Nearly 5 million elderly people are abused each year.
This is a staggering number, and the abusers are often family members, or people closest to the elderly. However, abuse is just as likely to occur in a nursing home as well.
But what are the signs of senior abuse and when should you hire an elder abuse attorney? Here are 5 signs of elder abuse that you need to be aware of.
1. Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is one of the most common types of senior abuse. While it’s challenging to know whether or not physical markers are a result of clumsiness that comes with age, or actual abuse, continuing to monitor your loved one for other signs is important.
Some signs of physical abuse might be:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones
- Head injuries
- Sores or welts
- The patient will not seek treatment for help
If you suspect any physical abuse to your loved one, it might be time to contact an elder abuse lawyer at Thomas Law Offices. Physical abuse can be fatal.
2. Emotional Abuse
Otherwise known as psychological abuse, emotional abuse is more difficult to pin down, but it does happen.
Emotional abuse occurs when a person is yelling, screaming, condescending, controlling, threatening, or name-calling. Your loved one might withdraw from social situations or visits, suffer panic attacks, rock back and forth, or dismiss activities they once enjoyed.
3. Neglect
While emotional and physical abuse involves someone acting in a certain way to a patient, neglect is still a form of abuse but not quite the same.
Neglect refers to refusing to check on a sick or elderly person when you know they need help. Other activities become more important, and the elderly person is left to fend for themselves when they may not be able to. You might notice food stains, feces or urine on themselves, or a lack of physical hygiene.
4. Financial Abuse
When the elderly are no longer able to care for themselves, sometimes they allow another family member to manage their finances for them. This can open the door for financial abuse.
Financial abuse happens when the person in charge of the finances begins stealing their money and using it for personal purposes. Signs of financial abuse may be when large sums of money are missing, the person cannot see their financial records or changing financial documents without permission.
5. Abandonment
Abandonment is a type of abuse but it’s not the same as neglect, and definitions vary by state. Abandonment occurs when the person’s family is completely left alone and they do not return. They do no respond to the patient’s needs or ignore them entirely.
Signs of an Abuser
It’s not always easy to spot abuse or the culprit of abuse. Here are some signs to look for.
- Anger or indifference to an elderly person
- Showing no affection
- Isolating the family member
- Mental illness
- Conflicting accounts of physical abuse
- Speaking about the person as if they’re a problem
Not all abusers have these traits, but they’re red flags.
Being Aware of Senior Abuse
Senior abuse is a serious offense, and you will be charged or fined if caught. The health of the elderly is extremely important, so it’s important that you recognize all signs of abuse.
Are you looking for more ideas on how to keep your elderly loved one healthy? Our health page has everything you need. Check it out today!
