Recognize the Signs of Elder Abuse to Prevent More Serious Harm

Abuse is the deliberate mistreatment of an adult that causes emotional, mental, financial, or physical harm or caused damage to or loss of assets. Abuse may include bullying, forcing a person to watch sexual activities, physical assault, humiliation or ridicule, theft, fraud, misuse of bank accounts, denial of privacy or other basic human rights. However, the first step in helping abused or neglected elderly person is learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and neglect. 

Signs and symptoms of elder abuse-

Physical- Consider the possibility of elder abuse when an elderly person has broken bones or skull fractures, unexplained burns, bites, bruises, internal injury or bleeding. 

Sexual Abuse- When an elderly person reports nightmares or bedwetting, has difficulty walking or sitting or a sudden change in appetite. 

Emotional abuse- Shows extreme changes in behavior, such as demanding behavior or aggression. Reports when the caregiver constantly blames, humiliates, belittles or berates an elderly person. 

Financial abuse- Stealing the identity, property or inheritance of an elderly person and misuse of power of attorney and bank accounts are the common signs of financial abuse. 

 

Neglect- Neglect is the failure of a nursing home or assisted living facility to provide for an elder’s basic needs. Neglect may be physical, medical, or even emotional. Some common signs of neglect include poor hygiene, lack of food, malnutrition, dehydration etc. 

However, it is important to recognize the signs of elder abuse to prevent more serious harm. And if you suspect elder abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact nursing home abuse attorney in California now or contact an elder abuse lawyer in Arizona for the legal help!