Abuse can take form across many generations. Elderly abuse is when adults over the age of sixty are neglected and emotionally, physically or sexually abused. Elderly abuse, unfortunately, is very common and can happen to anyone regardless of gender. Abuse can also happen in many places. Elderly people can be abused in their own homes by their family members or staff members in nursing homes. There are several types of abuse, and all are equally harmful to the well-being of our senior citizens. One way to prevent abuse is to report it when you see it. Here are five common signs that will tell you if an elderly person is being abused:
Frail and Malnourished Appearance
One of the most common forms of elderly abuse is neglect. Not providing adequate food, neglecting health check-ups, proper medical care and comfortable accommodation all fall under abuse. An elderly person being neglected may look thin and frail from a lack of proper nutrition or have worsened medical conditions due to improper care.
Unexplained Wounds on the Body
Physical abuse is very prevalent in senior citizens and may appear in several forms, such as:
– Bruises, bite marks or cuts
– Unexplained injuries, such as sprains or fractures
– Expressing pain while doing daily tasks
– Mismatched stories about their injuries
These signs suggest that the elderly person is being abused and needs help, and it is necessary to report them to the concerned authorities.
Sudden Loss of Contact
Sudden loss of contact with family members or friends might suggest that an elderly person is being kept from social interaction. This form of social abuse manifests itself in the form of grief, anxiety or sadness over the loss of contact, low self-esteem and depression.
Internal Injuries and Non-Consensual Contact
Internal injuries are often a sign of sexual abuse. If an elderly person is being sexually abused, they might be nervous or anxious around their abuser. Other signs include unexplained sexually transmitted infections, bleeding around genital areas, bruises, bite marks and general discomfort.
Lack of Proper Financial Resources
Financial abuse is another form of abuse inflicted upon the elderly. Forcing, coercing or manipulating a senior citizen into signing legal documents regarding property or finances, using their credit cards without their knowledge, and missing belongings of the elderly person are all forms of financial abuse. This form of abuse can snatch all the senior citizen’s economic power and render them unable to take care of themselves.
Elderly abuse is a deeply distressing situation and is heavily discouraged. Elderly people should not be treated as a burden but as respected individuals. Cherokee Angel Senior Care And Training Center provides services like personal home care, companionship, homemaking and care for special individuals. We take care of all your needs and ensure you live in as much comfort as possible. Reach out to us now!