What to Do if Your Loved One Is a Victim of Elder Abuse

Discovering that an elderly person you cherish might have suffered from abuse is deeply unsettling. As you grapple with concern and uncertainty, you need a clear action plan to address the situation.

Here’s what you need to know about recognizing elder abuse and what you can do to keep your loved one safe, seek justice and support from our experienced New Port Richey elder abuse attorney today.

Schedule A Free Consultation

How Prevalent Is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is distressingly common in the United States.

The following data from a recent study illustrate just how many older Americans suffer unthinkable abuse and neglect at the hands of their caregivers:

• Roughly one in ten individuals over 65 encounter some type of abuse, including those who live at home.
• Older Americans from all walks of life are vulnerable to abuse, but abuse rates are typically higher in long-term care facilities like nursing homes.
• Researchers estimate that only about one in 14 elder abuse incidents gets reported to the appropriate authorities.
• Elder abuse victims face severe psychological and physical repercussions, with greater risks of hospitalization and higher mortality rates.
• In nursing homes, the most common types of nursing home abuse include physical (29 percent), resident-to-resident (22 percent), gross neglect (14 percent), financial (seven percent), and sexual (seven percent).
• A survey of nursing home staff revealed that 40 percent admitted to committing psychological abuse within the past year. This included acts like shouting at patients, unjustified isolation, and withholding meals.
• In that same survey, 50 percent of nursing home staff confessed to mistreating their patients. This includes behaviors like pushing or shoving (17 percent), swearing (23 percent), and yelling at residents (51 percent).
• When researchers surveyed patients, the reports of abuse and neglect increased. Among nursing home residents, 44 percent reported experiencing abuse, and 95 percent claimed they experienced or witnessed neglect.
• Reports suggest older women are more at risk for elder abuse. Other abuse risk factors for victims include dementia, dependency on the abuser, social isolation, and physical disabilities.
• Perpetrators of abuse often exhibit risk factors such as high stress levels, histories of alcohol or drug abuse, mental health problems, and a lack of social support.

What Are the Signs of Elder Abuse?

Understanding and identifying the signs of nursing abuse is essential in preventing further harm and seeking accountability. Each form of elder abuse has specific indicators that loved ones can observe in the victim’s behavior, physical condition, or environment. Here’s what you should look for if you suspect that someone you love is experiencing elder abuse.

Signs of Physical Abuse

Physical abuse refers to any intentional behavior that causes injury or physical pain.

Here are the common signs:

• Unexplained bruises, welts, or scars
• Broken bones, sprains, or dislocations
• Rope marks or other signs of restraint
• Unexplained hair loss, possibly from pulling
• Recurring injuries or patterns of injuries over time
• Refusal by the caregiver to allow visits alone with the individual
• Burns, possibly from cigarettes, appliances, or hot water
• Sudden onset of dental problems or broken eyeglasses
• Signs of medicating or sedating the person more than necessary
• Inconsistent stories or explanations about injuries

Signs of Psychological or Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can leave invisible yet profoundly damaging scars.

Its indicators often manifest as changes in the person’s behavior or demeanor, such as:

• Unexplained or sudden mood swings
• Depression or withdrawal from social interactions
• Unusual fear or anxiety, especially around certain individuals
• Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
• Regressive behaviors like thumb-sucking or rocking
• Reluctance to speak or communicate
• Avoidance of eye contact
• Displaying low self-esteem or self-worth
• Conflicting accounts of incidents by the victim and the caregiver
• Over-reliance on caregivers despite being physically capable

Signs of Financial Abuse

Financial exploitation involves the unauthorized or wrongful use of money or assets.

Here are signs of possible financial abuse:

• Sudden or unexplained bank account withdrawals
• Disappearance of funds, valuable items, or property
• Unpaid bills or lack of medical care despite adequate resources
• Addition of new names on the elder’s bank accounts
• Unauthorized changes in wills, powers of attorney, or other legal documents
• Forged signatures on financial transactions or checks
• Excessive or unexplained gifts to a caregiver or new friend
• Sudden initiations of property transfers
• Financial activity the person couldn’t have done, like ATM withdrawals when they’re housebound

Signs of Sexual Abuse

Any non-consensual sexual act against an elderly person is sexual abuse.

Here are the signs to watch for if you suspect sexual abuse:

• Unexplained genital infections or STDs
• Bruising around the breasts or genital area
• Torn, stained, or bloody underwear
• Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Panic attacks or emerging PTSD symptoms
• Regressive behaviors or excessive fear
• Disinterest in or aversion to people they were previously comfortable with
• Displays of sexual behaviors or knowledge uncommon for the person
• Disturbed sleep or nightmares

Signs of Neglect

Neglect involves the failure to fulfill an elderly person’s basic needs.

Any of the following signs indicate neglect:

• Malnutrition or dehydration without a medical cause
• Unsanitary living conditions, including dirt, bugs, or soiled bedding
• Inadequate clothing or protection from the weather
• Untreated medical issues or lack of medical aids like glasses or hearing aids
• Abandonment or desertion in public places
• Persistent bed sores or skin rashes
• The absence of necessary utilities like water, heat, or electricity
• Frequent preventable injuries, like falls
• Inconsistent explanations about the patient’s well-being from the caregiver
• Isolation from friends, family, or other social contacts

What Are the Most Common Reasons Behind Elder Abuse?

There is no justification for abusive behavior, ever. However, certain factors increase the likelihood of elder abuse among caregivers.

For instance, one pervasive issue in many nursing homes is understaffing. One study highlighted that up to 90 percent of nursing homes lack adequate staff, leading to scenarios where a single aide might simultaneously be responsible for up to thirty patients.

This is in stark contrast to the ideal staff member-to-resident ratio, which should range between 1:3 and 1:6. Such disproportionate care can result in neglect, errors, and, in certain cases, intentional abuse stemming from immense stress.

Here are some other common contributing factors that prompt nursing home staff and other caregivers to abuse the elderly:

• Lack of Training: Improper training can result in staff not knowing how to handle certain situations or care for residents with specific needs. This can lead to mistakes, neglect, and intentional harm when staff members become frustrated or overwhelmed.
• Burnout and Stress: Caring for elderly residents, especially those with chronic illnesses or cognitive impairments, is often physically and emotionally taxing. Over time, this can lead to burnout, making staff less empathetic and more likely to commit abuse.
• Financial Gain: Financial abuse can occur when unscrupulous caregivers or administrators take advantage of residents by stealing from them, coercing them into financial transactions, or manipulating their assets.
• Substance Abuse: Staff members who abuse drugs or alcohol might abuse elders due to impaired judgment, increased aggression, or reduced patience.
• Mental Health Issues: Caregivers with untreated mental health disorders might act out in harmful ways, especially if their conditions contribute to aggression, mood swings, or impaired judgment.
• Personal Aggravation: Some caregivers might bring their personal problems or frustrations into the workplace, taking it out on the residents.
• Lack of Oversight: In facilities with poor management or inadequate supervision, staff might feel like they can act without consequences, leading to increased instances of abuse.
• Normalization of Poor Care: In some institutions, subpar care or abusive behavior might become normalized if it’s widespread. This can create an environment where new or other staff believe such behavior is acceptable.

What Should I Do if I Suspect Possible Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse, whether physical, emotional, financial, or otherwise, is a deeply troubling and grievous offense. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our senior loved ones is paramount.

If you suspect that someone you care about is experiencing elder abuse, act promptly and judiciously.

Here are the steps you should take:

• Ensure Immediate Safety: If you believe the person is in immediate danger or has suffered severe abuse, get them the medical care they need, and contact local law enforcement or emergency services immediately. Talk to a nursing home lawyer before you speak to anyone at the facility. If the facility learns of allegations of abuse, it might destroy the evidence, so carefully choose when to speak with the facility.
• Speak with Your Loved One: Approach the conversation with sensitivity and care. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share their feelings and experiences. Ensure they feel safe and let them know you are there to support them.
• Seek Legal Counsel: Consult a personal injury attorney with experience in elder law. They can guide you through any legal actions you might need to take, such as obtaining a restraining order or seeking compensation for the harm your loved one suffered.
• Document the Evidence: Make note of any signs of abuse you observe. This can include photographs of injuries or unsanitary living conditions, records of suspicious financial transactions, or any other evidence that might support your concerns.

• Consult with Professionals: Reach out to professionals who specialize in elder care or elder abuse. This can include doctors, counselors, or attorneys who can offer expert advice on the situation.
• Report the Abuse: Each jurisdiction has specific agencies responsible for handling reports of elder abuse. Typically, you would contact Adult Protective Services (APS) in your state or local area. They have the resources to assess these situations and take necessary action.
• Review Care Arrangements: Consider whether the current living situation is the best for your loved one. If the abuse occurs in a care facility, look for a new one or explore in-home care options.
• Stay Engaged and Vigilant: Regularly check on your loved one and maintain open communication with them. Staying involved can deter potential abusers and ensure the person feels supported.

Encourage Social Engagement: Isolation makes older adults more vulnerable to abuse. Encourage them to participate in social activities, join clubs or groups, and maintain close relationships with friends and family.

Schedule A Free Consultation Today!