As the Baby Boomer generation enters their golden years, more and more families are relying on home health aides or other professionals to help provide care for their loved ones. Unfortunately, elder abuse is a serious and growing issue. How do you know that the person at home alone with your loved one is trustworthy? What should you do if you suspect a senior you know is being abused? Our three-part series examines some facts about elder abuse, the signs of abuse, and how to prevent or stop it.
Elder abuse is a serious problem in this country. Increasing physical frailty, mental impairment due to dementia or other disease, and social isolation can all make seniors vulnerable to abuse. According to the National Council on Aging, more than one in ten adults aged 60 and above has experienced some form of elder abuse. In most cases, the abuser is a caretaker of the victim, either a family member or someone hired to give care. Elder abuse usually occurs where the senior lives, whether that’s in their own home or in a facility setting and can take many forms.
Physical abuse – inflicting pain or injury
Sexual abuse – forced, coerced, or unwanted sexual activity
Emotional abuse – verbal assaults, threats, harassment, or belittlement
Neglect or abandonment – failure to provide necessities and care for basic needs
Exploitation – misuse, withholding, or theft of property or assets
Recognizing the signs of abuse is crucial for getting your loved one help and preventing more suffering.
Signs of physical abuse
- Unexplained bruising, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, burns, scratches, or other injuries
- Odd or implausible explanations for injuries
- Malnourishment unrelated to an illness
- Overdoses of medication
Signs of sexual abuse
- Bruises or bleeding around breasts or genitals
- Evidence of venereal disease
- Depressed or withdrawn behavior
- Sudden difficulty walking
- Inappropriate behavior or relationship between caregiver and elder
Signs of emotional abuse
- Abrupt withdrawal from or apathy towards usual activities
- Depression and anxiety
- Changes in alertness and responsiveness
- Fear or nervousness regarding caregiver
- Sudden change in attitude or demeanor when in the presence of the caregiver
- Senior is being isolated from family, friends and/or the community
Signs of neglect or abandonment
- Bedsores or poor hygiene
- Unusual weight loss
- Extra prescription pills remaining, indicating medication not being taken on schedule
- Missing medical aids, such as glasses, hearing aids, or canes
- Dirty or unsanitary living conditions
- Unlaundered clothing and linens
- Missed doctor’s appointments
Signs of exploitation
- Sudden changes in financial situation
- Missing checks, credit cards, or debit cards, or unexplained withdrawals and “gifts”
- Missed payments for utilities or other bills
- Sudden unwillingness to discuss finances
- Missing property
- Altered wills and trusts
In Part 2 we will discuss how to prevent elder abuse, and in Part 3, what to do if you suspect a senior is being abused.
