Recognizing older adult abuse

Financial
Physical
Sexual
Psychological (emotional)
Neglect

The following are common indicators of possible abuse:

Financial abuse

The following list contains examples of financial abuse and is reproduced from: Financial Abuse of Older Adults: National Clearinghouse on Family Violence; Teresa Lukawiecki; 1999

• Large sums of money are taken from a bank account.
  Signatures on cheques or other papers look suspicious.
• The older person is in debt and does not know why.
• Bank statements are no longer being sent to the older person’s home.
• The older person cannot buy food or personal care items, or pay bills.
• The older person’s will is unexpectedly changed.
• The older person’s home is unexpectedly sold.
• Personal belongings, such as clothes or jewellery, are missing from an older person’s home or room in an institution.
• The older person is asked to sign legal papers (such as a power of attorney, a will or a joint deed to a house) without being able to understand what they mean.
• The older person cannot remember signing papers or making certain money transfers.
• The older person is not allowed to decide or speak for himself or herself.
• The older person is isolated from friends and family.
• The older person feels afraid or worried when talking about money.

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Physical abuse

Unexplained reason or explanation inconsistent with: bruises, welts, swelling, lacerations, punctures, fractures, restricted movement, repeated falls, internal injuries. Other indicators may be rope burns, hypothermia or grip marks.

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Sexual abuse

Genital infections, pain, bruising, bleeding in genital area, inappropriate sexual comments by caregiver, rope marks or other signs of physical restraint.

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Psychological (emotional) abuse

Low self esteem, agitation, difficulty sleeping or needs excessive sleep, withdrawal, passivity, resignation, tearfulness, feelings of hopelessness / helplessness, unexplained fearfulness (particularly in the presence of the caregiver), significant change in weight, no visitors/outings, deference to the caregiver.

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Neglect

A senior may be suffering from neglect if he or she appears:

• emaciated, malnourished or dehydrated
• confused
• inappropriately dressed
• under- or over- medicated
• unkempt appearance or personal surroundings (i.e, soiled clothes or linens)
• has open sores

Signs of neglect in a senior’s living environment include:

• home is dirty or in a state of disrepair
• smell of urine or feces in the home
• lack of required safety features in the home

Other possible indicators of neglect:

• the senior is left alone without supervision or assistance when needed
• medical appointments are cancelled on a regular basis or senior does not show up for the scheduled appointment

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