Elder Abuse - Possible Indicators of Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation
The following descriptions are not necessarily proof of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. But they may be clues that a problem exists, and that a report needs to be made to law enforcement or Adult Protective Services.
Physical Signs
- Injury that has not been cared for properly
- Injury that is inconsistent with explanation for its cause
- Pain from touching
- Cuts, puncture wounds, burns, bruises, welts
- Dehydration or malnutrition without illness-related cause
- Poor coloration
- Sunken eyes or cheeks
- Inappropriate administration of medication
- Soiled clothing or bed
- Frequent use of hospital or health care/doctor-shopping
- Lack of necessities such as food, water, or utilities
- Lack of personal effects, pleasant living environment, personal items
- Forced isolation
Behavioral Signs
- Fear
- Anxiety, agitation
- Anger
- Isolation, withdrawal Depression
- Non-responsiveness, resignation, ambivalence
- Contradictory statements, implausible stories
- Hesitation to talk openly
- Confusion or disorientation
Signs by Caregiver
- Prevents elder from speaking to or seeing visitors
- Anger, indifference, aggressive behavior toward elder
- History of substance abuse, mental illness, criminal behavior, or family violence
- Lack of affection toward elder
- Flirtation or coyness as possible indicator of inappropriate sexual relationships
- Conflicting accounts of incidents
- Withholds affection
- Talks of elder as a burden
Signs of Financial Abuse
- Frequent expensive gifts from elder to caregiver
- Elder's personal belongings, papers, credit cards missing
- Numerous unpaid bills
- A recent will when elder seems incapable of writing will
- Caregiver's name added to bank account
- Elder unaware of monthly income
- Elder signs on loan
- Frequent checks made out to "cash"
- Unusual activity in bank account
- Irregularities on tax return
- Elder unaware of reason for appointment with banker or attorney
- Caregiver's refusal to spend money on elder
- Signatures on checks or legal documents that do not resemble elder's signature
