Signs of Potential Elder Abuse
- Unusual or unexplained injuries (cuts, bruises, burns)
- Unkempt appearance
- Pressure or bed sores
- Confined against their will (tied to furniture or locked in room)
- Dehydration or malnutrition without a medical cause
- Fear
- Withdrawal
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Visits to many doctors or hospitals
- Strange and inconsistent explanations for injuries
- Helplessness
- Hesitation to talk openly
Symptoms of an Abuser
- Verbally, assoulting, abusing or threatening the older person
- Concerned only with the older person's financial situation and not their health or well-being
- Problems with alcohol or drug abuse
- Not allowing the older person to speak for himself or herself
- Blaming the older person
- Attitudes of indifference or anger toward the older person
- Socially isolating the older person from others
