- Image by Borya via Flickr
Watching out for a senior friend or family member is something we can all do, and while a lot is said about what to do in the case of elder neglect not as much is said about the symptoms. While one may be worried about reporting a problem and being wrong, at times it is better to be safe and wrong, than right and have done nothing.
Protecting those who may not be able to protect themselves is a responsible act, and while being fearful of repercussions and being wrong it is still important to step up to the plate if there is a chance someone you know may be harmed.
Some signs of physical abuse that can be present are:
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- Unexplained signs of injury such as bruises, welts, or scars, especially if they appear symmetrically on two side of the body
- Broken bones, sprains, or dislocations
- Report of drug overdose or apparent failure to take medication regularly (a prescription has more remaining than it should)
- Broken eyeglasses or frames
- Signs of being restrained, such as rope marks on wrists
- Caregiver’s refusal to allow you to see the elder alone
While not all abuse may be physical, or leave any obvious signs you can still watch out for the other signs of abuse as well. The website HelpGuide.org (where the list above also came from) may prove to be very valuable in easing or even (unfortunately) confirming your concerns.
Tags: Abuse, Elder, elderly, elderly activities, elderly appreciation, elderly care, elderly independence, elderly living, Health, Old age, quality of life, senior citizens
