Elder Abuse

What It Means for Your Senior Loved One

You would do anything to ensure your senior loved one is safe. However, there are situations that can cause your loved one harm that you may not be aware of. Elder abuse happens when an individual is victimized by another person for their own gain. This type of abuse has many branches, including financial and physical abuse. Oftentimes elder abuse in unintentional and is a result of someone’s inability or incompetence to provide proper care. Unfortunately, there is also elder abuse that is done by a knowing party.

Do you know what elder abuse looks like?

1. Physical Abuse — This occurs when any type of force results in injury to an individual. Symptoms of physical abuse include unexplained bruises, burns, fractures or abrasions.
2. Financial Abuse- If someone is illegally or improperly using your loved one’s money or assets for their own personal gain, it is considered financial abuse. This can be done by someone deceiving your loved one with giving away money or property when it is not in the best interest for them to do so. In one study about elder abuse, it was found that financial abuse was present in 12 percent of all cases. Signs you may see if your loved one is a victim of financial abuse is if their bank information or statements disappear from the mail, missing property or family members or friends consistently asking for money.
3. Neglect- This may be the most far reaching form of abuse because there are many ways in which your loved one could be victimized. If care providers or family members fail to adequately provide care, it can cause harmful effects. Some examples of neglect include failure to provide medication, proper hygiene, nutrition or safety for the individual. One thing to keep in mind about neglect is that it is oftentimes unintentional. Healthcare professionals have reported that caregiver stress can keep them from providing quality care because they are tired or mentally exhausted. This is also possible if the caregivers are not equipped with the proper knowledge and tools through which to give adequate care to your loved one. Signs of neglect include hunger, sores or injuries that go untreated, poor hygiene, unclean clothing and bedding, bed sores and lack of emotion.
4. Psychological Abuse- This abuse may be harder to detect because the effects are more emotional to your loved one rather than physical. However, psychological abuse is just as detrimental. If your loved one is being treated unfairly, it can cause stress and emotion health problems, which are both known to lead to physical problems as well. This type of abuse happens when your loved one is spoken down to or treated with little respect as an adult, as well as threats, being ignored or ridiculed.

At Freudenthal Home Health, our team of healthcare professionals work hard alongside you to provide exceptional first-class care for your senior loved one. Contact us today to start your caregiving journey with us as your partner.