What Are The Signs And Symptoms of Elder Abuse?

Experts note that there are some signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation which might alert family members, concerned friends or professionals to the possibility of problems. No one should jump to conclusions, but signs and symptoms should be taken seriously. What sometimes seems to be self-neglect often turns out to be elder abuse.

Among the signs to watch for:

1. Discrepancies between a person's standard of living and his/her financial assets, or a depletion of assets without adequate explanation. Money or personal items such as eyeglasses, jewelry, hearing aids, or dentures are missing without explanation,

2. Malnourishment and inadequate physical care, including dehydration or lack of food, poor hygiene, urine sores, or bed sores, or over-sedation.

3. Physical injuries, such as bruises, burn marks, welts, rope burns, tufts of hair missing, broken bones, none of which can be adequately explained.

4. Withdrawn, apathetic, fearful, or anxious behavior, particularly around certain persons. The victim may suddenly and without explanation express a desire not to visit or receive visits from family or friends.

5. Medical needs not attended to.

6. Sudden, unexplained changes in the victim's living arrangements, such as a younger person moving in to "care for" them shortly after meeting.

It is frequently very difficult to detect abuse. Typically, abusive behavior occurs in private and the victim may be unwilling or unable to describe the attacks. When reports are made, they are frequently not believed.