Elder abuse is a serious issue that affects millions of older adults every year. Some common types of elder abuse include financial exploitation, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, abandonment, threats, isolation, property damage, and neglect.
There are several signs and patterns that indicate an elderly person is being abused. It’s important to note that some forms of abuse might be more difficult to see. If you notice these red flags, contact local authorities and an elder abuse lawyer immediately.
1. Unexplained Injuries
Someone mistreating an elderly person may cause injuries that are not medically explainable. Perhaps this could be someone physically restraining the person or beating them. It could also be the caregiver neglecting to treat the person’s wounds, which then become infected. If you notice unexplained injuries on an elderly person, it could be a sign of abuse.
2. Weight Loss
Many elderly residents suffer from loss of appetite due to health conditions. However, if you notice an elderly person has lost a large amount of weight without explanation, it could be a red flag. This could be due to someone withholding food from them. It could also be because the person is too old or weak to feed themselves. Another reason for weight loss is a lack of money to buy nutritious food, which could be a sign of financial abuse.
3. Poor Hygiene and Body Odor
If you notice your loved one’s caregiver is not providing them with clean clothes and bathing them, it could be a red flag. Some people mistreat elderly people and do not take care of their personal hygiene when they are unable to take care of themselves. If a person is not bathing, their body odor may be very strong.
4. Depression
Depression is a very common condition in elderly people. However, if you notice a person is exhibiting signs of depression for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of abuse. This could be caused by your loved one feeling trapped in their situation. The person may seem withdrawn, feel helpless, lack joy and pleasure in life, lose interest in activities, feel guilty, and have feelings of worthlessness and depression.
5. Withdrawing from Social Activities
If you notice your loved one has stopped attending social activities, it could be a sign of abuse. Some people mistreat an older person and try to isolate them from their friends and family. A person may be lonely and desire social interaction, but they are unable to attend events because their abuser is controlling their schedule.
6. Loss of Money
If you notice an elderly person has lost a significant amount of money and is unable to explain why, it could be a sign of abuse. Some people may mistreat an elderly person by taking their money or misuse it. These individuals may also encourage your loved one to give away money to others. Some seniors have paid off their mortgages and are living off of social security checks and savings. These people may be very easy to manipulate and take advantage of financially.
7. Dislike of Certain Caregivers
If you notice an elderly person dislikes a specific caregiver, it could be a sign of abuse. If your loved one normally likes their caregivers, this could be a sign that there is something else going on. It might be worth monitoring their interactions to see if you can identify abusive or neglectful behaviors.
Consult the Elder Abuse Lawyers at Dalli & Marino Today
Elder abuse is a serious problem. If you notice any of these signs in an elderly person, it is important to report it to authorities. The sooner abuse is reported, the more likely it is to be addressed. You can also hire an elder abuse lawyer to help you report the abuse and protect the rights of the person being mistreated. With the assistance of an attorney, you may be able to legally hold the abuser accountable and better ensure the person being abused is given the help they need.
If you suspect a loved one is being abused, you can contact Dalli & Marino, LLP to take legal action. Our elder abuse lawyers can assess the situation to see if you might have a case for compensation. For more information about elder abuse cases involving assisted living and/or nursing home care, contact us online or call (888) 465-8790. We also speak Spanish.
