It may not be a common topic of discussion, even among senior care providers and those involved in the elder care industry, but elder abuse is taking place all around us in Boston and across the United States. It’s been estimated that between 5%-10% of older adults suffer from abuse or neglect, often at the hands of their own care providers; however, since many of these cases go unreported it’s hard to get a grasp on exactly how many seniors find themselves victims. Of course, the lack of reporting regarding elder abuse also has additional consequences; seniors, unwilling or unable to speak up about their abuse, suffer in silence and allow the situation to continue. As a result, it’s important for family and friends to be on the look out for signs that a senior might be a victim of abuse, and if they’re detected, to speak up and give the senior a voice.

• The senior is showing physical signs of injury, including bruising, sprains and cuts

• There are bedsores on the senior’s body, which may show signs of neglect

• The senior seems to be tense and argumentative around his or her caregiver

• The senior has withdrawn from many social activities that they once enjoyed

• The senior’s general attitude has changed

• The senior refuses to seek treatment for any issues with drugs, alcohol or depression

• The senior tries to avoid the topic of his/her care

• The senior appears to be losing excessive amounts of weight

• The senior’s caregiver seems “too good to be true”, if you get the impression, that may very well be the case. A good caregiver should be open and honest about their dealings with a senior.

Sources:

Planning for Eldercare

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