Elder Abuse: How You Can Recognize The Important Signs

Elder abuse is more prevalent than you think. There are many types of abuse —physical, emotional, financial, neglect and abandonment. According to the National Institute on Aging, 1 in 10 senior citizens are the victims of elder abuse.

Abuse can happen to any older person by a loved one, care giver, or a stranger. In most cases the aged adult being abused does not report it out of fear and helplessness. The toll is severe and takes the form of debilitating health, and sometimes even death.

Elder Abuse: Signs To Look For

According to the NIA, these warning signs should spur you to action:

• Seems depressed, confused or withdrawn
• isolated from friends and family
• has unexplained bruises, burns, or scars
• appears dirty, underfed, dehydrated
• not receiving prescribed medications
• bed sores or other troublesome body marks
• recent changes in spending or banking patterns