Key Takeaways
- It’s essential to identify the subtle signs of abuse towards the elderly so that you can offer help when you need it.
- Abuse of the Elderly has physical, psychological and financial ramifications, all of which can have serious consequences.
- Taking proactive steps will help to prevent and eliminate all forms of Elder Abuse in a short amount of time.
Introduction
Elder abuse is serious and can cause long-lasting negative effects on individuals and families. However, there are many subtle signs of abuse that often go unnoticed. It is critical to identify both the obvious signs and subtle signs of abuse in order to help prevent continued abuse and keep the individual from suffering. This article covers many forms of elder abuse that may be experienced by seniors.
The ability of professionals to identify warning signs of elder abuse is essential for professionals; however, it also gives family members, friends, and neighbors the tools to act as a support and the first line of defense for older adults who may be abused. Many older adults are afraid to report abuse due to embarrassment, fear, or the inability to do so because of a cognitive issue. As emphasized by advocates like Claudette Spinelli Schwartz, harmful acts against the elderly can include physical harm, emotional pain, or financial exploitation and may be hidden by many normal things, such as daily activities and routines. Understanding this is essential for early intervention, greater awareness, and creating a safer, more supportive environment for the dignity of older individuals.
It is estimated that there are millions of older adults who experience abuse every year in the United States, and the number may actually be much higher because many instances of elder abuse go unreported. It is important to be aware of the signs of elder abuse so you can detect it when the signs are not immediately apparent. A caregiver may use attentive behaviour to cover up neglect or manipulation.
The Physical Signs of Elder Abuse
Not every bruise or injury indicates abuse; however, multiple unexplained bruises/injuries may indicate a larger issue at hand. Recent bruises and/or healed bruises may indicate the potential for other recent bruises and/or possible abuse. In addition to bruising, there are various other ways in which an individual’s freedom may be restricted, so physical evidence should be thoroughly examined for restrictions on the individual’s body (i.e., areas where the individual may have been tied or restrained, and evidence of bruising on ankle/wrist areas). If an individual has developed bedsores (decubitus ulcers), it is likely due to the individual’s lack of access to appropriate medical care (this is especially true for elderly individuals, because the limitations of their immobility restrict their ability to obtain adequate medical care).
The indicators of neglect of an elderly person will be significant and/or sudden weight loss, consistent dehydration, and consistently poor hygiene will likely point to neglect by the caregiver of the elderly person (if there are no medical reasons for these changes). These conditions need to be treated with diligence and care for the dignity and privacy of the elderly person.
Indicators of Emotional Abuse and Behavioural Changes
Although there are no physical signs of emotional abuse, it is often the most damaging kind of abuse to the victim; in addition, it is also the hardest to detect. When an older person suddenly stops participating in social activities, becomes depressed, or displays unstable moods, these changes often indicate emotional problems created by neglect or abuse. Pay particular attention to an older person’s sudden change in personality—an anxious, fearful, hesitant-to-speak-around-people characteristic will usually indicate the presence of feelings of fear or suspicion towards others, particularly those who are caregivers. The presence of minor changes in an elder such as becoming more introverted, expressing concern about finances, or showing less interest in his or her favourite activities can be signs that something is wrong. Even when the signs are minor, such subtle changes require further inquiry and gentle supportive assistance.
Subtle Signs of Financial Exploitation
Because financial exploitation can be so subtle, it may be overlooked at first glance. For example, one might notice unpaid bills, an elder suddenly having much more money than he or she had, or suddenly they have new “friends” or “best friends” who are now involved in some way in the elder’s life. Unusual bank withdrawals must be taken seriously because they could be evidence of abuse. The same applies to sudden changes or amendments made to the elder’s will or property title. Additionally, unpaid utility bills, as well as unpaid caregiving expenses, should be further investigated. Individuals who have diminished capacity are particularly vulnerable to being manipulated by individuals outside their family or social circle, as well as those within their family or social circle.
Family members and trustworthy persons should review an older person’s financial history on a regular basis to look for inconsistencies between what is on record with a financial institution and the person’s known expenses.
AARP has additional recommendations on how to identify and prevent financial abuse.
Environmental and Care-Related Indicators
An elder’s environment is a good clue about the elder’s health and well-being. If an elder is living in a dirty or cluttered home or does not have the basic necessities of life available (including sanitary conditions), it can indicate neglect. The absence of mobility aids, medication, glasses, or hearing aids can also be a sign that those needs are not being met for an elder, even if the elder is in an assisted living situation. Family members and caregivers should confirm that there are handrails and hand holds in place for safety reasons, and to ensure that food and clean water are always available.
Social isolation is another clue; if an elder is not allowed to see visitors or communicate with family or friends, that is frequently another method of preventing the elder from reporting or seeking assistance for being abused. It is important to be mindful of both the physical and emotional condition of an elder in evaluating their care.
Preventative Measures and Intervention
Open communication, education, and monitoring are critical to preventing exploitation of seniors or vulnerable individuals, and that two or three times a year, friends or family members visit without giving notice. Building a good relationship with the elder is another way to deter abuse.
Another key component of prevention has to do with community education for both caregivers and families about recognising the signs of abuse before it becomes an issue. When individuals who are in a position to observe an elder’s behaviour or community become educated about signs of abuse, the likelihood of such enriching experiences being exploited or neglected is reduced dramatically.
When an individual believes they or another elder has been abused, they should document any observable signs of abuse and report those suspicions to either the local police department or the appropriate agency, such as Adult Protective Services (APS). Once law enforcement and APS are notified of the potential risk of exploitation to a senior, an investigation will likely lead to saving the elder from further exploitation and will create accountability for the exploiters. The urgency associated with early intervention is significant, as even a small number of early intervention actions can dramatically increase the probability of improving an elder’s quality of life.
Conclusion
Elderly depend on us for identifying any potential signs that indicate Financial, Physical or Emotional Abuse is taking place. Friends, Family and Professional Caregivers should help their senior loved ones by being aware and developing their own level of awareness as well as to provide support for those who may be at risk. They should feel comfortable reaching out for help as needed. As a community, we have a responsibility to take action to prevent and stop the occurrence of Financial, Physical or Emotional Abuse for all seniors and provide each senior the right to a life without worry about their safety.