What are Five Critical signs of Elder Abuse

Abuse can happen anywhere to anyone at any place including a nursing home, an assisted living facility, or even in the elder’s own home. Elder Abuse is an intentional or negligent act done by a person whom the elder trusts the most (caregiver or family member) which later causes harm to the elder.

 

Types and Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

There are many forms of elder abuse:

1. Physical Abuse:  Physical Abuse occurs when someone uses physical force against the elder that causes physical harm to the elder. It includes hitting or beating the elderly person.

Here are some warning signs of Physical Abuse:

• Broken bones, fractures

• Bruises, rope marks, cuts, open wounds

• Sprain, burns, bedsores

• Head injury or other unexplained injuries that are left untreated.

 

2. Emotional Abuse:  There are two types of emotional abuse i.e. verbal and nonverbal abuse. Verbal abuse includes a caregiver speaking hurtful words, or yelling, or threatening the elder that causing the elder emotional distress. Nonverbal abuse happens when the caregiver repeatedly ignores or poorly treat the elder such as keeping the elder from seeing their loved ones (including close friends, relatives, family member, etc.)

Here are some warning signs of Emotional Abuse:

• Isolating or withdrawing from their loved ones

• Behavioral changes such as biting nails, throwing things, or apologizing excessively.

• Change in eating and sleeping habit.

• Hesitated to talk freely

• Depression, anger, anxiety, or fear.

 

3. Sexual Abuse: It refers to the intentional act of doing any kind of nonconsensual contact with an elder. It includes rape, showing the elder pornographic pictures, forcing the elder to undress or perform sexual acts, etc.

Some warning signs of Sexual Abuse:

• Visible Bruises on the thighs, around the breasts, or genitals area.

• Unexplained irritation, bleeding, and pain in the sexual area.

• Blood found on the elder’s clothes, or bed sheet.

• Suffering from unexplained sexually transmitted disease.

 

4. Financial or Exploitative Abuse: Financial abuse happens when someone gains the elder trust for the purpose of illegally taking or using the elder’s property or funds for personal use and exploiting the elder’s trust.

Some warning signs of Financial Abuse:

• Unexplained multiple-time money withdrawals from bank.

• Sudden changes in financial documents or bank accounts.

• Elder cannot access their records.

 

5. Neglect/Abandonment: Neglect or abandonment means failing to fulfill basic needs or provide basic services, such as food, medication, nursing services, or protection.

Some warning signs of Neglect/ abandonment:

• Dehydration

• Malnutrition

• Poor Personal Hygiene

• Poor or unsafe living conditions.

• Pressure ulcers

 

Never ignore these warning signs of elder abuse because your loved one does not deserve to suffer. If you or your loved ones suspect that he/she is in danger, call 911 to report it. You can also contact York Law Firm. Our Sacramento Elder Abuse Lawyers are greatly successful in holding responsible parties accountable. If you have been a victim of Elder Abuse in Northern California, contact us to win your case and get the compensation you deserve.