Unfortunately, elder abuse is becoming more common. Elder abuse most often occurs where the older person lives, whether that’s at home by themselves, in another’s home, or in a retirement community. The abuser could be a healthcare worker, a friend or relative, or, in the case of financial abuse, am outside scammer. Elder abuse can take many forms including physical, sexual, financial, and material. Elder abuse can also include neglect. There are many warning signs to look out for, including the following:
Physical Abuse
Bruises, scars, welts, sores, burns, or other marks. These are more significant if they appear on both sides of the victim’s body
Broken bones or sprains
Drug overdose or failure to take medication regularly (as evidenced by reappearance of symptoms that were formerly under control, medication has more remaining than it should
Signs of restraint including rope marks or burns on ankles or wrists
Sexual Abuse
Torn or bloody clothing
Venereal disease or sexually transmitted infections
Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
Bruises around genitals
Financial Abuse
Withdrawals of large sums of money from an account without an apparent reason
Signing over his or her home
Gifts or money or personal items
Poorly performed home repairs
Sudden changes in older person’s financial situation
Items or cash missing from older person’s living space
Suspicious or sudden changes to will, powers of attorney, or insurance beneficiaries
Unpaid bills
Unnecessary goods, services, or subscriptions
Financial activity that older person could not have done, such as ATM activity when older person is bedridden
Neglect
Weight loss
Dementia is often blamed on old age, when it is really malnutrition or withdrawal from medicine
Dehydration
Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions
Older person is dirty or does not appear to have bathed recently
Older person is wearing unsuitable clothing for the weather, such as going outside in low temperatures without a winter coat
General Signs
Belittling or controlling behavior by caregiver
Threats by caregiver
Low self esteem
Extreme mood changes
Older person never goes outside or sees visitors (isolation by caretaker)
Argument and tension between caregiver and elderly person
If you suspect elder abuse, there are some steps you can take to protect the older person. In Pennsylvania, there is a statewide elder abuse hotline 1 (800) 490-8505 which will direct you to your local Area Agency on Aging. If you call the hotline, you can report anonymously. You can also contact the Attorney General to file a complaint.
