How To Detect Elderly Abuse

Have you ever wondered how you could detect elderly abuse?

We talk all the time about abuse on children and young woman, but the elderly people deal with abuse to0.

Elder abuse happens more often then people think we just do hear about it as often because it goes unnoticed.

I want to talk about ways we can spot elder abuse so we can help make a difference.

The elderly have so much to offer younger generations.

The thought of them being hurt sickens me.

So let’s jump in and learn how we can spot elderly abuse.

Elderly Abuse Goes Unnoticed

Elderly abuse goes unnoticed most of the time especially in nursing homes.

Why is this?

Because many times friends and family just do not have time to care for their loved ones so they take them to a nursing home and leave them.

Millions of elderly adults face abuse each year.

Studies show that 1 in 10 elderly adults 65 and older are abused in some way each year.

That’s just insane!

But what is worse is that 1 out of 24 cases will be reported.

Please do not let that be your loved one!

What Is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is when any induvial intentionally makes an act to cause any harm to an elderly person.

This can be things such as refusing them care, food, shelter, and medical help.

Elder abuse can also come in the forms of physical, emotional, or mental abuse.

This is usually a family member or staff of a nursing home, but can be anyone who is placed in the position to care for the person.

This could even be bullying them into signing their money and things over to them.

Also, when one meaningfully confines the movements of an elder without his consent.

Elder abuse is often reported most in nursing homes.

How To Detect Elderly Abuse

Aside from the obvious marks and bruises there are lots of other ways to detect elderly abuse.

You may notice changes to their appearance such as very poor condition of their skin, not looking for smelling fresh or clean, hair being oily or missing, maybe they wear glasses and those are often broken or missing.

Another sign that an older person is being abused is a change in behaviors such as depression, maybe they seem withdrawn, or confused, not keeping regular check ups or doctors appointments.

Noticing a change in banking or spending habits is another way you can detect that the care giver is abusing the person.

If the care giver is constantly mocking or humiliating the elderly person that’s another form of abuse.

How To Detect Elderly Neglect

If you notice that an elderly person has sores that haven’t been treated this is a huge sign that they are being neglected.

Showing significant signs of malnutrition such as rapid weight loss that has no explanation, feeling more weak or tired then normal, swelling or fluid accumulation without an explanation, and only able to eat small amounts at a time.

Signs of insanity are another good indicator that an elderly person is being neglected.

How To Detect Signs Of Emotional Abuse

If an elderly person is being emotionally abused they may display signs such as nervous behavior, constantly be upset or disturbed, they may have a negative attitude.

They could also seem to always have a lot of anxiety or show signs of insecurity.

If they are showing signs of insecurity its usually thing like sucking or biting fingers.

How To Detect Financial Abuse

Financial abuse can be detected by noticing withdraws from their account that have no explanation.

Maybe you see in an increase of spending on things that they normally wouldn’t purchase.

Noticing the care giver having new things or making unusual ATM withdraws.

If the elderly person is making withdrawals often.

Noticing that a pension or social security check isn’t being delivered.

Switching bank accounts suddenly could be another sign of financial abuse.

Signing contracts that results in unwanted financial commitment.

Suddenly changing will or beneficiaries with no valid reason.

Having unpaid bills when assets are able to cover them.

If you start seeing new credit cards or credit card charges.

How To Detect Signs Of Elderly Sexual Abuse

There are many different ways to tell if someone is being sexually abused.

Some of those ways can be easily spotted and others may take sometime to notice.

Things like anal or genital bleeding may not be things that are obvious if you aren’t caring for the persons hygiene needs.

However, if you are someone who helps out with doctors appointments pay close attention to what the doctor says because things like unexplained genital infections and bruising on the genital’s are clear signs something isn’t right.

Other signs might be that they tell you that they are being touched or that they are being made to touch someone.

They may also tell you that they are being made to watch pornographic material or pose for nude photos.

Make sure you listen and report it right away.

How Can You Prevent Abuse To Yourself As An Elder?

Keep and continue contacts with friends and neighbors.

Do not let someone push people out of your life.

Make sure to stay active and social with people around you.

Work out on a buddy system with other elders in your retirement home.

Make sure you tell somebody that these things are happening.

Ask that your friends and family to visit you often.

Make sure that you are opening all personal mail and paperwork on your own even if you think you can trust someone.

Do not sign anything unless it was reviewed by someone that you trust or a reliable attorney.

Review your will once in a while to make sure everything is the way you had it set up.

Have your pension or Social Security check deposited directly to your bank account instead of having it sent by mail.

How Can You Prevent Elderly Abuse?

Pay attention to the signs of the person that is in question.

Call your loved one as frequently as possible this will help give them the opportunity to be able to speak up.

Make sure to visit your loved one often and make certain that she is well taken cared of.

This may vary depending on your life situation, but I would recommend at least once a week or more.

This will also give them the chance to let you know something might be going on or even find out something isn’t quite right.

Always be open to your loved one by taking the time to talk to them and assure them that you are there to help and can be trusted.

This is important to ensure you keep a close and open relationship for them so they know they can trust you if they do need help.

Get permission to periodically look into your loved ones bank accounts as well as credit card statements for unauthorized withdrawals or transactions.

How To Get Help If You Or Someone You Know Is Suffering Abuse

This will very from state to state or depending on where you live.

However, calling your local police department is a great place to start.

The police departments should have resource numbers to reach someone who can help further.

If you don’t have luck with the police then you can always talk to your loved ones doctor who should also have numbers to help centers for elderly people.

Local hospitals are also another great place to call for help and resources.

Almost all states have information as well as a referral line that can be useful and helpful in locating and finding services for elder abuse and neglect victims.

I really hope that this helps you think about your loved ones who might be in a nursing home or even under questionable care by a family member or friend.

They need you to be there and check in on them.

Make regular visits even if they aren’t being abused.

Having someone there to talk to is always nice.

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