Common Signs of Elder Abuse and What to Do

The mistreatment of older adults is a highly distressing and pervasive problem that affects people of a certain age all around the world. Physical, psychological, monetary, and inattentive kinds of abuse are all possible. Let’s look into the 6 most prevalent indications of elder abuse and how to react if you have suspicions.

Physical Injuries That Cannot Be Explained

One of the most obvious and alarming indications of elder abuse is the existence of physical injuries on the bodies of older adults that cannot be explained. Bruises, burns, fractures, or wounds are some of the possible manifestations of these injuries, and the genesis of these injuries can frequently be traced back to direct physical abuse or poor treatment. One of the things that makes this indication particularly concerning is the possibility that it will be repeated.

How to Proceed

When you observe a physical injury that cannot be explained, you can approach the older adult with care and compassion, avoiding any tone that could be construed as combative. Document the injuries by taking photographs or writing extensive descriptions of them. This will help preserve evidence and assist investigators in their investigations. Your concerns can be reported as soon as possible to the proper authorities, such as Adult Protective Services or the local police, to guarantee a prompt reaction that will safeguard the older adult from further damage.

Alterations in Emotional State

As a result of the fact that it frequently targets the victim’s emotional well-being, elder abuse can be extremely destructive in a covert manner. Even though emotional abuse may not leave visible scars, it can still result in significant psychological pain. Be on the lookout for changes in the older adult’s emotional state, such as an increase in fear, worry, despair, or a withdrawal from social interactions. Substantial and sudden changes in their mental state may be an indication that they have been subjected to emotional abuse.

How to Proceed

It is important to initiate conversations that are empathic and non-judgmental to encourage the older person to talk about their experiences and feelings.

Being a steady and encouraging presence in their lives will help them feel safe enough to talk about how they’re feeling. Consider getting professional assistance from a therapist or counselor who is trained in dealing with abuse-related trauma in situations when you suspect that someone has been emotionally abused.

Leverage of Financial Resources

Abuse of elders in the form of financial mistreatment is another common form of elder abuse that can have significant and severe effects. Always keep a close eye out for any changes that may occur in the financial situation of the older person. A person may be exploited financially if they experience unexpected and inexplicable changes in their financial condition if they make unauthorized withdrawals or transactions, if they lose assets, or if they misuse their credit cards or bank accounts.

How to Proceed

Conduct regular reviews of the older person’s financial statements and have a conversation with them about any actions or discrepancies that appear to be questionable. If you have reason to think that an older adult is being exploited financially, you can immediately report the matter to the appropriate authorities and, if necessary, investigate the possibility of taking legal action to safeguard the older adult’s financial interests.

Neglect and a Lack of Proper Hygiene

One of the most upsetting forms of elder abuse is neglect, which occurs when an individual’s fundamental requirements, such as having access to sufficient food, drink, shelter, and cleanliness, are either ignored or undermined. For example, a considerable loss of weight, dehydration, a messy look, living arrangements that are not sanitary, or the untreated worsening of preexisting medical disorders are all indicators that the individual has been neglected.

How to Proceed

Take measures to ensure that the older person has access to enough nutrition, medical treatment, and a living environment that is both clean and comfortable. You can discuss your worries with the carer who is responsible for their well-being, and you can emphasize how important it is to meet their fundamental need. If the elderly person continues to be neglected, you cannot be afraid to report it to Adult Protective Services or another organization that is similar in your area. 

Isolation and Containment of Others

Older adults who are victims of abuse can be purposefully cut off from their support networks, which may include their family and friends. It is also possible that they will be restricted in their ability to communicate, connect with other people, or gain access to necessary resources. Pay close attention to any indications that they are suffering from social isolation, sudden restrictions on their use of the internet or phone, or a loss of independence.

How to Proceed

It is important to maintain meaningful and persistent ties with the older person and to encourage them to maintain regular contact with their loved ones and community. Be on the lookout for any limits that are not typical that may be placed on their activities, communications, or travels. When there is reason to believe that an older adult is being restricted or isolated, it is important to seek assistance from local support organizations or legal authorities to restore the individual’s freedom and social interactions.

Threats or Intimidation 

An older person may experience a great deal of distress because of verbal threats and intimidation, even though they frequently do not share their experiences. In situations where an elderly person is being cared for by family members or carers, it is of the utmost importance to remain watchful for indications of verbal abuse, such as screaming, intimidation, or humiliation.

How to Proceed

Encourage communication that is both open and honest with the elderly person to make them feel safe and comfortable expressing the issues that they are facing. Noting the dates, times, and circumstances of any instances of verbal abuse, you can keep a record of any such incidents. Any instances of verbal abuse can be reported to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. If you want to make sure that the elderly person is safe in the future, the importance of elder abuse lawyers cannot be underestimated. 

Conclusion

The mistreatment of older adults is a serious problem that requires our highest attention and action as a society. You can play a crucial role in the protection of our senior loved ones and in ensuring that they can spend their later years with the dignity and respect that they deserve if you respond to these indicators in a fast and effective manner. If you have any reason to think that an older adult is being abused, you cannot be afraid to seek assistance from the authorities, support organizations, or legal professionals to protect the older adult who is being abused.