Physical
Abuse | Financial Abuse | Neglect | Self-Neglect | Psychological /
Emotional Abuse | Abandonment |
Physical
Abuse
Any physical pain or injury inflicted upon an elder
by a person who is a caregiver of, or who stands in a position
of trust with that elder. This includes but is not limited
to: direct beatings, sexual assault, physical restraint,
and prolonged deprivation of food or water. Possible physical
abuse indicators are cuts, lacerations, puncture wounds, welts,
discoloration, bruises, poor skin condition or hygiene, uncared
for injuries, absence of hair or hemorrhaging below scalp, dehydration
or malnourishment without illness, burns (from cigarettes, acids,
rope or chain friction etc.), soiled bed or clothing.
Financial
Abuse
Any theft or misuse of an elder's money or property.
Possible indicators of financial abuse include: unusual activity
in bank accounts; seemingly different older person's signature
on checks, or checks signed when the older person cannot write;
changes in creation of will or powers of attorney when older
person is unable to make such decisions; a caregiver's unusual concern about
excessive amount of money spent in the care of the older person; numerous
unpaid older person's bills; placement in nursing home or residential care
facility not commensurate with alleged size of estate, lack of amenities
(such as a TV, proper clothing or grooming items that are clearly affordable
by the estate); missing valuables ( such as jewelry or art); deliberate isolation
by a housekeeper from friends and family resulting in a caregiver's total
control over the elder.
Neglect
The failure of any person having the care or custody
of an elder to provide that degree of care which a reasonable
person in a like position would provide. It includes FAILURE
to: Assist in personal hygiene or providing clothing to the
elder; or to provide medical attention for the physical and mental
health needs of the elder (unless elder refuses treatment); or
failure to protect the elder from health and safety hazards.
Possible signs of neglect: Dirt, fecal/urine smell in elder's
living environment; rashes, sores, lice on elder; elder is poorly
clothed, malnourished, dehydrated; any untreated medical condition.
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Self-Neglect
Failure to provide for self through inattention
or dissipation. The identification of this depends on assessing
the elder's ability to choose a lifestyle versus a recent change
in the elder's ability to manage.
Psychological
/ Emotional abuse
The willful infliction of mental
suffering by an elder's trusted caregiver. Examples are:
verbal assaults, threats, instilling fear, intimidation,
humiliation or isolation of an elder. Possible indicators
of such abuse of an elder are their: fear, depression, helplessness,
denial, disorientation, implausible stories, hesitation to
talk openly.
Abandonment
The
desertion or willful forsaking of an elder by any person having
the care and custody of that elder under circumstances in which
a reasonable person would continue to provide care and custody.
There is often great reluctance and/or fear from the elder to
report abuse. Threats of placement in a nursing home or shame
for a possible family member being involved can prevent an elder
from seeking help. This is why sensitivity to these issues must
be employed when someone wants to help in suspected abuse cases.
In all cases the elder has the right to determine his/her affairs
to the best of his/ her ability.
Any person coming across a situation of suspected abuse is strongly
encouraged to report his/her findings. Symptoms and conditions
of the abuse should be reported clearly, specifically and objectively.
When legal action against these cases is intended, the reporter
should include witnesses (contact info and statements), photographs
(of wounds or injuries, living conditions, or a room or a bed;
police department or an emergency room may photograph emergency
situations), and records (from public help agencies or elders'
patterns and history).
