Elderly Abuse, Mistreatment and Neglect

Posted by: matthew

Denise Williams, Client Care Manger for All Valley Senior Home Care in Escondido, California shares some helpful information about elder abuse, mistreatment and neglect. As a Vida Certified Home Care Agency manager Denise is trained to look for the signs and prevent elder abuse to her clients.

Elder abuse is a problem that has no boundaries. It is the criminal mistreatment of an elderly person generally caused by someone known to the senior, although it can also be committed by anyone who preys on the vulnerability of a senior citizen. This type of abuse is often difficult to discover because it is generally committed by family members or close friends of the victim. Elders are more vulnerable to mistreatment due to several factors such as loneliness or diminishing physical or mental capacities. Elder abuse can take the form of or a combination of physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect or abandonment, self neglect, and or financial abuse.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is defined as the improper use of physical force that may or does result in bodily harm, injury, physical pain, or restraint of an individual. The existence of these warning signs doesn’t necessarily mean abuse has occurred, but should be construed as signs that an investigation may be required.

Examples of physical abuse include:

• Unexplained or incompatible injuries, lacerations, fractures, welts, bruises, discoloration or swelling.
• Pain or tenderness upon mere touch.
• Burns caused by cigarettes, hot water or ropes.
• Detached retina, bleeding or scalp wounds.
• Elder becomes withdrawn or protective of the suspect.
• Injuries that reflect the outline of an object such as a belt, hand, utensil, etc.

Emotional Abuse

The intentional or reckless infliction of psychological pain, injury, suffering or distress through verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, intimidation or isolation causing mental or emotional trauma or fear. This can be accomplished through exclusion from most outside contact causing the senior to distrust ultimately everyone except for the abuser. While damage inflicted by physical abuse may be obvious, the effects of psychological abuse are much more difficult to detect. Families and friends should always suspect and monitor the behavior of their senior loved one’s for emotional abuse if these warning signs are noticed:

• Unusually depressed and not acting like oneself.
• Confused or extremely forgetful.
• Unexplained mood changes and anger.
• Fear of being touched or approached by others.
• Unusually withdrawn and introverted, afraid or secretive.
• Hesitant to speak freely.

Neglect or Abandonment

The desertion or failure to provide the care and treatment or safety of an elderly person by an individual responsible for providing their care. This includes failure to provide shelter, food, clothing, medical care, personal hygiene or even help with activities of daily living. Again, with this type of mistreatment, it is often times difficult to detect. The following are possible reasons to suspect there may be an occurrence of neglect happening.

• Poor skin condition, dirty or foul smelling.
• Dirty, uncombed or matted hair.
• Malnourished or dehydrated.
• Sudden unexplained weight loss.
• Lack of necessities, including eyeglasses, dentures, prostheses, hearing aids, canes, walkers or other critical items.

Self Neglect

Self-neglect is the personal behavior or inability of an elder that threatens his or her own health or safety who does not have care provided to them by someone else. Self neglect is not a crime, however if you suspect a senior is not getting the proper care required it should be reported so that authorities can assist them in obtaining the help they need.

Financial Abuse

The illegal or improper use of an elder’s funds, property, or assets or the conversion or misappropriation of such property for uses other than for those of the elder. Almost all of us have heard or read stories or may even know of an elderly person who has become the victim of financial abuse. A family member or friend who was responsible for the elder’s best interest suddenly sells their home and property. Keeping all of the money for themselves and leaving very little for the senior to live from thereby decreasing their quality of life. This is a tragic occurrence that happens all too often in the lives of the elderly.

Warning signs that an elder may have been taken advantage of financially:

• Unusual bank account activity (withdrawals from ATM’s).
• Signatures on checks that do not resemble the account owners.
• Checks or legal documents signed when the elder cannot write or understand.
• Numerous unpaid bills when someone else has been designated to pay the bills.
• Changes in spending patterns or items purchased they do not use.
• The appearance of a stranger who tries to begin a close relationship.

Elder abuse is often times subtle and as such, the abuser often relies on the vulnerability of the individual as well as the reluctance of outsiders to address any questions of mental capacity, consent or undue influence. If you suspect that a family member, friend or neighbor is being abused in any way, it is always best to error on the side of caution. Please report all possible elder abuse to the proper authorities, visit the National National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse or call Adult Protective Services.

If you would like more information about elder abuse or need help with a loved one or friend you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!