Signs and Symptoms of Elder Abuse

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Abuse May 17th, 2013 3 min read

Signs and symptoms of Elder Abuse

At first, you might not recognize or take seriously signs of elder abuse. They may appear to be symptoms of dementia or signs of the elderly person’s frailty — or caregivers may explain them to you that way. In fact, many of the signs and symptoms of elder abuse do overlap with symptoms of mental deterioration, but that doesn’t mean you should dismiss them on the caregiver’s say-so.

General signs of abuse

The following are warning signs of some kind of elder abuse:

Frequent arguments or tension between the caregiver and the elderly person
Changes in personality or behavior in the elder

If you suspect elderly abuse, but aren’t sure, look for clusters of the following physical and behavioral signs.

Physical abuse

Unexplained signs of injury such as bruises, welts, or scars, especially if they appear symmetrically on two side of the body
Broken bones, sprains, or dislocations
Report of drug overdose or apparent failure to take medication regularly (a prescription has more remaining than it should)
Broken eyeglasses or frames
Signs of being restrained, such as rope marks on wrists
Caregiver’s refusal to allow you to see the elder alone

Emotional abuse

In addition to the general signs above, indications of emotional elder abuse include:

Threatening, belittling, or controlling caregiver behavior that you witness
Behavior from the elder that mimics dementia, such as rocking, sucking, or mumbling to oneself

Sexual abuse

Bruises around breasts or genitals
Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections
Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing

Neglect by caregivers or self-neglect

Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration
Untreated physical problems, such as bed sores
Unsanitary living conditions: dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes
Being left dirty or unbathed
Unsuitable clothing or covering for the weather
Unsafe living conditions (no heat or running water; faulty electrical wiring, other fire hazards)
Desertion of the elder at a public place

Financial exploitation

Significant withdrawals from the elder’s accounts
Sudden changes in the elder’s financial condition
Items or cash missing from the senior’s household
Suspicious changes in wills, power of attorney, titles, and policies
Addition of names to the senior’s signature card
Unpaid bills or lack of medical care, although the elder has enough money to pay for them
Financial activity the senior couldn’t have done, such as an ATM withdrawal when the account holder is bedridden
Unnecessary services, goods, or subscriptions

Healthcare fraud and abuse

Duplicate billings for the same medical service or device
Evidence of over medication or under medication
Evidence of inadequate care when bills are paid in full
Problems with the care facility: poorly trained, poorly paid, or insufficient staff; crowding; inadequate responses to questions about care

– from Steven Peck, Senior Attorney at Peck Law Group

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.