Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is willful infliction of physical pain, injury, or restraint. Signs may include:

• Bruises, marks, or welts around the arms, neck, wrist, and/or ankles
• Burns, often to the palms, soles, and buttocks
• Sprains and dislocations
• Frequent unexplained injuries
• Minimizing the importance of injuries or refusing to discuss them
• Refusing to go to the same emergency department for repeated injuries

It is important to note that these symptoms may also occur as a result of health conditions or medicines. If symptoms appear, they should be investigated to determine the cause.

Psychological Abuse

Psychological abuse is the infliction of mental or emotional anguish, such as humiliation, intimidation, or threats. Signs may include:

• Lack of communication or responsiveness
• Unreasonable fear or suspicion
• Not wanting to socialize
• Chronic physical or psychiatric health problems
• Evasiveness

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is the infliction of nonconsensual sexual contact of any kind. Signs may include:

• Unexplained bleeding from the vagina or anus
• Underwear that is torn or bloody
• Bruised breasts
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Vaginal infections

Financial or Material Exploitation

Financial or material exploitation involves improperly using the resources of an older person without consent for someone else's benefit. Signs may include:

• Life circumstances that do not match the size of the elder’s estate
• Large withdrawals from bank accounts
• Switching bank accounts
• Unusual ATM activity
• Signatures on checks that do not match elder’s signature

Neglect

Neglect is the failure of a caretaker to provide goods or services necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness. Neglect may involve abandonment or denial of food or health-related services. Signs of neglect may include:

• Sunken eyes
• Weight loss
• Extreme thirst
• Bed sores
• Excessive dirt or odor on body or clothing
• Glasses, hearing aids, dentures, and walking devices in poor condition or missing
• Inappropriate clothes

Common Factors in Elder Abuse and Neglect

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, most cases of elder abuse and neglect occur at home. The perpetrators are often family or other household members or paid caregivers.

Though there are extreme cases of elder abuse, most elder abuse is subtle. It is not always easy to tell the difference between normal stress and abuse. Common factors at the root of elder abuse include a stressful caregiving situation, financial problems, family problems, a caregiver’s history of family violence or personal problems, and isolation of the older person.

What You Can Do About Elder Abuse and Neglect

Elder abuse and neglect can be prevented. Here are some tips from the American Psychological Association: