Sometimes, older adults are at risk of being abused at home, in the homes of relatives, and nursing care facilities. Many cases of domestic violence and violence, in general, go unnoticed or under-reported. If you notice that your loved one is dealing with a harmful situation or is being financially exploited, there are a few things you need to do to ensure their safety before you take any further legal action.
Older people are less likely to be able to stand up to any bullying or fight. They also may not be able to see or hear as well as they could, resulting in opportunities for others to take advantage of them.
Elders do experience physical and mental limitations, so they can also be more difficult for caretakers to manage. It’s a very demanding position towards elders cause sometimes abuse is not taken seriously by family members. It can be believed that a person has developed dementia and is not making any sense. While signs of abuse can overlap with mental deterioration, each case should be investigated- even if the patient is experiencing neglect.
General Evidence of Abuse
You can assume that something is not right if there are changes in elder behavior or constant tension between the elder and their caregiver.
Please check for additional signs of abuse:
- Unexplained broken bones, dislocations or sprains
- Bruising or scarring
- Failing to take medications properly
- Broken eyeglasses
- Signs of restraint
- The refusal of the caregiver to let you spent time alone with the elderly person
Emotional abuse
These are the signs of emotional abuse:
- Witnessing controlling or threatening behavior on the part of the caregiver
- Unusual behavior that can resemble symptoms of dementia,
Including mumbling behaviors, or aggressive behaviors
Sexual Abuse
Sign of sexual abuse of the elderly include the following:
- Bruising near the genital area
- Unexplained STDs
- Unexplained genital infections
- Stained, bloody or torn underwear
- Vaginal or anal bleeding unrelated to a medical condition
Caregiver Neglect
- Leaving the senior alone at a public location
- Being unsuitably dressed for the weather
- Not bathing the person or leaving them dirty
- Living with soiled bed clothing, bugs, dirty clothes
- Lost of weight or dehydration
- The presence of bedsores from not turning the patient regularly
Financial Exploitation of the Elderly
- Unexplained withdrawals from the elderly person’s account
- Changes in life insurance policies
- Missing cash from the elder’s room or home
- Adding names to the signature card
- Lack of medical care in spite of having money
- Unusual goods, services that elder couldn’t have signed on for
Healthcare Fraud
Healthcare fraud is usually perpetrated by healthcare personnel and includes the following:
- Evidence of getting too much or too little medication
- Having duplicate bills for the same services
- Insufficient amount of staff
- A lack of adequate training
- Evidence of poor care
Risk factors of Caregivers
- Depression on behalf of the caregiver
- The caregiver cannot cope with the stress
- Alcohol or drug abuse by the caregiver
- The caregiver perceives that caring for the senior has no psychological reward