Is Your Elderly Loved One Being Abused?

Elder abuse is more common than you might think and it often goes unnoticed. If you have an elderly loved one who lives in an assisted living facility, nursing home, or who receives home care, he or she may be at risk for elderly abuse.It is important to stay on top of the warning signs so that if your loved one becomes a victim, you are able to get the help that is needed.

Physical abuse and neglect are common forms of elder abuse. A staff member may hit or harm your loved one out of anger and frustration. A staff member may also choose to ignore your loved one’s needs. Examples of neglect include not feeding, bathing or providing appropriate care to your loved one.

Take a look at some of the warning signs of physical abuse and neglect below:

Bedsores
Bruises and sores
Weight loss
Injuries from falls
Broken bones
Frequent cuts and marks

Abuse may also occur verbally. A staff member may choose to put your loved one down or talk to your loved one in an angry and upsetting manner. If your loved one is being verbally abused, you may notice the following warning signs:

Constant fear
Depression and withdrawn behavior
Self blame
Ignoring group activities
Various signs of constant stress

Another form of elder abuse includes financial abuse. This may go unnoticed because it is often committed by a person who your loved one trusts. Financial abuse may occur when someone steals your loved one’s belongings, money, or convinces your loved one to make financial decisions that benefit the abuser. Below are warning signs of financial abuse:

Low bank account balance
Missing belongings
New financial documents or legal documents
Frequent withdrawals

If you think that your loved one is being abused, it is important to get help as soon as possible. If you have any suspicions, speak with your loved one to try to get answers to your questions. Consult with an elder law attorney to get the professional help needed to stop the abuse and get proper care and treatment.

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Timothy P. Murphy

Timothy P. Murphy is an estate planning and elder law attorney whose practice emphasizes helping people to build, preserve and pass on their wealth. He works with his clients to accomplish their goals while avoiding unnecessary court proceedings and minimizing or eliminating exposure to death taxes.

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