According to the World Health Organization, the number of people over the age of 60 will more than double from 900 million to 2 billion by the year 2050. Based on studies they have conducted, 15.7% of people aged 60 and over experienced some type of abuse in the last year. It is important to know what signs to look for so we can make these statistics a thing of the past. The following are lists of the signs to look for.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is the use of force against an elderly person. Some things that would indicate physical abuse are:
- Bruising
- Cuts or lacerations
- Breaks, strains, and/or fractures
- Burn marks
- Recurring injuries
- Injuries to areas that can be covered
- Weight loss or malnutrition
- Hair loss
- Poor hygiene
- Soiled clothing or bedding
Emotional Abuse
Emotional/ psychological abuse may include neglect, screaming and/or threatening an elderly person. Some things that indicate emotional abuse are:
- Low self-esteem
- The display of anxious, shy, depressed or withdrawn behavior
- Lack of eye contact and/or lack of speech
- Displays or spoken remarks about self- harm or suicide
- Changes in sleeping patterns or eating habits
These things may be seen in elderly individuals experiencing physical abuse as well. Other types of abuse are financial abuse and healthcare fraud. Patients with Alzheimer’s or Dementia may be more at risk for and women are also at a higher risk.
If you notice signs of abuse of your elderly loved one, it may be time to get an experienced elder law attorney involved. Contact the team at Baxter & Borowicz today to keep your loved one safe.