Signs of Elder Abuse: What to Look For
Detecting the signs of elder abuse is important. In 2024, elder abuse remains a serious public health concern that impacts millions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), during the last year, approximately 1 in 6 individuals over 60 years of age were victims of elder abuse in community settings such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This means our most vulnerable population is being harmed by people entrusted with their care.
Elder abuse can leave devastating physical injuries and lasting psychological consequences for the victim. It’s essential to be proactive by looking for signs of elder abuse and knowing the steps you can take to protect elderly loved ones.
Defining Elder Abuse
Elder abuse occurs when a vulnerable adult over 60 is intentionally harmed by another physically, emotionally, or financially. It also includes harm that comes to an older adult resulting from a caregiver’s neglect. Members of our older population are easy targets for abusers due to declining health, mobility, and cognitive processes. Loved ones of elderly individuals should watch out for signs of abuse and take prompt action if they have any concerns regarding their well-being.
Common Signs of Elder Abuse and Neglect
When an older adult is abused, there are usually multiple signs. Here are some of the most common indicators of elder abuse and neglect to look for.
Physical Injuries
These are often the first signs that an elder is being abused. If your loved one is experiencing frequent injuries under the care of another, you need to find out more. Injuries are common among vulnerable adults with mobility impairments who are not being properly supervised. As they attempt to fend for themselves, they may fall and get injured. Physical injuries range in severity from minor cuts and bruises to fractures, head trauma, and even death.
Ensure you follow up on any injury if your loved one is in a community setting. If the injury can’t be reasonably explained or multiple injuries have occurred, you should be concerned and take action with your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
Frequent Bedsores
If your loved one has limited mobility, they may sit or lie down for long periods of time. However, their positioning must be changed frequently to avoid bedsores. Bedsores are severe skin ulcers that can occur when pressure is placed on one part of the body for too long. These ulcers can be extremely painful and must be treated properly to prevent fatal infections. Frequent bedsores or bedsores that get infected regularly could indicate that your loved one isn’t receiving adequate care and attention.
Poor Personal Hygiene
Caregivers in a community facility are responsible for maintaining the basic hygiene needs of residents. Depending on the specific needs of each individual, caregiver duties might include helping residents with bathing tasks, changing their clothes and bedding, brushing their teeth and hair, and addressing any toileting needs. If you notice a significant decline in your loved one’s overall personal cleanliness, don’t hesitate to bring it up to the facility administrator.
Rapid Weight Loss
Community facilities are responsible for ensuring each resident receives adequate nutrition. Rapid weight loss can cause many health problems, including a weakened immune system, decreased bone mass, and cardiovascular and gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, malnutrition can lead to death. If you notice a drastic change in your elderly loved one’s weight or eating habits, you should follow up with their health care provider.
Medication Mismanagement
An older adult who is being neglected in a residential facility may not receive their medication according to the prescriber’s instructions. This can be due to overworked caregivers falling behind schedule, leading to late or skipped doses, or there could be more malicious intent. Mismanaged medications put the long-term health of your loved one at risk. Be sure to discuss medications frequently with your loved one and caregivers. If they struggle to detail the medication history, reach out to the facility administrator for more information.
Negative Mental or Emotional Changes
A significant decline in an older adult’s mental and/or emotional state should be alarming. It could be a sign they are being neglected or abused. For example, they may become aggressive or anxious if a caregiver is verbally or physically abusing them. If an elder is being isolated from others, they may grow depressed or withdraw from activities they typically enjoy. Unfortunately, many elderly individuals will refuse to discuss what’s wrong in fear of being retaliated against by their caregiver. If you notice any of these signs and your loved one will not discuss the situation, this should be a red flag that something is amiss.
When to Take Action
When you have concerns regarding your elderly loved one’s care, you should bring it up to the facility administrator right away. If your concerns are ignored or if nothing seems to improve, it’s time to speak with an advocate from the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. This program investigates cases of abuse in long-term care facilities. In emergency situations, you should contact 911 for assistance. Your next step should be to call a California elder abuse lawyer.
Schedule a Legal Consultation Today
The Law Office of Kyle W. Jones handles elder abuse cases in Kern County and beyond. We work hard to protect victims and help them seek the justice they deserve. We are ready to help you navigate the complex processes involved in elder abuse cases and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of elder abuse, don’t wait to take action. Contact our Bakersfield office today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced elder abuse lawyer.
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