Abuse of the elderly can come in many different forms---physical, emotional, financial, neglect and sexual abuse. While it is often difficult to conceive that any elderly person would suffer from the hands of a predator, unfortunately it happens every day around the world. Elderly people may not be able to physically defend themselves like they once used to, making them at risk. With some, their mental capacity is limited or severely impaired, leaving them susceptible for someone else to take advantage of them.
Physical
Physical abuse can occur when another individual physically harms and hurts an elderly person. This can be from a spouse, caregiver, child or medical support person. There are visible signs to look for if you should ever suspect an elderly person may be being abused or hurt. Bruises, cuts, broken bones, welts or old scars that are visible on the face, arms or trunk or any part of the body may be a sign of abuse. Places that someone wouldn't likely have an accident that would leave a bruise such as the back of the arms, legs or middle of the body may signify that the elder is being abused by a caregiver or acquaintance.
Emotional
Emotional signs of elderly abuse can be devastating to witness. These signs may stem from an episode of physical or verbal abuse that the abused is trying to conceal or cover up. Isolation, crying, episodes of anger or lying may be some visible emotional signs that could manifest. Severe cases may cause the elderly person to regress into a childlike state of rocking, suckling, limited verbal contact or visible paranoia.
Financial
One sign of elderly abuse may be financial. This means that someone is suspected or clearly taking advantage of an older person's money or financial assets. Often this arises in families or situations with a caregiver or close family friend. They may try to trick the elderly person into giving them money or transferring their accounts into their name. It could also be a case of cashing their pension or social security checks or fraudulently gaining access to their checking or savings accounts. Aside of bills not getting paid or money missing, dislocated heirlooms or other valuable personal items such as jewelry and antiques could also be a sign of financial abuse and stealing.
Neglect
One clearly visible sign of abuse involving an elderly person is neglect. Neglect can mean abandoning an elderly person who needs around the clock care or is unable to drive, leave the home and run simple errands for themselves. The elderly person may appear physically neglected by being dirty, wearing unclean or soiled clothes, or living in a dirty environment or bed. Visible signs of malnutrition, being left with no food or no way to prepare meals may also be obvious. Visible wounds or insect infestations on and around the patient may also be signs of both physical and medical neglect and lack of care.
Sexual Abuse
Any signs or accusations of sexual abuse upon an elderly person is difficult to understand and manifest but it does exist and the signs may be the only way to get them the help they need. Clear signs of sexual abuse could be bruising or scrapes in and around the genital area, sudden visible signs of bumps or venereal disease in a non-sexually active adult, unusual discharge or itching from the genitals or visible bleeding. There may also be avoidance or anxiety of physical genital examinations or discussions. Any type of suspected abuse of any kind upon an adult should be reported immediately to the Department of Human Services or local police department.
