How do I recognize abuse?

Elder and Dependant care abuse refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Broadly defined, abuse may be:

Physical abuse

• Assault, which includes slapping, hitting, beating or pushing.  Signs could be bruises, pressure marks, abrasions, broken bones.
• Includes the unreasonable use of physical constraints without written doctor’s orders, including confining a person against their will.j
• Deprivation of care necessary to avoid harm or suffering including prolonged or continual deprivation of food and water or necessary medications.
• Use of psychotropic medication as punishment, or for a purpose or length of time not authorized by a physician.

Sexual abuse

• Any kind of sexual activity to which the victim either does not consent, or is incapable of consenting to.

Mental or emotional suffering

• Includes verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation.

Financial Abuse

• Includes the misuse of a person’s assets, property or possessions, or manipulating the senior or dependent adult for the financial gain of another.
• Unusual bank activity, including large, unexplained withdrawals, frequent transfers between accounts or ATM withdrawals.
• Unpaid bills, eviction notices or discontinued utilities.
• Implausible explanations given about an elder or dependent adult’s finances by a relative or caregiver
• Changes in spending patterns often accompanied by the appearance of a new “best friend”

Neglect or self-neglect

• Ignoring a person’s physical or medical care needs, or denial of food or medication.
• Includes self-neglect which compromises the individual’s safety.

Abandonment

• Occurs when a caregiver deserts the elderly or dependent person.

Abduction

• Removal from the State/Community and restraint from returning of a non-consenting elder or dependent adult or an elder or dependent adult who lacks capacity to consent.

Isolation

• Preventing an elder or dependent adult from receiving his or her mail or telephone calls or from having contact with family, friends, or other concerned persons.