Recognizing Signs of Elder Abuse
The following is an excerpt from a posting on my website entitled Recognizing Signs of Elder Abuse
- Poor hygiene, evidenced by an unkempt appearance and stained or torn clothing
- Untreated problems, such as abrasions or bedsores
- Unexplained weight loss, malnutrition or dehydration
- Unsanitary and unclean living conditions, especially beds
- Limited staff at nursing facilities
- The elder is withdrawn and unresponsive, generally unwilling to communicate
- The elder is visibly upset or agitated
- Anger or evident fear
- Unusual or atypical behavior indicating dementia, such as sucking or rocking
- Bruises, black eyes, welts or signs of choking or rope burns
- Suspicious scratches, cuts, pinch marks or cigarette burns
- Broken bones or skull fractures
- Radical changes in behavior, such as being withdrawn, disoriented or agitated
- Refusal of the caregiver to allow visitors
- Changes in bank accounts or banking practices; additional signatories on accounts
- Abrupt changes in a will or estate plan; documents signed without understanding them
- Disappearance of money and/or valuable possessions
- Payment for unnecessary services or overcharging for services
- Failure to pay bills in a timely manner, despite having sufficient resources from which to pay them
If you, or someone you know, has been injured, please call me immediately at
(323) 852-1100 or send an e-mail to me at [email protected]
"Treated With the Respect That You Deserve"