Because of their age and physical limitations, elderly people are vulnerable to abuse and manipulation. If you have aging loved ones, it’s important to be aware of the types of abuse they may face and what to look for. With this knowledge of fundamental elder law, you’ll be able to seek out legal assistance and protection as soon as you spot the signs of elder abuse.

5 Common Forms of Elder Abuse

1. Physical Abuse

Since elderly people are more susceptible to physical injury during daily activities, it’s easier for abusers to disguise their injuries as honest accidents. Be aware of things like unexplained burns, cuts, sprained or broken bones, or repeated injuries. This is especially true if your loved one or their caretaker neglected to tell you about the injury or tried to conceal it from you.

Take note of any injuries that your loved one seems reluctant to explain, either to you or their doctors. If you suspect that your loved one’s injuries were caused by their caretakers, either intentionally or carelessly, speak with an elder law attorney about legal options.

2. Sexual Abuse

The signs of sexual abuse are often confused with those of physical abuse. Signs to look for include torn or bloody clothes (particularly underwear), indications of sexually transmitted diseases, bruising near the breasts and genitals, and genital bleeding.

3. Psychological Abuse

Psychological abuse may be less obvious, but it is no less serious than any other form of elder abuse. Take note of any unexplained changes in behavior, acting withdrawn and frightened, depression, confusion, sudden loss of interest in things that were once enjoyable, and especially trouble sleeping.

4. Financial Abuse

Financial abuse is one of the most common types of elder abuse, occurring when people seek to exploit an elderly person’s mental or physical infirmity for personal gain. It can be carried out by an elderly person’s caretaker, acquaintance, or even a relative.

Signs to look for include inexplicable withdrawals from bank accounts, missing credit cards and checkbooks, unexplained changes to legal documents, signatures that appear forged, excessive charges for things like home repair and medical care, missing financial statements and bank documents, unpaid bills or eviction threats, and uncharacteristically large “charitable” contributions.

5. Neglect

One of the most common forms of elder abuse is caregiver neglect, or the failure to ensure that an elderly person’s needs are adequately provided for. Things to look for include sudden weight loss or loss of appetite, a messy or unclean appearance, unwashed clothing, skin rashes, bedsores, unpaid bills, missing or broken dentures or glasses, an accumulation of medication that is not being taken as prescribed, and the unexplained absence of prescription medication.

If you suspect that your aging loved one is a victim of any form of elderly abuse, contact the legal professionals at MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. in Middletown, NY. A full-service law firm, they’ve served the Hudson Valley area’s legal needs for over 130 years. Visit their website or call them today at 845-343-3000.