By Kent Berk on September 26th, 2013 in
Elder abuse is a serious matter, but it often goes unreported. Why? People often simply don’t recognize the signs of elder abuse.
At Berk Law Group, P.C., we’ve seen the devastation that can occur when a loved one is abused, neglected or exploited. We’ve compiled the following warning signs of elder abuse from the Arizona Attorney General. If you recognize one or more of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to report the abuse and contact us or an experienced elder law attorney for assistance.
Physical abuse: This type of abuse involves intentionally causing physical pain or injury. The warning signs of physical abuse include:
- Unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, sores, or abrasions in unexpected places on the body
- Bruising or other injuries in different stages of healing
- Cigar or cigarette burns
- Rope burns on the wrists or ankles
- Injury that is not being cared for properly
- Dehydration or malnutrition that is not disease-related
- Poor coloration
- Repeated time lapses between sustaining an injury and receiving treatment
- Injuries that do not match the explanation for their causes
Sexual abuse: This type of abuse involves any kind of non-consensual sexual contact. The warning signs of sexual abuse include:
- Unexplained genital injuries, infections, or sexually transmitted diseases
- Difficulty sitting or walking
- Vulnerable adult is withdrawn, shameful, and fears touching
Emotional abuse: This type of abuse involves intentionally inflicting mental pain and anguish through verbal or nonverbal acts. These acts can include name calling, ignoring, isolation, or demeaning behavior. The warning signs include:
- Vulnerable adult is hesitant or fearful or speaking in front of the caregiver
- Cowering, agitation, withdrawal, or lack of eye contact
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Anger
- Low self-esteem
Financial abuse: Financial abuse involves the caregiver or another illegally or improperly using the vulnerable adult’s resources. The warning signs include:
- Unusual bank activity
- Concern from the adult about missing funds from his/her accounts
- Inability of the adult to remember signing paperwork or making transactions
- Frequent expensive gifts to the caregiver
- A large number of unpaid bills
- Missing credit cards or account statements
- A recently written will or trust, when the adult seems incapable of creating one
- Changes to ownership of bank accounts when the adult is incapacitated
- Changes to beneficiary designations when the vulnerable adult is incapacitated
Neglect: Neglect is a type of abuse that involves the deterioration of the vulnerable adult’s physical or mental health. Deprivation of food, water, medication, medical care, and shelter are considered neglect. Signs of neglect can include:
- Bedsores
- Unkempt or insufficient clothes
- Dirt, fleas, or lice on the body
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Soiled bedding or clothing
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Improper administration of medication
For a complete list of the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and other information, visit the Arizona Attorney General Elder Abuse Information and Training Guide. And, read our Elder Law in Arizona article to learn more about the laws that protect vulnerable adults and some of the remedies available to deal with financial exploitation.