Elder Abuse - Signs

Signs

The signs of abuse vary considerably among older people and with the type of harm being experienced. An older person who is being abused may:

• Say she or he is being harmed
• Seem depressed and withdrawn; signs of depression in elders are not getting dressed, not performing basic care of themselves that they are able to do, never going out even if they can, inability to sleep or sleeping too much
• Not accepting invitations to spend time away from their family or a caregiver
• Seem afraid to make their own decisions
• Seem to be hiding something about a caregiver
• Not have any spending money
• Put off going to the doctor
• Feel anxious and fearful
• Try to "run away," leaving their place of residence and not wishing to return
• Seem to have too many household "accidents"

Any of these potential signs can indicate problems other than abuse or neglect, and none of these "prove" there is harms occurring. The presence of the signs simply indicate that further inquiry may be necessary.