Signs
Elder sexual abuse is any non-consensual, unwanted or forced sexual contact with the aging adult.
Signs:
- Unexplained genital injuries, tears or bleeding
- Newly acquired venereal infections or STDs
- Bloody undergarments
- Torn undergarments
- Difficulty or discomfort in sitting or walking
- Withdrawn, depressive, shameful or anxious behaviors
- Aversion to being touched
Psychological Abuse Warning Signs
Psychological elder abuse is also called emotional or mental abuse. This can be enacted through infliction of mental anguish, pain or distress. The most common forms of psychological elder abuse are name-calling, threatening, insulting, ignoring, demeaning and controlling the patient.
Signs:
- Fearful in communication
- Fearful when the caregiver is present
- Anxiety and strong desire to please
- Eating disorders
- Drinking alcohol or taking excessive or unprescribed medications
- Depression
- Agitation
- Anger
- Low self-esteem
- Withdrawal
Financial Abuse Warning Signs
Financial elder abuse may involve improper or illegal use of the aging person’s accounts, monies or personal effects for the caregiver’s personal gain or advantage.
Signs:
- Excessive bank account withdrawals
- False signature on checks
- Common accompaniment to bank by caregiver
- Bank account or institution changes
- Frequent ATM use by immobile account holder
- Concerns about missing funds
- Lack of explanation in where money is going
- Poor memory regarding financial transactions or purchases
- Unexplained credit or debit card use
- Large purchases
- Unpaid bills
- Missing belongings, papers and credit cards
- Expensive gifts given to caregiver by the elder
- Lack of awareness about monthly income or expenses
- Loan applications or acceptance
- Checks frequently made out to “cash”
- Addition of caregiver to bank accounts, will, or as beneficiary
- Tax return irregularities
- Appointments with bankers
- Caregiver withholding of money from the elder adult
Neglect Warning Signs
Neglect is deprivation of food, medication, personal hygiene assistance, water, medical services, cooling, heating or shelter that the elder person needs to remain comfortable and in good health.
Signs:
- Bedsores
- Dirty clothing
- Dirty bedding
- Torn or ragged clothing
- Inappropriate attire
- Fleas or lice
- Malnourishment
- Dehydration
- Lack of available food
- Dirty living conditions
- Physical confinement
- Withholding of medication
- Depression, unresponsiveness or helplessness
Who are the victims of elder abuse?
Beyond being elders, elder abuse victims tend to share other characteristics. These include:
- Most over age of 75
- Sixty-six percent are female
- Most have one or more physical impairments or mental illnesses
- Widowed or divorced
- Socially isolated
- Fear of institutionalization
- Low experience in financial handling
- Live with the abuser
If you believe someone you love is being abused by a caregiver, it is important to ensure the elder person is safe and well-cared for. This may mean reporting the potential abuse to Adult Protective Services or law enforcement officials.
For guidance and help regarding potential elder abuse and recovery of damages suffered as part of that abuse, call the experienced Arizona elder abuse lawyers of Cantor Crane at 602.254.2701 for a free consultation.
