Major Types of Elder Abuse

This section features an explanation of the major types of elder abuse and neglect that may occur in Nursing Homes, and their signs and symptoms to help you recognize them.

Physical Abuse · Sexual Abuse · Psychological Abuse · Neglect · Financial Exploitation

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is abuse involving contact intended to cause feelings of intimidation, pain, injury, or other physical suffering or bodily harm.

Signs and Symptoms include but are not limited to:

Bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerationsFractured bones, head injuriesOpen wounds, punctures, cuts, scrapes or bruises in various stages of healingDislocations, sprains or internal injuriesBroken eyeglasses, signs of punishment or restraintMedical overdose or under utilization of prescribed medicationsAn elder resident's self-reporting of being mistreatedChanges in behaviorCaregiver or nursing home's refusal to allow visitors to be alone with residents

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is the forcing of undesired sexual behavior by one person upon another.

Signs and Symptoms include but are not limited to:

Bruises around the breasts or genital area.Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections.Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding.Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing.Elder's report of being sexually assaulted or raped.

Psychological Abuse

Psychological abuse is defined as the infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts.

Signs and Symptoms include but are not limited to:

Being emotionally upset or agitated.Being extremely withdrawn and non communicative or non responsive.Unusual behavior usually attributed to dementia (e.g., sucking, biting, rocking).Elder's report of being verbally or emotionally mistreated.

Neglect

Neglect is defined as the refusal or failure to fulfill any part of a person's obligations or duties to an elder.

Signs and Symptoms include but are not limited to:

Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores, and poor personal hygiene; Unattended or untreated health problems; Hazardous or unsafe living condition/arrangements (e.g., improper wiring, no heat, or no running water); Unsanitary and unclean living conditions Elder's report of being mistreated.

Financial Exploitation

Financial or material exploitation is defined as the illegal or improper use of an elder's funds, property, or assets.

Signs and Symptoms include but are not limited to:

Sudden changes in bank account or banking practice, including an unexplained withdrawal of large sums of money by a person accompanying the elder. The inclusion of additional names on an elder's bank signature card. Unauthorized withdrawal of the elder's funds using the elder's ATM card. Abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents. Elder's report of financial exploitation.

All content on Accidents.com is for informational purposes only and is NOT intended as legal or medical advice. Please seek advice from a professional on any related topics.

Tags:  Legal Help · Medical Accidents · Nursing Home Accidents


By filling out our free case evaluation form, you are NOT forming an attorney-client relationship. You can only retain an attorney by entering into a fee agreement; by submitting our form you are not entering into a fee agreement. Our form is not a request for legal advice. Any information that you will receive in response to your questions is general information and you will NOT be charged for it. THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT. The attorneys listed on and within the Accidents.com webpages have paid an advertisement fee to Accidents.com. The attorney pages shall not be considered an endorsement of an attorney or referral to an attorney by the Accidents.com service. Your use of this site is subject to additional Terms & Conditions.

Accidents.com is the fastest growing community of accident attorneys, medical and safety professionals working to minimize the impact accidents have on our lives. Learn more.

All content on Accidents.com is for informational purposes only and is NOT intended as legal or medical advice. Please seek advice from a professional on any related topics.


Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Copyright © 2013, Brightgeist Media, Inc.