Elder abuse is a serious issue that many older adults face in the United States. It can range from being physically abused to emotionally manipulated, but regardless of the type is still upsetting and damaging.
If you are concerned about elder abuse, you need to know the signs. Since there are so many kinds of abuse, you may need to look for signs of:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Financial abuse
- Abandonment
Below are five of the most common signs that you should watch out for.
Changes in behavior
One of the first signs of abuse is a major change in behavior. An elderly person may act withdrawn or depressed, confused or combative. If this is out of character, look into the cause.
Unexplained injuries
Unexplained burns, scars, bruises, broken bones or other injuries should be fully investigated.
Malnourishment and dehydration
To a degree, malnourishment and dehydration are more common in the elderly population as a result of changes to the body as it ages. However, obviously malnourished and dehydrated elders who did not have previous problems eating or drinking should throw up a major red flag.
Unusual banking statements
If you have access to your loved one’s finances and notice big withdrawals or changes in spending, you may want to look into where that money is going and if it’s being spent appropriately. Often times, elder financial abuse occurs when an older adult is financially exploited by friends, family members, or caregivers like nursing home staff.
Bed sores and lesions
Bed sores and lesions on the skin are unacceptable in a care setting. These injuries tend to show that your loved one is not being moved regularly enough or is being handled roughly enough for the skin to tear and break. If you start to notice signs of bed sores or lesions, it’s time to take action.
These are five signs of elder abuse that you may come across. Speak with your loved one about your concerns. If you believe that abuse or neglect is taking place, call 911 if your loved one is in immediate danger. Then, take time to learn more about your legal options and steps to get them out of a dangerous situation.
California trust and elder financial abuse litigation is a complicated area of law, with many potential pitfalls for the nonprofessional and even attorneys who are not familiar with the intricacies of probate law and civil litigation. If you feel like you have a financial elder abuse case, please contact attorney Andrew Kienle at 866-718-7148 or visit our website for more information.