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Spotting the Signs of Elder Abuse

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Abuse can happen to any older person. Learn about the different types of abuse, how to recognize the signs, and where to get help.

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Spotting the signs of elder abuse infographic. Get full transcript below.

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  • Abuse can happen to any older person. Find out how to spot the signs: https://go.usa.gov/xtERn
  • Older adults can experience many types of #abuse: physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, financial, and abandonment. Find out what to look for and who to ask for help: https://go.usa.gov/xtERP
  • Read and share this infographic from the National Institute on Aging at NIH and learn to spot the signs of elder abuse: https://go.usa.gov/xtERV

Transcript

Abuse can happen to any older person, by a loved one, a hired caregiver, or a stranger. Abuse can happen at home, at a relative's home, or in an eldercare facility.

There are many types of abuse:

  • Physical
  • Emotional
  • Sexual
  • Abandonment
  • Financial
  • Neglect

Watch for these signs of abuse:

  • Seems depressed, confused, or withdrawn
  • Isolated from friends and family
  • Has unexplained bruises, burns, or scars
  • Appears dirty, underfed, dehydrated, over-or undermedicated, or not receiving needed care for medical problems
  • Has bed sores or other preventable conditions
  • Recent changes in banking or spending patterns

Talk with the older adult and then contact the local Adult Protective Services, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, or the police.

Learn more about elder abuse and how to get help.

nia.nih.gov

An official website of the National Institutes of Health