When taking care of an older adult, it can be difficult to spot abuse or neglect. That is why most cases go unnoticed and they end up not being reported. Thankfully, elder care advocates and providers are working hard to change that to make it easier for families to have access to the information and help that they need. Read on to learn more about how to identify elder abuse!
Understanding Elder Abuse
The first step to spotting elder abuse is to understand why it is so common. When the older adult is less able to care for themselves, the more vulnerable they become to abuse or neglect. When someone’s mental abilities have been compromised due to age, there are three things that happen.
First, they start to rely more heavily on other people to take care of them. This creates the opportunity for abuse by a cruel person. In some cases, the abuse takes place because of frustration or resentment. Second, the older adult is not able to defend themselves from abuse which allows it to continue or even worsen. In some cases, the abuser does not even realize the harm they are causing or they think of the lack of resistance as permission to continue with their actions. Third, the abused person will likely feel embarassed by the whole thing. No one wants to feel powerless and it can hurt to admit that one has become the victim to abuse and neglect. Therefore, the victim may not fight back or speak out.
It is important for everyone to become more aware of the signs of abuse and neglect. Abuse and neglect can come in different forms, such as physical, emotional, financial or sexual. Here are some signs to look out for.
Physical Signs
- Malnutrition or weight loss
- Unexplained bruises, cuts or injuries
- Poor hygiene or personal grooming
Behavioral Signs
- Sudden mood swings
- Periods of depression or withdrawal
Environmental Signs
- Home falling into neglect or disrepair
- Valuable items go missing
- Inadequate amenities such as food, clothing and heating
Signs by The Abuser
- Keeps older adult isolated
- Is verbally or physically aggressive in the presence of others
Experience Discovery Village At Dominion
At Discovery Village At Dominion, we have designed a world-class senior living community just for you. It is located near downtown San Antonio which is the perfect location. Here, we give you three living options to choose from: independent living, assisted living and SHINE memory care.
Come join us to experience the lifestyle you have always wanted. You will get to build strong relationships with your friends over fun activities and during mealtimes. Our warm and friendly team is here to take good care of you. You will receive the right care and support while also enjoying your freedom. Get to enjoy our excellent facilities as well. Besides all that, we also have lots of fun and exciting activities to keep you healthy and engaged.
After reading about how to identify elder abuse, you might want to stay at our senior living community. Feel free to contact us to find out more!
