At first, you might not see the signs of elder abuse; it may look like a case of dementia or just simply an age factor and caregivers may explain it like that. In fact, many of the signs of elder abuse DO resemble those of dementia but that doesn’t mean that they should be dismissed.
Warning signs of elder abuse include frequent arguments and tension between the caregiver and the elderly person and personality and behavior changes. If you suspect elder abuse but are not quite sure, look for the following signs and symptoms:
- Unexplained physical injury such as bruises, welts or scars, especially if they appear symmetrically on two sides of the body
- Broken bones, sprains or dislocations
- Drug overdose report or failure to take medications regularly
- Broken eyeglasses
- Rope marks on wrists or other signs of restraint
- Caregivers refusal to allow elder to be seen alone
In addition to the signs you can see, there are also signs that you cannot see such as those relation to emotional, sexual, or neglect. Those signs include:
- Threatening or controlling behavior that you witness
- Behavior that mimics dementia such as rocking or mumbling
- Bruises on or around breasts or genitals
- Unexplained genital infections
- Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
- Torn, stained, or bloody under garmets
- Unusual weight loss or signs of improper eating
- Bed sores
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Personal hygiene being neglected
- Clothing not appropriate for weather
- Desertion of elder such as the mall, restaurant, or some other public place
- Significant withdrawals from the elder’s account
- Sudden change in the elder’s financial status
- Missing items from the elder’s household
- Changes in wills or power o attorney
- Name additions to elder’s signature card
- Unpaid bills even though there is money enough to pay for them
These signs are not all inclusive; however, they do present themselves the most.
Among all forms of abuse, there is yet another: Healthcare abuse and fraud. One would not think that their doctor’s office was trying to fraud them, but it happens more often that one would think. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Duplicate billing for the same service or device
- Evidence of over-medication or under medication
- Evidence of inadequate care when bills are paid in full
- Problems with the care facility such as poorly trained or insufficient staff, crowding, or inadequate responses to questions about care
If you suspect elder abuse, do not hesitate to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800 799-7233
Check back on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 for more on elder abuse
