Elder abuse can present differently hence, hard to spot or identify. The common red flags of elder abuse can range from physical injuries, behavioral changes in the victim, unconsented financial transactions, and others.
Most victims of elder abuse fear reporting their abusers because of different reasons, such as fearing perpetrators, lack of awareness about elder abuse, and more. Consequently, it’s important to watch out for your elderly loved ones for signs of elder abuse and involve an experienced elder abuse attorney if they’re experiencing elder abuse.
Red Flags of Elder Abuse
A strange and sudden change in the mental, physical, and financial well-being of an elderly person can indicate the existence of elder abuse. The specific signs of elder abuse can vary by case. However, the common signs or symptoms that your loved one is a victim of elder abuse can include:
- Physical injuries, such as bruises, cuts, and broken bones;
- Unexplained weight loss or malnourishment;
- Unhygienic behaviors;
- Anxiety, depression, and confusion;
- Unexplained financial transactions or money loss;
- Withdrawal symptoms–avoiding family members and friends.
Family members should constantly watch over their elderly loved ones to prevent caregiver elder abuse. Any signs of elder abuse should be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Elder Abuse Risk Factors
Although all elderly people are susceptible to elder abuse, some have a greater risk of suffering elder abuse than others. The common risk factors for elder abuse include:
1. Age
A study conducted by the Northwestern and Rush Universities in 2014 showed that senior citizens aged 75 years or more are the common victims of elder abuse.
2. Overdependence on a Caregiver
Humans are social beings by default. Consequently, a senior citizen will automatically find a way to kill boredom and who else can that be if a caregiver is the only person around. A caregiver with a criminal mind can take advantage of an elderly person’s predicament to commit elder abuse.
3. Gender
A 2014 study done in Chicago found that women suffer from elder abuse more than men. Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that women are subjected to more severe forms of elder abuse over longer periods.
4. Health Status
The health status of a senior citizen can be an aggravating factor for elder abuse. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) found that roughly 50% of the elderly people with mental illnesses–particularly are often subjected to elder abuse or neglect.
5. Isolating Elderly People
A recent report from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) showed that the U.S is home to over 13 million elderly people. The NCOA noted that isolating elders or making them live alone increases the risk of elder abuse.
Elder Abuse by Type
Elder abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, or more. However, the signs of abuse can vary by case and that’s why some seniors may be victims of different types of elder abuse.
1. Physical Abuse
Physical elder abuse occurs when an elderly person is abused through beatings, being hit with blunt objects, or any other activity that causes physical injuries to an elderly person.
Indicators of Physical Elder Abuse
Physical abuse is arguably the most common type of elder abuse and its signs can include:
- Bone fractures;
- Bruises and welts;
- Burn injuries;
- Cuts and scratches;
- Head injuries or concussions;
- Pressured sores.
Caregivers and caregiver facilities typically blame their mistakes or shortcomings on something else when accused of elder abuse. Consequently, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs of elder abuse.
2. Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse does not leave physical scars although it can be as damaging as physical injuries to an elderly person. Acts of emotional abuse can include shouting or screaming, verbal or gesture threats, or instilling fear in an elderly person.
Indicators of Emotional Abuse
- Hesitating to speak;
- Sudden withdrawal from loved ones;
- Implausible stories about injuries;
- Anxiety, short temper, depression, or fear.
Family members should ensure the emotional well-being of their aged loved one is not violated. It should be noted that emotional abuse could be happening if an elderly person is no longer happy like they use to be or moody.
3. Financial Abuse
Financial abuse can be hard to detect because it doesn’t impact the physical and emotional health of the victim, unlike the other forms of elder abuse. Unfortunately, financial abuse can leave the victim unable to afford their most basic needs, such as health care. A trusted person should always ensure an elderly person’s accounts and finances are well maintained.
Indicators of Financial Abuse
- Unexplained transactions in bank statements;
- Denied access to financial records;
- The victim gifts or rewards caregivers for companionship;
- Unreasonable financial decisions, such as bequeathing a caregiver without consultation.
Never brush off any red flags of elder abuse because elderly people do not deserve to suffer thanks to their vulnerability. You should report any signs or red flags of elder abuse to the necessary authorities and hold perpetrators responsible for their actions.