What Is Elder Abuse?

You probably understand what child or spousal abuse is. Given recent movements in preventative education, you likely know some of the signs and recognize that it happens all over the world. 

But elder abuse is less commonly recognized. It’s a despicable occurrence among the older population, typically against those that are less physically and mentally able to handle day-to-day responsibilities. It’s important to understand what it is and recognize the signs to prevent it from happening to your beloved friends and family. 

Elder Abuse Overview 

Elder abuse is defined as any kind of physical or emotional abuse against senior residents, and it’s a lot more common than you might think. The WHO defines elder abuse as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person,” noting that the abuse can be physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, sexual, or even financial. It can occur in the form of neglect, whether intentional or not. 

The WHO also reports that every month, one in 10 adults over the age of 60 experience some form of abuse, and those numbers are expected to increase when the global population of adults is supposed to double by 2050. 

Elder abuse can occur in domestic settings with the family caretakers being responsible. It’s also a common occurrence in nursing homes that are understaffed and more focused on the money than on the patients. 

An elderly neglect attorney in Chicago reports that 70 percent of nursing homes in the United States are for-profit operations, which can lead to higher risks of understaffing and money-based practices rather than care-based practices. Most states have unacceptable numbers of nursing home facilities that are deemed “below average” in their standard of care, and reports of elder abuse in these facilities are shockingly high. 

Signs of Elder Abuse 

Some signs of abuse seem obvious while others are slightly more understated. It’s often difficult for elderly patients who experience dementia or other cognitive degeneration to express the level of abuse they’re experiencing, so it’s up to their loved ones to be advocates. If you suspect abuse in your elderly loved one’s care, look for the following signs: 

Bedsores and Infections: This is one of the most common signs of neglect. If a patient is getting pressure sores, usually on the buttocks, thighs, or heels, it means that they’re being left for too long in one position. Bedsores are not only painful, but they can lead to life-threatening infections. If your loved one develops an infection, it could be attributed to improper care or neglect. You should read this guide to nursing home bedsores so that you’re aware of how to prevent, treat and document them should you need to.

Fractures, Bruises, and Cuts: Accidents happen, but not all incidents are accidents. A care provider who is too rough with a patient can leave bruises, lacerations, and fractures in their wake. It could also indicate neglect because the care providers weren’t there to help patients walk certain distances, resulting in a fall. 

Falls and Drops: Care providers are responsible to assess patients for their risk of falling and provide round-the-clock care to those at high risk. Additionally, nursing home staff should always follow proper transfer protocol with patients to avoid dropping them; the results of dropping an elderly patient can be life-threatening. 

Dehydration, Malnutrition, and Choking: Under the supervision of a medical professional, care providers must ensure that patients receive proper nutrition and liquids. They must also be assessed for choking risk, and those who have difficulty swallowing must be served proper food and be supervised when eating. Failure to do so is considered neglect. 

Sexual Assault: Unfortunately, the elderly are not immune to sexual assault cases. If a patient is visually distressed, seems withdrawn, is wearing bloody or torn clothing, or suddenly has an STD, these could be signs of sexual assault. You should definitely reach out to sexual abuse attorneys kansas city for guidance if you are local.

Medication Errors or Medical Malpractice: If a physician, pharmacist, or attending nurse makes a mistake with medication or care, it’s considered a form of abuse that can lead to a lawsuit. 

Unexpected Death: The most devastating form of abuse ends in unexpected death. If your loved one suddenly dies while in the care of someone else without reasonable explanation, the cause could be neglect or abuse. 

In any of these cases, the abused elder or their loved ones may have grounds to pursue a lawsuit against the abuser. Getting law enforcement and public health officials involved is also important for shutting down abusive facilities and ensuring that the party responsible answers for their crimes.