Elder abuse is difficult to spot – unless you know what to look for. Signs of abuse are often mistaken for signs of dementia or frailty because so many clinical symptoms overlap with what may be abuse. Be aware that abusive caregivers may dismiss questions as to just symptoms of mental deterioration.
Signs of Abuse
Look for the warning signs of elder abuse:
- The elderly person and caregiver have frequent arguments
- There is an obvious tension between an elderly person and the caregiver
- Noticeable changes in behavior or personality
If you become suspicious of abuse, take note of any physical signs of abuse.
Physical abuse
- Unexplained new bruises, breaks in the skin, rashes, welts or scars.
- Sprains, dislocations or broken bones
- Medications that are not being taken correctly – either too much or too little
- Missing or broken eyeglasses
- Marks caused by being physically restrained on wrists and ankles
- Caregiver will not allow private visits with the elder
Emotional abuse
- If you witness overbearing, demanding or belittling behavior from your caregiver
- If the elder exhibits signs of dimensia — mumbling, rocking back and forth or sucking
Sexual abuse
- Bruised breast or genitals
- Genital infections including venereal disease
- Anal or vaginal bleeding
- Underclothing that is bloody, stained or torn
Neglect by caregivers or self-neglect
- Dramatic weight changes
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Bed sores
- Unkempt living quarters – insects, trash or unchanged bedding/clothing
- Neglected bathing
- Clothing doesn’t match the season
- Dangerous living conditions – exposed wiring, fire hazards, leaky plumbing
- Leaving the elder alone in a public area
Financial exploitation
- Unauthorized bank withdrawals
- Sudden changes in financial condition
- Missing personal items or cash
- Changes to in insurance policies, wills, power of attorney or titles to property
- New names on senior’s bank signature card
- Bills go unpaid — or medical care is skipped – even though there are resources to pay for them
- ATM activity even though the elder is bedridden
- Paying for unnecessary services or merchandise
Healthcare fraud and abuse
- Duplicate payments or billings for identical medical services or equipment
- Under-medication or over-medication
- No care provided even though the bills have been paid
We Can Help
The experienced Personal Injury attorneys at Charles G. Monnett III & Associates provide free, no-obligation consultations, support, and assistance in finding resources to help you and your family deal with serious injuries or death as a result of elder abuse. We can also help you pursue legal action.
