Elderly Abuse-recongnize The Signs of Abuse

The elderly deserve respect after a life time of hard work. Elders have earned the right to enjoy mental peace and good quality health care in their old age, but when neglect or abuse takes place to the mix, there is little hope for them to enjoy ones golden years.

Here are some of the Signs of Elder Abuse:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse against the elderly is most likely committed by a relative. For example, unexplained broken bones, bruising. Physical abuse can be acts of violence; acts like shaking and slapping. Physical abuse can have health consequences when committed against vulnerable elders. Factors influencing physical elder abuse include mental health problems, childhood abuse and social isolation for the abused.

Emotional Abuse

Many forms of emotional abuse can occur such as verbal insults, threats, ridicule and harassment are all forms of emotional elder abuse. Emotional elder abuse is more likely to be committed by relatives or caregiver of the victim; professionals are more likely to engage in fraud or financial abuse of the elder. Sometimes the elder person can suffer from many conditions that many contribute to emotional abuse. Friends and family members may have negative reactions and be frustrated.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can occur with elders. Sexual assaults and rape are more likely to be committed against seniors. Elders are more likely to engage in sexual abuse by their caregiver. Sexual abuse patterns include a history of sexual assault in the abuser.

Neglect

Neglect is a form of elder abuse. Neglect occurs when a person trusted with the care of elder fails to provide required services to the elder. For example, if a caregiver or relative fails to provide the necessary meals to a disabled home resident, malnutrition may occur also. That caregiver may be guilty of neglect. The factors most likely to influence neglect include emotionally stressed caregivers, overly busy relatives and under-staffed care facilities. These are some of the signs of elderly abuse.

Financial Abuse and Fraud

Financial abuse and fraud are common forms of elder abuse. Financial abuse maybe committed by anyone close to the elder, whether they are professionals, caregivers, family members or friends. Financial abuse may include theft (e.g. take $50 out of the Seniors wallet or purse), denial of services (not giving the elder something they paid for), or fraud.

Financial abuse is most likely to occur when the senior has handed control of their accounts over to a caregiver or relative or when the abuser stands to inherit money from the senior.