Signs and Symptoms of Elder Abuse
The most important indicator or sign of elder abuse is what the older person claims has taken place. Never ignore what an older person says or dismiss the claims as the ramblings of someone no longer mentally competent. Listen to older persons and take their complaints seriously.
It must be borne in mind that none of the following signs indicate that abuse has occurred, but should raise concern and be investigated further.
Physical signs:
Untreated or unexplained injuries
Cuts, burns, bruises, scratches, welts, marks from restraints, broken
skin, broken spectacles
Pain when touched
Unhealthy look - sunken eyes, cheeks, poor colour
Genital infections, pain in genital or abdominal area
Dehydration and / or malnutrition not caused by diagnosed illness
Lack of essentials – food, water, medical care or medication, warmth
Missing possessions, personal effects
Squalid living conditions
Dirty or soiled bedding, clothing
Inappropriate clothing
Hoarding
Behavioural signs:
Anxiety, agitation (especially in the presence of the abuser)
Fear
Withdrawal, isolation
Depression
Confusion, disorientation
Anger
Conflicting emotions
Low self-esteem
helplessness
Reluctance to talk openly
Signs of financial abuse or
exploitation:
Unusual activity on bank account, credit cards
Signatures that differ from that of the older person
Unpaid accounts
Standard of living not on par with financial status
Missing documents, bank cards
ID document and/or social pension card not in older person’s possession
Sudden interest of relatives, friends and caregivers not previously
involved in the care of the older person; changes to existing wills or
new wills made out in the names of the forementioned
Expensive gifts, large amounts of money being given to relatives,
friends or caregivers
Transferring property to new friends, caregivers, or relatives not
previously involved with older person
Documents to be signed / wills – especially when
the older person is not mentally competent to do so
Credit “traps” e.g. loan sharks, shops allowing older persons credit
beyond their means
Older person unaware of financial position, monthly income/expenses.
Signs shown by caregiver
Aggressive or indifferent behaviour towards older person
Rough, undignified handling of older person
Isolating older person by refusing to allow visits and/or phone calls
Lack of respect and affection towards older person
Conflicting accounts of how incidents occurred e.g. falls
Coyness or flirtation indicating inappropriate sexual relationships
History of violence or mental illness
Referring to older person as a burden
Verbal abuse
Lack of patience and understanding
Inappropriate care of older person due to lack of training