Can You Spot The Signs Of Elder Abuse?

Tens of thousands of elders fall victim to some form of abuse every year, and the abuse is very often at the hands of caregivers or close family members. The signs of elder abuse can be hard to recognize, for a couple of reasons. First, many of the signs overlap with what appear to be normal signs of aging frailty and mental decline. Second, the elderly are often under the direct supervision of caregivers, and abusive caregivers can explain away the symptoms of abuse, and keep the elderly victim isolated from other people.

Here are the basic categories of elder abuse, along with some symptoms.
While an occasional occurrence of one of the following may not be cause for concern, you should watch out for clusters of the following signs and behaviors:

Financial Abuse: Financial elder abuse is the unauthorized use of an elderly persons money or other assets. Signs include:

Belongings or money missing from the elders home

Sudden changes in bank balances, or in the elders overall financial status

Unexplained transfers of money

The making of a new will or power of attorney under suspicious
circumstances especially when a new, unfamiliar beneficiary is added.

Neglect: Neglect is simply failure of a caretaker to fulfill his or her obligations to meet an elders needs. Signs include:

Lack of proper personal hygiene

Unsanitary living conditions dirty home, dirty bedclothes, etc.

Bedsores

Lack of proper nutrition; sudden weight loss

The elder not being dressed appropriately for the weather
Physical Abuse: Physical elder abuse is the intentional (or non-accidental) use of force in such a way that causes pain, injury or impairment to an elder. Signs include:

Unexplained bruises or cuts

Broken bones

Marks on wrists indicating the improper use of restraints

Any indication that the elder is being over-medicated or is not being given medication as prescribed (too much medicine left in prescription bottle, etc.)

Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse is a situation in which a caregiver or another person speaks to or treats an elder in a way that causes emotional pain or distress. It can include verbal abuse, or it can include isolating the victim, ignoring him or her, or even terrorizing him or her. Signs include:

Witnessing a caregiver threaten, intimidate, or habitually blame an elderly person

Withdrawal on the part of the elder

The elder rocking, sucking, or mumbling to himself or herself

The elder behaving as if he or she is afraid of or intimidated by the caregiver
If you suspect that an elderly friend or loved one is being abused or neglected, contact your local adult protective services agency.

About the Author:

Robert J. Kulas, P.A. is a leading provider of expert estate and financial planning in Port St. Lucie, FL. For more information on elder abuse, visit our website.

Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Tags: elder law

, estate planning

, estate tax

, trust

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