Elder abuse can take many forms and often goes unnoticed or unreported. It’s important to be aware of the warning signs in order to protect seniors from harm and get them the help they need as soon as possible. Here are some common signs that indicate a senior may be experiencing abuse:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, and burns – Physical injuries that cannot be easily explained may be an indication of abuse.
- Emotional distress – Abusers can use psychological tactics such as intimidation and manipulation to control their victim, so look out for signs of fear, anxiety, depression, or withdrawal from social activities.
- Unusual financial transactions – Sudden changes in the elder’s financial status could point to someone taking advantage of them financially, so watch out for any suspicious activity that could indicate fraud or theft.
- Unmet basic needs – If an elder’s basic needs aren’t being met such as adequate food, clothing, or medical care then this may be a sign of neglect - another form of abuse - so look for these indicators.
- Overmedication – A common tactic used by abusers is overmedicating the elderly which can cause confusion, disorientation and other negative side effects - if medication seems excessive or unnecessary then investigate further!
If you suspect that someone is being abused, report it immediately and seek help from authorities who are trained to handle these situations with care and sensitivity.