5 Troubling Signs of Elder Abuse
Did you know that only about 10% of homes are equipped to meet the needs of America’s aging population? This is one reason why senior care is often left to nursing homes and similar facilities.
However, not all nursing homes are reliable or even safe. Are you worried about the health and safety of your loved one? Keep reading to learn all about 5 troubling signs of elder abuse.
- Mental Abuse
If you’re suspicious of your senior care facility, then you should speak with your loved one. It’s important to emphasize that not all abuse has to be physical. In fact, mental abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse.
This type of abuse can take the form of yelling, threats, manipulation, and more. Pay attention to your loved one and see if he or she is quieter than usual. Someone suffering from mental abuse might exhibit signs of depression, for instance.
- Physical Abuse
When it comes to physical abuse within an elderly home, there are various signs you should be on the lookout for. They may have cuts, bruises, broken bones, or even active bleeding somewhere on their body. If they are often taken to the hospital for injuries, then that could be a red flag as well.
If you think there’s foul play, then it’s time to see a lawyer for nursing home fall injury, for example.
- Sexual Abuse
It’s terrible to think about, but sexual abuse is another possibility within an assisted living facility. Since it involves force, evidence might include bruises and blood around the legs, chest, and crotch.
The undergarments themselves might be stained with blood and torn in places. If they contract an unexplainable STD, for instance, then that could be another sign of sexual abuse.
- General Neglect
While a caretaker may not be committing intentional abuse, neglect is something that can contribute to harming your loved one mentally and physically.
You should think about hiring a lawyer if your loved one has poor hygiene, untreated infections, bedsores, a lack of food, or something else that’s problematic.
- Financial Abuse
Depending on the type of care your loved one is receiving, they may be at risk of financial abuse. This can take the form of money stolen from a purse or even from a bank account.
If money is being stolen, then it can usually cause bills to be left unpaid. If the elderly person is receiving notices of overdraft fees, inexplicable bank transfers, or other suspicious activity, then it’s important to report it.
Are You Ready to Spot Elder Abuse?
Now that you’ve learned all about 5 troubling signs of elder abuse, you can make sure that your loved one is being properly cared for. If you do find one or more signs of abuse, then it’s important to get legal counsel as soon as possible.
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